ANSWER :
Among the issues to consider with social media is the very real fact that posted information is seen and shared by others . It can be shared beyond the original intended recipients . This can have unintended consequences and potential ethical repercussions .
There are consequences to consider , such as patients ’ viewing something on your personal page that is embarrassing or somehow compromising , thereby exposing risk to your professional and community reputation . Perhaps those family gatherings or a recent college reunion bash and all their related posted pictures are not such a great idea to share with the public and your patients . Is it not preferable to separate social relationships from professional relationships ? Is this not related to the reason why it is considered ethically problematic to have personal relationships with patients ? 1
The Introduction and Preamble of the American Dental Association ’ s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct ( ADA Code ) state , “ The dental profession holds a special position of trust within society . As a consequence , society affords the profession certain privileges that are not available to members of the public-at-large . In return , the profession makes a commitment to society that its members will adhere to high ethical standards of conduct ,” and that dentists will “ follow high ethical standards which have the benefit of the patient as their primary goal .” 1
These sections of the ADA Code make it clear that as professionals we are obligated to adhere to the highest possible ethical standards and to place our patients ’ well-being above any concerns of our own .
Bearing this mandate in mind , perhaps it is wisest to interact with patients on Facebook only via maintaining the professional relationship through a professional page . Sharing your personal activities and exploits with patients seems more than a bit removed from providing any benefit to the patients . It would seem it is a benefit you enjoy , as you wish to share your fun , activities , and good fortune with them for your own reasons .
Dentists should avoid interpersonal relationships that could impair their professional judgment or risk the possibility of exploiting the confidence placed in them by a patient .”
What is the benefit to the patients in such a social relationship ? How does the fact that you have access to their personal lives benefit them ? You might enjoy the knowledge , but our goal is to benefit the patients . An argument could be made that sharing more about yourself might benefit the patients by making you more of a “ real person ” rather than their “ dentist .” However , a practicebased site can provide this information in a more professional and controlled manner .
What are the consequences of knowledge gained through this connection that exists outside the dentist-patient relationship ? There are potential dangers and complications associated with knowledge you might gain from the patients ’ personal pages . What if you learn they abuse drugs or alcohol ? What if you learn teens are smoking or engaging in other behaviors they deny or that their parents might not know about ?
In Section 2 , the principle Nonmaleficence (“ do no harm ”) explains , “ The dentist has a duty to refrain from harming the patient .” 1 Furthermore , the principle “ expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to protect the patient from harm .” 1 Under this principle , the dentist ’ s primary obligation includes doing nothing that is harmful to the patient . It seems wise to be aware that getting too involved in patients ’ personal business offers more chances for harm than it does for any benefit .
Section 2 . G , Personal Relationships With Patients , explains , “ Dentists should avoid interpersonal relationships that could impair their professional judgment or risk the possibility of exploiting the confidence placed in them by a patient .” 1 This section certainly seems to apply here . A personal connection on social media seems ripe for any number of hazards that this section is designed to protect against .
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 15