Resumen:
Background
Recent years have seen an increase in the use of social media, by the healthcare sector, including dentistry. Indeed, social media may now be important communication tools for dental practices and patients.
This work analyzes the influence of patient (male and female) use of dental practice social media on their decision to change practice. The results also provide insight into the factors patients considered important when choosing a dental practice.
Methods
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad Europea de Madrid (No. CIPI/22.022). Using a web-based questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was undertaken involving a Spanish population that made use of dental services. The questionnaire consisted of four parts covering provision of informed consent, the collection of sociodemographic data, patient use of dental practice social media, and the factors considered important when changing dental practice.
Results
All participants gave their informed consent regarding inclusion. No compensation was provided for participation. 588 people responded to the questionnaire, of whom 503 were eligible for inclusion. Most respondents were female (312/503; 62%)...