Social Media Use Behaviors and State Dental Licensing Boards

Abstract

Purpose: The importance of upholding and maintaining professionalism is even greater in a digital world particularly for health care providers entrusted to care for patients and maintain privacy laws. Studies suggest that specific consequences of violation of professionalism and other ethical standards have not been well established. The purpose of this study is to identify how online social media behaviors influence the licensure and enforcement practices of dental professionals.

Methods: A non-experimental descriptive electronic survey research design was utilized for this study. A total of 52 surveys consisting of questions relating to social media and the licensure of and practice act enforcement of dental professionals were sent to the executive directors of the dental boards in the United States.

Results: Of the surveys that were sent (n=52), 18 responses were received for a 35% response rate. Overall, respondents indicated a lack of social media usage surveillance initiated by state dental boards. Incidents of online unprofessional behavior came to the attention of the board a variety of ways and with a range of consequences. Overall, there was a level of concern reagarding online activities by licensees that may be in violation of laws, rules and regulations of the state or the dental board exists. However, no state dental licensing boards are currently in the process of creating a social media policy.

Conclusion: Dental boards are aware of potential online unprofessional behaviors and have implemented various consequences. Dental boards should consider developing policies to address potential online unprofessional behavior to protect the public that they serve.