Determinants of Orthodontist Selection Among Adolescents: The Role of Digital Information Sources

Adolescents are among the primary recipients of orthodontic treatment and are active users of digital platforms. While digital environments are increasingly associated with healthcare-related perceptions, orthodontist selection is a multifactorial process influenced by various clinical, professional, and informational factors. This study aimed to evaluate adolescents' orthodontist selection criteria and to examine the role of digital information sources within this decision-making process.

This cross-sectional study included 180 adolescent patients (aged 11-18 years) who attended an initial orthodontic consultation at a dentistry faculty. Data were collected using a self-administered 63-item questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, digital information-seeking behaviors, and orthodontist selection criteria. Of these, 45 items constituted the multidimensional Digital Determinants of Orthodontist Selection Instrument (DDOSI), which was developed to evaluate factors influencing orthodontist selection and demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.930). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, exploratory factor analysis, and group comparisons using appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests.

Participants reported an average daily use of digital platforms of 3 ± 1.01 hours. Google (41.1%) was the most frequently used information source, whereas Instagram (28.3%) was the most commonly used social media platform. A majority of adolescents reported searching online for health-related information (75.6%) and aesthetic procedures (57.2%). The most influential criterion in orthodontist selection was clinic cleanliness (22.7%), followed by the orthodontist's professional confidence/enthusiasm (9.3%) and the use of up-to-date technological equipment (7.6%). Significant differences were observed according to age, gender, socioeconomic status, and parental education level (p < 0.05).

Adolescents' orthodontist selection is primarily driven by clinical and professional factors. Digital information sources play a complementary role by supporting information acquisition and shaping perceptions rather than acting as primary determinants in decision-making.