Cross sectional study on the usage of social media among undergraduate dental students

Background: Social media has become an essential component of contemporary education, Including dental training. Its function in enhancing communication, knowledge acquisition, and clinical skill improvement continues to be a subject of increasing scientific interest. Varies uses and effect can be seen between undergraduate students .Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed involving 250 undergraduate dental students. A structured questionnaire was used to assess demographic variables, social media usage patterns, goals of use, and students' attitudes. Results: The data were examined employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The majority of the participants were clinical-year students, comprising 47.7% in the fourth year and 30.6% in the fifth year. Instagram (67.6%) and WhatsApp (66.7%) were the most common platforms utilized. A majority of students (88.6%) indicated using social media, with 61.2% dedicating fewer than 10 hours daily to its use. Educational objectives predominated, with 65.7% using social media to access learning resources. A substantial majority concurred that social media aids in keeping them informed about dentistry (80.6%, p <0.001). However, 36.2% regarded social media as a possible distraction, while 54.3% indicated concerns about professionalism and privacy. Conclusion: Undergraduate dental students widely utilize social media, viewing it as a significant educational resource. Despite concerns about distraction and professionalism, it provides a substantial complement to conventional dental education.