Authenticity, solidarity, sustainability set the pillar for the agile emerging health system that had responded with maximum possible efficiency to abrupt and unanticipated events at local, regional, and global levels and maintain continuity of services and ensure population health safety in collaboration with other state agencies. The health sector in Saudi Arabia was unique since foundation because it was carefully aligned with social, political, and economic determinants of health. The sector was blessed with generous governmental support. Population health is a priority since establishment.

Regardless the efforts that documented Saudi Arabia modern history, few had assessed the formal management of health sector. In the context of social history, in depth analysis of health sector in Saudi Arabia is pivotal for comprehensive understanding of the historical background of one of the most complex sectors because of its multidimensional nature and the need for multilateral assessment. Collaboration between historians and health research is the cornerstone for unbiased, comprehensive, and precise documentation and assessment. Thus, academic institutes and official authorities should invest to support research activities that aim to document and assess history. Scientific evidence should enrich the literature and establish a reference library for art and culture movement to infuse their materials with necessary information based on solid scientific literature.

Documenting the history of health sector in Saudi Arabia is an opportunity for researchers, historians, artists, and contents creators to draw the sector history architecture in the context of the historical period and portray the impact of social, political, and economical dilemma. History departments at academic institutes may consider opening up for engagement of health researchers and develop training programs to equip researchers with necessary tools to verify and assess the available unaudited data. Unless efforts united to write various chapters of health sector in Saudi Arabia across different historical periods, we will continue to be challenges with resources limitation and the need to assess available publications might be influenced by political tendencies or personal perspectives. It is to stand united to lay the foundation for assessing health sector from historical perspective.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Instagram’s Growing Influence on Oral Health
3. Key Findings from the Study
   • Promotional vs. Educational Content
   • Who is Driving the Conversation? (Dentists vs. Influencers vs. Brands)
   • The Misinformation Problem
4. Why This Matters for Dental Professionals
5. How We Can Leverage Instagram for Better Oral Health Education
6. Call to Action: The Role of Dentists in Digital Health
7. Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Social Media and Oral Health

1. Introduction

Social media has transformed patient behavior. No longer do consumers rely solely on their dentist’s recommendations—many are turning to Instagram, influencers, and brand marketing for advice on oral care products, including toothpaste.

A recent study, “Instagram’s Impact on Dental Consumers: Analyzing Toothpaste Hashtags” (Frontiers in Oral Health, 2025), highlights the extent of this influence. It reveals a concerning trend: promotional content overshadows educational content, and misinformation spreads faster than factual, science-based advice.

As dental professionals, this should raise some important questions:

• Are we doing enough to provide accurate, engaging oral health content on social media?
• How can we counteract misinformation and guide patients toward evidence-based choices?
• Can Instagram be used as an effective tool for oral health education?

Let’s break down the study’s findings and discuss the role we, as dental professionals, can play in shaping the conversation.

2. Instagram’s Growing Influence on Oral Health

Patients today trust social media influencers as much as (or sometimes more than) healthcare professionals when it comes to purchasing decisions—including toothpaste.

Instagram’s algorithm favors high-engagement content, meaning that posts with catchy visuals, bold claims, and marketing-driven messages reach wider audiences than those sharing scientific information. This has led to a situation where promotional content dominates, while fact-based oral health education struggles to get visibility.

The result? Patients are bombarded with conflicting and often misleading information, making it harder for them to distinguish between effective, evidence-based products and marketing hype.

3. Key Findings from the Study

This study analyzed over 1,054,985 Instagram posts related to toothpaste and found several trends that dental professionals should be aware of:

1. Promotional vs. Educational Content

• 61.1% of posts were promotional (product marketing, influencer endorsements, brand partnerships).
• 38.9% were educational (oral hygiene advice, ingredient breakdowns, dental professional recommendations).
• Educational posts received significantly more engagement than promotional ones, indicating a demand for reliable information.

2. Who is Driving the Conversation?

• Companies & influencers dominated promotional content.
• Dentists and patients were more likely to post educational content.
• Despite dentists’ involvement, they only accounted for 10.4% of the total posts—meaning the majority of toothpaste-related discussions happen without professional input.

3. The Misinformation Problem

• 66% of analyzed posts contained non-factual claims—often regarding fluoride, “natural” alternatives, and exaggerated product benefits.
• Many influencers overemphasized the risks of fluoride or promoted DIY toothpaste solutions, leading to misconceptions about effective oral care.

This data suggests that patients are engaging with educational content, but they aren’t always getting it from the right sources.

