Social media for dental professionals

Many dental professionals are active on social media. When used properly, social media can be an excellent way to interact with colleagues. Unfortunately mistakes can happen (inappropriate comments or photos) and these could damage your reputation. 

This e-learning includes fictional scenarios that are based on common queries and concerns we receive from members. It can help you to use social media in a way that will limit its damaging pitfalls and covers:

• communication with patients and colleagues
• marketing yourself using social media, and
• relevant legal and ethical obligations. 

Course aim

This course can help dental professionals and dental students maximise the benefits of using social media and appreciate its pitfalls whilst continuing to meet ethical and legal obligations.

To get your certificate for one hour's CPD, you will need to complete an assessment at the end of this module.

Objectives and learning outcomes

By the end of this course dental professionals should be able to: 

• Recognise the dento-legal issues that can arise when using all kinds of social media, including closed forums and private chat groups.  
• Understand current GDC guidance relating to the appropriate use of social media.
• Know how to promote their practice ethically on social media and abide by current advertising standards.
• Be aware of the risks of breaching confidentiality when using social media and what steps to take to protect the privacy of patients and colleagues. 
• Appreciate the reputational risks posed by social media and how to avoid them.
• Know how to maintain professional boundaries with patients on social media.
• Respond appropriately to online complaints and criticism from patients or colleagues.

This course meets the criteria for GDC development outcomes A and D.