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Social Media's Impact on Orthodontic Treatment Decisions in Saudi Arabia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at Umm Al-Qura University conducted a study in 2024 to evaluate the effect of social media on adults' decisions regarding orthodontic treatment in Saudi Arabia. The study involved 337 participants, consisting of 72.4% females and 27.6% males, who were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. The results showed that approximately half of the participants trust social media as a reliable source of information to support their orthodontic treatment choices. Additionally, the study found that demographic and socioeconomic variables, such as gender, age, educational level, and income, influenced the participants' decisions regarding orthodontic treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to evaluate the impact of social media platforms on adults' decisions regarding orthodontic treatment in Saudi Arabia.
  • A total of 337 participants were included in the final analysis, with 72.4% females and 27.6% males.
  • The most popular social media application for obtaining orthodontic-related information was Instagram, with 28.8% of the participants using it.
  • Approximately 52.8% of the participants believe that information from social media is enough to make a decision on orthodontic treatment, while 60.8% feel that social media improves their knowledge about orthodontics.
  • The study found statistically significant associations between demographic and socioeconomic variables, such as gender, age, educational level, and income, and the participants' decisions regarding orthodontic treatment.
  • Approximately half of the participants trust and consider social media as a reliable source of information to support their orthodontic treatment choices.
  • The study concluded that social media platforms play a significant role in influencing adults' decisions regarding orthodontic treatment in Saudi Arabia.

Statistics:

  • 337 participants were included in the final analysis, representing 72.4% females and 27.6% males.
  • 28.8% of the participants used Instagram as their primary social media application for obtaining orthodontic-related information.
  • 52.8% of the participants believe that information from social media is enough to make a decision on orthodontic treatment.
  • 60.8% of the participants feel that social media improves their knowledge about orthodontics.
  • 46.3% of the participants think that orthodontists should have websites or blogs to educate patients and the general public.

Sources:

  • Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
  • Impact of Social Media Platforms on Adults' Decisions Regarding Orthodontic Treatment in Saudi Arabia. Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2025,17(1):330-343. (https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.62610/RJOR.2025.1.17.32)
  • NewsRx. New Data from Umm Al-Qura University Illuminate Research in Oral Rehabilitation (Impact of Social Media Platforms on Adults' Decisions Regarding Orthodontic Treatment in Saudi Arabia). Health & Medicine Week. June 20, 2025; p 2485.

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