What Social Media Do Dentists Use?

The Role of Social Media in Professional Industries

Social media is increasingly necessary for professionals in almost every field, and social media for dentists is no exception.

Whether it’s used for patient education, community engagement, or brand building, digital platforms allow dentists to connect in ways that weren’t possible a decade ago. The challenge is standing out. Many healthcare providers struggle with maintaining a strong social media presence while ensuring professionalism, compliance, and meaningful engagement.

But the benefits are undeniable for those who get it right—increased patient retention, enhanced brand trust, and a steady stream of new appointments.

The Most Popular Social Media Sites For Dentists

Not all platforms serve the same purpose, and dentists gravitate toward specific ones for different reasons.

1. Facebook: The Platform of Choice

• 97.6% of dentists use Facebook, making it the most widely adopted platform.
• It offers a familiar interface, making it easy to engage with both existing and potential patients-particularly those with buying power.
• And facebook groups allow dentists to set themselves apart through more personal relationships, thought leadership, and education opportunities for anyone in their local community.

2. Instagram – For Visual Storytelling

• We’ve found Instagram is perfect for showcasing before-and-after transformations, patient testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Like all social platforms, they tend to push certain content types over others, and this varies depending on which features are gaining the most attention. Right now, reels and stories go the furthest in helping dentists increase engagement and reach new audiences.
• And you’ll find that younger demographics (ages 18–34) are highly active here, making it ideal for cosmetic and aesthetic promotions.

3. LinkedIn: Professional Networking

• Dentists use LinkedIn to connect with industry peers, share research, and establish authority.
• From a tactical standpoint, we’ve found LinkedIn is best suited for B2B networking, recruiting new staff, and some discussion of industry trends.

4. TikTok: The Emerging Marketing Frontier

• Just like Instagram, short-form video content is becoming a powerful way for dentists to reach new audiences while educating patients and breaking down complex procedures into easier-to-understand concepts.

Each of these platforms serves a unique function.

While Facebook remains the foundation for patient outreach, Instagram and TikTok help build brand personality, and LinkedIn strengthens professional credibility.

Dentists who use a mix of these channels see the strongest results.

How Dentists Use Social Media

Most dentists start using social media for personal use—following industry leaders, engaging with colleagues, or simply staying informed.

But, transitioning from personal engagement to a professional marketing strategy requires a shift in mindset.

Currently, 31.2% of dentists use social media for marketing their practice, leveraging it to:

• Build trust with potential and existing patients.
• Differentiate their brand from local competitors.
• Showcase expertise through engaging content like patient testimonials and educational posts.

However, many hesitate to make the jump.

This is typically due to concerns about compliance, professionalism, and time constraints. 

But, those who successfully bridge this gap focus on structured content that aligns with their business goals and results in a significant ROI.

The Effectiveness of Social Media for Dental Marketing

Is social media marketing for dentists worth the effort?

With 73.3% of dentists reporting that social media is effective for marketing, the question isn’t whether it works—it’s how to use it strategically.

You can make all kinds of content like:

1. Before-and-after photos – Showcasing real transformations builds credibility and interest.
2. Patient testimonials – Social proof remains one of the most powerful marketing tools.
3. Educational videos and posts – Helping patients understand procedures fosters trust.
4. Behind-the-scenes glimpses – Humanizing the practice makes dentists more approachable.

But the key to a successful dental social media strategy?

It’s about making sure you post content that will resonate with your ideal customer and promote the services you want to promote.

It seems simple, but you’d be surprised how many dentists only post staff highlights, holiday posts, and the occasional review. 

Social media is where you can show how your practice is different, and you’ll stick out like a sore tooth (in the best way).

Who Is More Likely to Use Social Media for Marketing?

Not all dentists approach social media the same way. Several factors influence how actively a dentist embraces digital marketing:

• Age – Dentists under 40 years old are more likely to leverage social media for marketing. And with more dentists entering the field each year, the total number of dentists using social media is only going to grow.
• Gender – Male dentists tend to engage in social media marketing more frequently than their female counterparts.
• Specialized training – Those trained in cosmetic dentistry or digital marketing are more engaged and strategic in their content. So as a local family dentistry, there’s SO much opportunity to set yourself apart and let your brand shine through to potential customers in your community.

Whether you’re in the majority or minority, these stats tell us there is so much opportunity, regardless of gender, age, or specialty.

With less than 35% of dentists using social media for marketing, there’s more than enough room for anyone who’s looking to capitalize on the free tools we all know.

The Future of Social Media for Dental Practices

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and dentists who stay ahead of the trends will keep their competitive edge.

In the coming years, social media for dental practices will be shaped by:

• Continued Short-form Video Dominance – Instagram Reels and TikTok are driving engagement like never before, and until the next best thing comes along, these platforms will keep pushing short-form content.
• AI-driven content creation – It’s no secret that AI is being implemented quicker than any of us could expect. Tools that automate post generation and engagement will become more common. And the longer these models are around, the better they’ll get.
• Increased focus on patient experience – Providing potential patients with a positive experience before they step foot inside your practice will set you apart like no other. Interactive content, live Q&A sessions, and personalized marketing will play a huge role in helping you stand out.

As platforms and technology evolve, dentists who invest in these tools and the correct strategies will remain at the forefront and be better positioned for long-term success.

Final Thoughts: Why Dentists Need Social Media Marketing

Social media isn’t a passing trend—it’s an essential tool for patient engagement and business growth.

Dentists who embrace social media with the correct approach will see increased brand awareness, stronger patient trust, and, ultimately, more appointments on their calendars. Success comes down to a strategy that’s aligned with your practice goals, consistency, valuable content, and engagement. Whether through before-and-after showcases, educational videos, or interactive discussions, the goal is to be present, be informative, and be authentic.

Ready to amplify your social media strategy? Book a brainstorming session today and take the next step toward growing your dental practice online.