Background: The use of social media platforms has become increasingly popular in various professional fields, including dentistry. Among these platforms, Instagram has gained significant attention due to its visual nature and widespread popularity. The potential of Instagram as a tool for dental education, patient engagement, and professional networking has been the subject of several studies. Objective: This paper aims to investigate the use of Instagram among dental patients and examine its implications for the dental industry.. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between September and December 2023 and involved 478 anonymous dental patients who responded to survey invitations. The questionnaire addressed demographics, Instagram usage, and factors influencing the selection of a dentist. Data analysis employed IBM SPSS Statistics, presented as descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Results: Of the respondents, 66.6% preferred Instagram to follow dentists. Demographically, younger age correlated with increased Instagram use. Over half used Instagram 2-3 times daily, with evenings being the preferred time. Notably, 48.3% visited a dentist’s Instagram account. Recommendations, qualifications, and online reviews were crucial factors in choosing a dentist, while before-and-after photos, engagement, and content quality mattered on Instagram. Conclusion: Instagram serves as a valuable tool in oral healthcare, fostering patient engagement, education, and community building. Dental practitioners should leverage Instagram judiciously, emphasizing its supplementary role to professional consultations rather than a substitute for personalized dental advice.
Key words: Social media, dentists, dental care, patients, marketing, Saudi Arabia.
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