Navigating Dental Implant Information on Social Media: A Qualitative Exploration of Digital Health Literacy and Resilience to Misinformation.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Social media has become a common source of information about dental implant treatment. While it offers easy access to treatment-related information, concerns remain about the quality and accuracy of online content. This study explored how patients evaluate and respond to dental implant information on social media and the factors and behaviors that may help them navigate potentially misleading information.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with adult patients attending a dental school clinic in Saudi Arabia. Participants were purposively recruited and interviewed between March and July 2026. Interviews explored social media use, perceptions of information credibility, experiences with misinformation, information verification practices, and treatment-related decision-making. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Five themes were identified: (1) trust in professional and experiential sources, (2) verification before decision-making, (3) the influence of reputation and social proof, (4) skepticism toward potentially misleading information, and (5) social media as a source of information rather than a final authority. Participants commonly relied on dentists, cross-checked information across sources, drew on patient experiences and recommendations, and questioned exaggerated or commercially motivated claims before making treatment decisions.

Conclusions: Participants reported using trust, verification, social influences, and critical evaluation when navigating dental implant information on social media. These behaviors may support informed treatment-related decision-making and highlight the importance of digital health literacy, as well as the role of dentists and health organizations in providing accessible and trustworthy information.