Dental Assisting Social Media Guidelines

The world is shrinking! The internet in general, and social media specifically, have connected us in ways that did not exist thirty years ago. With the convenience and ease of expressing ourselves comes a very real responsibility to manage our communications effectively. There are many examples of people losing their employment over inappropriate use of social media.

We acknowledge dental assistants’ rights to express themselves, however, we must maintain the balance between that freedom of expression with protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the dental assisting profession.

Dental assistants who share offensive content or inappropriate messages may be found guilty of unprofessional conduct if that behaviour or communication violates the Standards of Practice, including violating professional boundaries. Remember, your right to freedom of expression only applies if your expression doesn’t infringe on another’s right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Consider this before you post that comment:

• Would this comment be considered reasonable and professional by my peers?
• Why am I posting this?
• Would I communicate this way in person?
• Who might find this objectionable and why?
• How would I feel if someone posted this about me?

Remember to:

• assume anything you post can be accessed by anyone, repeated by anyone, possibly altered by someone, and never fully removed
• avoid angry, impulsive or derogatory comments

Dental Assistant Social Media Best Practice

NEVER post anything about work – employers, colleagues and especially patients should be off limits

Excerpts from our Standards of Practice

4.4(d) maintain clear distinction between personal and professional relationships

5.2(c) demonstrate professional decorum such as using effective communication and appropriate use of social media

6.2(h) treat others with respect, refraining from all types of discrimination, harassment or bullying behaviour including verbal, written, body language, social media and any other harmful type of communication with patients, colleagues and the public