Social Media Beliefs and Usage Among Orthodontic Postgraduate Students and Qualified Orthodontists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract
Objectives: This study investigated whether orthodontic experience influences orthodontists’ social media (SM) beliefs and use, and whether professional SM training during undergraduate or postgraduate education is needed.
Materials and Methods: Orthodontists and orthodontic postgraduate students were invited to participate in a 27-question online cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited via the Saudi Orthodontic Society’s email list in addition to WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and direct email. Participants were divided into three categories (residents, junior, and senior) based on orthodontic experience.
Results: Instagram was the most commonly used form of SM (79.6%). Residents used Snapchat (p = 0.009) and Twitter (p = 0.011) significantly more than junior and senior orthodontists. Only 38% of participants had a workplace SM policy. Most orthodontists used SM to obtain orthodontic information (67%); residents used it significantly more for this purpose than junior and senior orthodontists (p = 0.03). Most orthodontists believe SM is beneficial for patient care (83%). Residents were significantly more likely to have had training in SM use in dentistry than junior and senior orthodontists.
Conclusion: Use of SM can be a beneficial addition to orthodontic education. Orthodontists of all experience levels would benefit from formal training in SM use. Clear workplace SM policies are needed in Saudi Arabia.