UTILIZATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS AT AL-KHARJ SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Recent trend has suggested a great increase in social media by every profession including dentistry. Social media use could be beneficial as well as harmful if moral and ethical principles are violated.  This cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate the use of social media by private Saudi dental practitioners at alkharj Saudi Arabia. Methodology: Data was collected from 200 practicing dentists from alkharj region Saudi Arabia. Only private dental practitioners were included in the study.  A closed ended questionnaire consisting of demographic details, questions related to social media usage and attitude towards social media were asked. Data was collected through personal interview.  Results: 68% of dental practitioners were using social media for clinical practice.  63% of dental practitioners broadcast treatment outcome in the social media more than 80% of dental practitioners were having positive opinion about social media. Conclusion:The use of social media could help in improving dental practice as experienced by the private practitioners at alkharj .however ethical and moral principles should be kept in mind while broadcasting information related to patients also the use of social media should be within the purview of the law of particular country