4. Why This Matters for Dental Professionals

For years, oral health professionals have relied on traditional patient education methods—chairside discussions, pamphlets, and community outreach. But the digital landscape has changed.

Today, patients search for answers online before even stepping into a dental clinic. If they see a social media post claiming that fluoride toothpaste is harmful or that a “natural” alternative is superior, they may come into your office already skeptical of evidence-based recommendations.

This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity:

• The Challenge: If dentists don’t step up their presence on social media, patients will continue to get their information from influencers, brands, and marketers—many of whom do not prioritize evidence-based dentistry.
• The Opportunity: When properly utilized, Instagram can be a powerful patient education tool, allowing dentists to engage directly with audiences, correct misconceptions, and promote proper oral hygiene practices.

The demand for factual, engaging oral health content is there—we just need to meet it.

5. How We Can Leverage Instagram for Better Oral Health Education

If educational content receives more engagement than promotional content, why aren’t more dentists creating social media content? Here’s how dental professionals can take action:

1. Increase Presence on Instagram

We can’t expect social media to fix itself. The more dentists, hygienists, and oral health experts contribute to the platform, the more balanced the conversation will be.

• Post short, digestible oral health tips that correct common misconceptions.
• Use infographics and videos—Instagram’s algorithm favors visual content.
• Engage with patient questions in comments and direct messages.

2. Debunk Misinformation Proactively

Misinformation spreads when it goes unchallenged. Consider:

• Responding to viral health trends with evidence-based explanations.
• Creating content that fact-checks common dental myths.
• Using before-and-after comparisons to showcase the effectiveness of professional treatments.

3. Collaborate with Influencers (Wisely)

Like it or not, influencers have massive reach. Instead of ignoring their impact, dentists should partner with credible health influencers to amplify science-backed oral health messages.

• Work with influencers who prioritize factual health content.
• Offer to review or endorse educational content before it’s posted.
• Advocate for brand transparency in dental product marketing.

4. Advocate for Social Media Regulations

Dental organizations and public health institutions should push for stronger regulations on health-related content to prevent misleading marketing claims.

• Platforms like Instagram should fact-check medical and dental claims—especially when related to consumer health products.
• There should be clear guidelines for influencer partnerships with oral care brands to ensure responsible messaging.

6. Call to Action: The Role of Dentists in Digital Health

This study makes one thing clear: Patients are looking for oral health information on social media—but they aren’t always finding it from the right sources.

As dental professionals, we have two options:

1. Ignore social media and allow influencers and brands to dictate oral health messaging.
2. Step into the digital space and take an active role in educating and guiding patients.

If we want to maintain trust and authority in oral health, we need to adapt to the changing landscape and embrace social media as a legitimate tool for patient education.

7. Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Social Media and Oral Health

Instagram is already shaping consumer behavior in toothpaste selection, whether we like it or not. The question is: Will dental professionals let misinformation dominate the conversation, or will we step up and use these platforms to educate and inform?

The data shows that patients respond positively to educational content—but we need to provide it. This isn’t just about correcting misconceptions; it’s about reclaiming oral health education in the digital age.

Next Steps for Dental Professionals:

✔ Start engaging on Instagram—your patients are already there.
✔ Prioritize short, impactful, educational content to combat misinformation.
✔ Work with trusted influencers to amplify evidence-based oral health advice.
✔ Advocate for social media policies that promote responsible health marketing.

Let’s make sure oral health education isn’t left in the hands of marketers alone. It’s time to take the lead.

Download Article:

Frontiers | Instagram’s impact on dental consumers: analyzing toothpaste hashtags

A Century of Commitment; Calling for Social Historians

Weam Banjar | Featured, General | No Comments

The health sector in Saudi Arabia presents a rich material for social historians to assess the interaction between political, social, economic determinants and establishment of modernized health sector. As of…

Press Release: AEEDC Dubai and CADEX Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Global Dental Industry

Mahmoud H. Al-Johani | General | No Comments

Press Release: AEEDC Dubai and CADEX Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Global Dental Industry   Dubai, UAE – March 5, 2025: AEEDC Dubai, the world's largest annual dental event, has…

Instagram and Oral Health: How Social Media Shapes Consumer Toothpaste Choices

Mahmoud H. Al-Johani | Featured | No Comments

Instagram and Oral Health: How Social Media Shapes Consumer Toothpaste Choices Table of Contents Introduction Instagram’s Growing Influence on Oral Health Key Findings from the Study Promotional vs. Educational Content…

Dentists’ Health Matters II

Weam Banjar | Featured, General | No Comments

Dentists’ Health Matters By: Dr. Weam M. Banjar; Researcher Occupational health focuses on maintaining and promoting highest degree of physical, mental, and social wellbeing of workers in all occupations. Dental…

Occupational health focuses on maintaining and promoting highest degree of physical, mental, and social wellbeing of workers in all occupations. Dental professionals are no exception and at risk of different occupational hazards that range from toxicity to chemicals routinely consumed in dentistry, risk for cross infection, to musculoskeletal diseases/ disorders consequential to sub-optimal working posture. Awareness of these occupational hazard and implementation of mitigation and/ or preventive strategies can provide safe practice environment and create a protective ecosystem for all concerned and improve the total dental professionals’ quality of life.

Multilateral recognition and acknowledgement of occupational hazard risk among dental professionals is necessary to ensure holistic approach to addressing concerns and challenges and establish evidence-based policies. The interaction between policy makers, researchers, and professionals is pivotal to support and enhance establishment of evidence-based policies, awareness campaigns, and occupational health and wellness programs. Policy makers often are distracted by patients-centered and/ or population-centered approach. Yet, it is the researchers and professional societies responsibility to collaborate and conduct activities and project that assess and prioritize professionals needs and demands, and draft evidence-based policies and recommendations. Professional societies are responsible for orchestrating awareness campaigns and push through professional needs. Professionals should adhere to protective measures to preserve their health and actively participate in activities that improve the work place ecosystem. Occupational health insurance is increasingly becoming a necessity for dental health professionals.

Management of dental professionals’ exposure to occupational health hazard requires multilateral collaboration. It is vital to preserve the smile and health of dental professionals; the creator of population smile.

Health needs for people with disabilities are complex because of interaction between physical, mental, psychological, social, physiological, and economic determinants. Nevertheless, health of people with disabilities is linked to parents/ caregivers socioeconomic, education, and awareness status. Oral health for people with disabilities presents a unique challenge because referral to oral/ dental care is often dependent on health professionals literacy and awareness and parents/ caregivers’ acknowledgement of oral/ dental health concerns. Furthermore, dental/oral health professionals including dentists are not engaged in holistic health management for people with disabilities in most institutes. Therefore, the impact of oral health on physical and mental health is well documented. Given the medical issues that people with disabilities may suffer from, oral health maintenance is becoming a priority. The role of dental professional is pivotal to ensure delivery of high standard services and care and oral health policy makers and researchers should focus on building a model that allows for interaction between dental services and other health services.

Although the value of oral health in people with disabilities is well-documented and acknowledged by professionals, researchers, and policy makers, initiatives that supported integrated oral health services into health service packages for people with disabilities are moving forward slower than anticipated because of limited data available to evaluate needs, demands and problem magnitude. Holistic approach to address oral health concerns in people with disabilities require integrated clinical model is necessary to achieve the objective. Multidisciplinary activities should be designed to ensure the wheel of education, research, and clinical services are functional and interactive. It is important to revise national health research priorities to ensure inclusion of oral health and disability health into the list in order to establish evidence-based practice guidelines and policies. Caregivers and parents training on maintain oral hygiene for people with disabilities must be a priority to reduce the economic, medical, and psychological burden. Furthermore, dental, medical, and allied health professions academic institutes should revise the curriculum to respond to the rising need for a reform that ensure high standards disability friendly healthcare system.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on how we can improve oral health care for individuals with disabilities in the comments below.

Dear Doctor,
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey. Your feedback is important to us, and it will help us to improve the availability and accessibility of online library resources for dentists in Saudi Arabia.

The survey consists of three sections:

• Demographic Information
• Online library Access
• Online library Usage Patterns

Please answer each question as thoughtfully as possible. Your responses will be kept confidential.

Sincerely,
The Research Team.

Link:
http://bit.ly/libraryaccess24

By: Dr. Weam Banjar; Researcher

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized films as a powerful tool to disseminate health information, document health-related historical events, promote health and raise awareness, improve understanding, shape public perception, encourage positive behavior, and construct health-related narratives. WHO concluded the 2024 cycle of the “Health for All” Film Festival (HAFF) during the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA-77). HAFF set an example of the global impact of films, with participants from 110 countries submitting their work, which shed light on three main categories: universal health coverage, emergencies, migrants and refugees’ health, and mental and physical health. Additionally, two special prizes focusing on specific categories are determined annually.

