Abstract
The objectives of this study were to assess how social media is being utilized by orthodontists, examine orthodontists' preferences regarding social media sites and apps, and to investigate the potential benefits of Internet-based social media sites in improving patient motivation and co-operation, and in enhancing the marketing and communication strategies of orthodontic practices among orthodontists in Riyadh and other cities of Saudi Arabia. Cross-sectional study was performed by utilizing survey research techniques. The participants in this study included orthodontists currently working in private and government dental hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Participants were asked to answer a questionnaire related to their use of social media platforms as a marketing and educational tools in their orthodontic practices. The objectives were thoroughly explained to all participants and an informed consent form was obtained. 31% of orthodontists used social media in their practice while the majority (69%) are not using any form of social media. The highest use of social networking sites were found among those practicing for 6-10 years (40%), the percentage decreases with the age increase. The most commonly used social media platforms among Saudi orthodontists was Instagram (34.6%), followed by Twitter (18.8%). Moreover, the particular purpose for using social media was for education purposes (41%). In addition, there was a reported increase in patients' flow and monthly income among orthodontists using social media in Riyadh and other cities (40.4% and 61.5%, respectively).Most orthodontists have used social media for education and communication purposes. Even though social media should be used to its full capacity as a marketing tool for orthodontists in order to market new materials and techniques to their patients instead of using traditional means of media advertisement to keep their competitiveness with other practices.