Tensions within Dentists’ and DCPs’ use of social media
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Tensions within Dentists' and Dental Care Professionals' use of social media: a multiple stakeholder perspective
IRAS ID
232204
Contact name
Anna Greer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
There are many positive uses of social media for dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs), including education and networking, but there are also problems. The regulatory body, General Dental Council (GDC), have published 'Guidance on using social media' (2016) but it lacks applicability. The desire to use social media for its benefits versus the problems and lack of clarity from the GDC causes tensions for dentists/DCPs. This research aims to identify how dentists and DCPs manage these tensions. It is important that dentists/DCPs use social media optimally so that the benefits of it can be utilised (e.g. education) without compromising patient trust and care (e.g. confidentiality). This qualitative research will encompass interviews with dentists/DCPs, patients and those affiliated with the GDC. Everyone is potentially a dental patient therefore anyone (≥16 years old) who is not a dentist/DCP or affiliated with the GDC is eligible for the patient interviews. The interviews will be conducted over Skype (or similar) and in-person. The in-person interviews will be conducted in a mutually convenient location. The interviews will last 40-60 minutes. This is a complex area and it is hoped that this research will provide clarity and influence practice and policy, such as new guidance, as well as identify areas for future research.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/WM/0126
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2018
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion