Social media use by dental professionals needs to be recognised as part of CPD
Study says dental professionals are operating largely outside the GDC's recognition and quality assurance processes
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Dental professionals using social media are operating alongside the General Dental Council’s formal CPD framework – but largely outside its recognition and quality assurance processes, says a new study.
The study set out to investigate how UK dental professionals use social media for professional learning, to identify associated learning needs and to examine the opportunities and challenges this presents for continuing professional development (CPD).
It found that Facebook, WhatsApp,and LinkedIn were the dominant platforms. A 37-percentage-point digital confidence gap existed between professionals under 30 (85% confident) and those over 60 (48%). While 84% considered sources reliable, only 78% recognised the need for cross-checking.
Three qualitative themes emerged: professional identity validation and learning recognition; community support and accessible learning; and reflective practice enhancement and critical awareness.
The study concluded: “Social media constitutes a substantive informal learning ecosystem within UK dental professional practice, operating alongside the General Dental Council’s formal CPD framework but largely outside its recognition and quality assurance processes, while equity implications of the digital divide remain unmitigated.
“Successful integration of informal and formal learning pathways requires coordinated action from regulators, educational institutions, and professional associations to ensure all practitioners, regardless of age or digital confidence, engage with these networks safely, critically and effectively.”