Dentists often struggle to connect with their patients off their dental chair An additional challenge is to educate them about oral health between appointments. In 2024, traditional methods of patient engagement and education will no longer be sufficient and that’s where social media comes in.

Social Media and Its Evolution in Dentistry

Did you know that 90% of users between the ages of 18 and 24 trust medical information shared by others on social media networks? (1) This staggering statistic from WebFX highlights the immense potential of social media in influencing patient perceptions and behaviours.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn are all social media channels that have transformed how people communicate and access information.

In dentistry, social media has emerged as a key promoter, allowing practices to reach wider audiences, and educate patients beyond the confines of the dental office.

By using these platforms, dentists can share valuable information, interact with patients, and showcase their expertise in a more personal manner.

Benefits of Social Media for Dentists

Builds Trust

It offers a unique opportunity to humanise your practice, making it more relatable and approachable to patients.

You can share candid moments, such as team meetings or birthday celebrations, to show the faces behind the white coats. These behind-the-scenes glimpses show patients that the dental office is not just a cold or serious environment but a place where real people work together to provide care.

Moreover, showcasing patient testimonials on social media can have a powerful impact on building trust and credibility. A survey by BrightLocal found that 84% of people trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations; e.g., you can share a video testimonial from a satisfied patient who raves about the exceptional care they received during their visit. (2) Hearing directly from other patients who have had positive experiences at the practice reassures prospective patients that they are in good hands.

Educates Patients

Social media provides an accessible platform for sharing valuable information about oral health and dental procedures. You can create posts, videos, infographics, and other visual content to educate patients about the importance of regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene practices, and the benefits of various dental treatments. This will also help them make informed decisions about their oral health and encourage preventive care.

Promote Your Services

Social media helps you promote your services and bring in new patients. You can show before and after case study pictures, of how people’s smiles changed after treatment. You can also talk about any special offers or discounts you are offering.

According to Referral MD, 80% of these users are specifically looking for health information and nearly half are searching for details about specific doctors or health professionals via social media. (3)

Therefore, using social media helps potential patients see what you can do for them and why they should choose your practice.

Creates a Positive Online Reputation

In today’s world, what people say about a business online can really affect how others perceive it. This is true for dental clinics too. When someone needs a dentist, they might check online to see what others have said about different clinics. If a clinic has ample positive reviews and recommendations, people are more likely to trust it and choose it for their dental needs.

For example, let’s say someone is searching for a dentist in their area. They see two clinics: Clinic A has lots of positive reviews from happy patients on their social media pages, while Clinic B doesn’t have much online presence or reviews. The person is more likely to choose Clinic A because they feel confident that other patients have had good experiences there. This is how managing social media and getting positive reviews can make a big difference for a dental practice.

So, by using social media to show off happy patients and encouraging them to leave good reviews, you can build a strong online reputation. This helps attract more patients and sets your clinic apart from others that might not have as many positive reviews. It’s all about building trust and showing people that your clinic cares about its patients and does a great job.

Top Social Media Strategies for Dentists

Share Patient Success Stories

Patient success stories are like little rays of sunshine on a cloudy day, they inspire hope, showcase the power of dental treatments, and reassure patients that they’re in good hands.

When prospective patients see authentic experiences shared by others, they’re more likely to trust you with their dental needs. Remember, 90% of users between 18 and 24 trust medical information shared on social media networks.

Create Interactive Content

Make your social media a hub of engagement with interactive content. Run polls, quizzes, and contests to captivate your audience. For example, test your followers’ knowledge with an oral hygiene quiz or host a contest for the best smile selfie.

Interactive content not only boosts participation but also dramatically increases the reach and visibility of your posts. As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Create Educational Videos

Use the power of video to educate and engage. Short, informative videos on common dental procedures, oral hygiene tips, and answers to frequently asked questions can demystify dental care for your audience.

Videos are highly engaging and can effectively break down complex information into easily digestible segments. Share these on your social media channels and website to establish yourself as a trusted source of dental knowledge. According to HubSpot, 54% of consumers want to see more video content from brands they support. (4)

Follow a Consistent Posting Schedule

Stay top-of-mind with your followers by maintaining a consistent posting schedule. Whether it’s daily updates or a few posts each week, consistency is key. Use scheduling tools to plan and automate your posts, ensuring a steady flow of content without the hassle of manual posting. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out,” said Robert Collier.

