Social media use, professional behaviors online, and perceptions toward e-professionalism among dental students

Evaluation of the impact of orthodontists' smile with malocclusions on social media and professional credibility

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed laypeople's perceptions of orthodontist credibility based on malocclusions and whether these views affect their choice to seek treatment. Eye-tracking technology and questionnaires were utilized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-five lay raters, through eye tracking and a questionnaire, assessed 12 images of orthodontists with malocclusions. Malocclusions were categorized by the Index Of Treatment Need (IOTN) as grade 1 (near ideal), 3 (anterior crowding), and 5 (with diastemas). Fixation points were recorded, and credibility was gauged via questionnaires. A Mentimeter word cloud was generated.

RESULTS

IOTN 1 orthodontists were viewed as more credible than IOTN 3 (p < 0.001) and 5 (p < 0.001). Raters were more willing to receive treatment from IOTN 1 orthodontists. The focus for IOTN 1 was between eyes and mouth, while IOTN 3 and 5 were on the mouth. "Crooked teeth" and "spacing" were predominant in word clouds for IOTN 3 and 5.

CONCLUSION

Orthodontists with an IOTN grade 1 rating were perceived as more competent, reliable, and professional, thus making it more likely for laypeople to choose them as their preferred providers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The smiles of professionals play a significant role in laypeople's decision to choose them as their orthodontist, and strategic utilization of social media can effectively deliver health information to a larger audience in a faster and more direct manner.

Exploration of Cyberethics in Health Professions Education: A Scoping Review

As digital technologies rapidly integrate into Health Professions Education (HPE), understanding cyberethics is increasingly crucial. This scoping review explores the pedagogy of cyberethics in HPE, highlighting a significant gap in explicit definitions and conceptualizations. Additionally, the absence of specific theoretical frameworks in most documents raises concerns about research progression. Only four articles introduce educational interventions in cyberethics, indicating a promising avenue for future research. While comprehensive search methods are employed, limitations, including language biases, exist. Future investigations should broaden the discourse to encompass ethical implications of emerging technologies within HPE. Cultivating comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and inclusive guidelines is vital for ethical digital practices in the health care community.