Social Media Influence on Patient Expectations in Esthetic and Restorative Dental Treatment: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the influence of social media on patient expectations regarding esthetic and restorative dental treatment among patients attending the Outpatient Department of Conservative Dentistry. Methodology A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 280 participants aged 18-40 years attending the Outpatient Department of Conservative Dentistry. Participants were selected using sequential sampling. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, social media usage patterns, and perceptions toward dental treatments. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and associations between responses and study variables were analysed using the Chi-squared test. Results Social media served as a platform for patient awareness and information dissemination; however, its influence on actual treatment decisions appeared to be moderate. Exposure to dental treatment-related content on social media was common, with Instagram being the most frequently used platform among the younger age group. Conclusion Evidence-based communication by dentists can help align patient expectations with realistic clinical outcomes.
Source: Cureus
Institution: Government Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7218707159