Engage with Your Audience

Social media is a two-way street, so make sure to actively engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and mentions.

Encourage conversations, solicit feedback, and invite followers to share their experiences. These genuine interactions strengthen relationships with your patients and build a loyal online community around your practice. As Zig Ziglar noted, “You don’t build a business, you build people, and then people build the business.”

Precautions When Using Social Media in Dentistry

While social media offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to use it responsibly and ethically. Here are some precautions to consider:

Maintain Patient Privacy

Always protect patient confidentiality. Avoid sharing any personal or medical information without explicit consent. Ensure that any images or testimonials shared have the patient’s permission.

Provide Accurate Information

Ensure that all information shared on social media is accurate and based on current dental practices and guidelines. Misinformation can harm your credibility and potentially put patients at risk.

Professionalism

Maintain a professional tone in all posts and interactions. While it’s great to be personable and approachable, remember that your social media presence reflects your professional reputation.

Legal Compliance

Be aware of the legal regulations governing medical advertising and patient communication in your region. This includes rules about testimonials, claims about treatments, and promotional offers.

Respond Promptly and Respectfully

Address any negative feedback or comments professionally and promptly; how you handle criticism can impact your practice’s reputation.

Concluding note

Incorporating social media into your dental practice is crucial for staying connected with patients to provide awareness outside of appointments. These platforms enable you to build rapport and maintain a positive online presence. By using social media effectively, you can reach a broader audience.

This is where NamNR Pro’s Global Dentists’ Pool (TM) can help you reach that potential. With a dedicated pool of experts, you can get tailored advice on how to build up your practice, enhance your online presence, and take your practice to new heights.

The Global Dentist’s Pool

An interesting initiative by @NamNR PRo, the Global Dentists’ Pool, is a worldwide cohort of clinicians & Premium Dental Advisors, with proficiency in dental research, clinical research, R&D device technology, marketing & medical writing to creatively support DenTech companies in overcoming the day-to-day, as well as well as long-term strategic challenges.

This may include anything from medico-marketing tips, coaching dental marketing teams on what end users (ie. Dentists) really want to hear, strategizing dental marketing campaigns, and/or providing dental influencers who can be the face of your dental product.

As a Pool Member, dentists also have an opportunity to up-skill themselves in areas that allow them to participate in dental marketing projects, whilst maintaining their clinical practices.

Whether you are a company looking for clinicians to support your product, or a dentist looking for up-skilling platform & alternate work opportunities, reach out to Founder & CEO of NamNR Pro, Dr Namrata Upadhyay, at namrata@namnrpro.org, to learn how NamNR Pro can help you today.

References

1. Fields, A. (2024, April 22). 65+ Mind-Blowing Healthcare Marketing Statistics for 2024. WebFX. https://www.webfx.com/industries/health/hospitals-healthcare/statistics/

2. Paget, S. (2024, March 6). Local Consumer Review Survey 2024: Trends, Behaviors, and platforms Explored. BrightLocal. https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/

3. Warden, C. (2022, January 5). 30 Interesting statistics on social media & healthcare. ReferralMD. https://getreferralmd.com/2017/01/30-facts-statistics-on-social-media-and-healthcare/

4. Marinelli, L. (2023, February 6). State of Video in 2024: Video Marketing Statistics & Insights. Wistia. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/state-of-video-marketing-new-data

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and not necessarily shared by NamNR Pro.

Author Information

Maaz Yousaf is a visionary at the nexus of healthcare and technology, leveraging his background as a dentist and his pursuit of a master’s in digital Innovation to pioneer new frontiers in the field. With a passion for exploring the intersection of AI and health, particularly in dentistry, Maaz brings a unique perspective to the table.    Having co-founded a popular podcast “The Dental Talk”, he has established himself as a thought leader in the dental community. Through his writing, he aims to demystify complex topics in technology and AI, making them accessible and relevant to the dental industry. His work reflects a commitment to driving positive change and empowering fellow practitioners to embrace digital transformation.