| dc.description.abstract | Living in the digital age has allowed patients to receive misguided information due to the rise of non-credible sources available to the public. Research has shown that up to 75% of people worldwide use the internet to access medical information. Websites, such as YouTube®, are common sites where patients look to access medical information, however not all medical information is factual. There is an increased number of websites disseminating information that is unsupported by scientific research to simply capture readers’ attention for their own benefit. Most of the health education that patients encounter online is outdated, inaccurate, and potentially harmful to the reader. Viewing of inaccurate information of the internet may affect patients’ perceptions of dentistry. Additionally, the influence of media on public opinion may lead patients’ to potential harmful decisions regarding their health. Communication between the practitioner and patient could help reduce dental misinformation from spreading out in the public. The intent of our research is to bring awareness and educate oral healthcare professionals on the impact of dental media hype on patient’s perceptions of dental treatment. Our primary research goal is to provide the oral healthcare professional with the tools to educate their patients on where to find scientific evidence-based research online. Secondly, oral healthcare professionals assist patients in looking beyond the headlines when making decisions about receiving dental treatment. As dental professionals, it is our responsibility to do what is in the best interest of the dental patient, which includes introducing methods of finding credible dental sources. | |
