Darwinian Dentistry? Social Media, Smartphones and Selfie Sticks

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic produced numerous challenges for clinical dentistry which necessitated adaptation and innovation. This article will illustrate the use of selfie stick devices and ring lights for dental care practitioners to create customised ‘selfie’ videos of them using very effective cleaning devices on the patient’s own smartphone. Because these short, engaging videos are now readily available to the patient at their home it reminds them which brushes to use, where and how. Patients are empowered by these videos which put them at the centre, reinforcing the key preventive message that they can improve and maintain their oral health by introducing effective oral hygiene behaviours. The many advantages, both for patients and for their practice teams, will be discussed in detail.

Doctors’ Drugs and the Dangers of Dental Decay

“…That readily-available personalised video will remind them (and any partner/carer) of how to use those brushes correctly and that this interdental cleaning needs to be done twice a day, every day from now on (Figure 5). 32…”