Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Dentists in Maharashtra, India, Regarding Sharing Patients' Data on Social...

Background Social media (SM) has become integral to dental practice, offering opportunities for professional interaction and patient engagement. However, it raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding patient confidentiality. The aim of the present study was to gauge the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental professionals in Maharashtra, India, regarding the sharing of patient data on SM, and to assess the ethical considerations associated with this practice. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental professionals in Maharashtra from October to December 2023. Participants were recruited from six dental institutions and various private clinics. A self-structured questionnaire was validated and distributed via Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA). Data were analyzed using MedCalc, version 13.2 (MedCalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium) statistical software, with demographic characteristics and response frequencies summarized in tables and graphs. Results Of the 312 participants, 265 completed the survey (response rate: 84.94%). WhatsApp (88.3%) was the most preferred platform, followed by Facebook (54.34%) and Instagram (54.34%). The majority rarely shared patient data on SM. Marketing (63.4%), showcasing treatment results (46.79%), and educating colleagues (46.79%) were primary motivations. While 56.98% agreed that sharing patient data infringes privacy, only 46.04% consistently obtained patient consent. A significant portion (92%) supported establishing guidelines for social media usage. Conclusion Dental professionals in Maharashtra frequently use SM for professional purposes, with WhatsApp being the most popular platform. Despite recognizing privacy concerns, there is a lack of consistent patient consent practices. The findings highlight the need for clear guidelines to balance the benefits of social media with ethical obligations to patient confidentiality and professional conduct.