Saudi Arabia has recognized soft power as a public diplomatic tool that utilizes culture to reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting and promoting population safety and global health security, which in turn positively influences the country’s competitiveness at a global level. The Ministry of Culture established the Saudi Film Commission to create an innovation-friendly ecosystem that supports the filming industry in Saudi Arabia and positions the country as a hub for filmmakers, filming professionals, and investors. Since the commission’s establishment, Saudi Arabia has hosted the Red Sea Film Festival, Joy Awards, and Saudi Film Festival. These festivals are powerful networking sessions and present opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborative activities.

At the cusp of Saudi Arabia’s transformation program, the health sector’s dynamics present rich material for the filming and art industries. Professionals can participate in health film festivals at both the competition and jury levels, thus introducing the global community to progress in Saudi Arabia and opening doors for collaborative production. Furthermore, Saudi materials should be able to reflect progress and create a mosaic of the present that interacts with the past and future. Hosting a health film festival is an opportunity for health professionals to bring global health concerns to the table and establish a dialogue on global security. Presenting health concerns through films may serve to approximate different views and create a coalition toward safer global health.

Join the Conversation!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the role of films in promoting global health awareness. Have you attended any health-related film festivals or seen a film that had a significant impact on your understanding of health issues? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! Your voice matters and contributes to a richer dialogue on the intersection of health, culture, and cinema. Let’s discuss how we can further harness the power of films to create a healthier world for everyone.

By: Dr. Weam Banjar; DDS., MS in Clinical Research

Athletes health is a national priority because it affects their performance and the country’s image during participation in Olympics and World Cups. Sport medicine contributes to healthier athletes and better performance and had evolved into a multidisciplinary field. Oral health for athletes focuses on prevention and management of athletics-related injuries and oral diseases. Therefore, sport dentistry is a branch of dentistry dealing with prevention and treatment of pathogenesis and injuries or the oral cavity and stomatognathic system related to sport practice.

Sport dentistry had been recognized as a key element of athletic health. Maintaining good oral health helps to improve performance and prevent injuries. Furthermore, periodical check-up necessary to avoid any potential conditions that may negatively affect training, performance and participation in international competition. Athletes hold a social responsibility toward the youth because they set an example for maintain good oral and dental health. Sport dentistry not only ensure that athletes receive optimal care but also establish the foundation for customized preventive oral health programs that address athletes’ needs and answer their concerns.

Training programs in sport dentistry should adapt a holistic approach in order to provide comprehensive care for athletes. Specialized professionals in sport dentistry are not limited to operate on professional athletes but also may work in gyms and schools to provide preventive and first aid care for orofacial injuries related to sport practice and to collaborate with dental public health professionals to design customized oral health promotion programs for athletics.

By: Dr. Weam Banjar; Researcher

Social media platforms have created a new avenue for sharing experiences, become integrated with many daily routines, and provided an awareness and reflection hub. Social media provides opportunities to enhance users’ health experience by facilitating social connections and interactions with health professionals and officials, and exposure to support and peer review. Furthermore, social media platforms may serve as an awareness and reflection hub through which campaigns could be organized and social media influencers may participate to shape the public opinion and improve the level of health literacy.

The influence of social media platforms on the health system, health policies, and health awareness and literacy should be carefully monitored. Regardless of the potential positive impact of social media content, public health professionals and health officials are aware of the increasing infodemic threat. The spread of information via social media is very rapid and the resonating echo is very high. An Infodemic usually produces an unfavorable public response. During a pandemic and health emergencies, an infodemic challenges proper implementation of a risk communication plan and population education/awareness campaigns. An Infodemic undermines countries’ commitment to global health security principles. Social media platforms are flooded with false information that may endanger population health literacy and the level of health awareness. An Infodemic and sharing false information undermines the interaction between health professionals, health officials, and the population. Evidence-based policies and programs to combat the infodemic and sharing false health-related information on social media require a multidisciplinary approach. Multidisciplinary research activities are needed to support administrative and technical efforts.

Join the conversation and contribute to combating misinformation and promoting health literacy! Share your thoughts, questions, and insights in the comments section below. Your engagement helps build a community dedicated to evidence-based health information and awareness. Let’s work together to make a positive impact. Start by leaving your comment now!

Dr. Weam Mohammed Banjar, DDS., MS in Clinical Research

Historical events present suitable case studies to assess the interaction between health and social, economic, and political determinants. The history of the Arabian Peninsula. Regardless anthropological and archeological studies and research that had assessed the Arabian Peninsula civilization throughout the history, health history of the region is rarely referred to. Population dynamic is interactive with- and reactive to customs and traditions, available resources, geographical location, climate changes, disasters, political status, and immigration movement and traveling. Yet, the Arabian Peninsula had witnessed number of tragic epidemics and outbreaks that affected population health and influenced their behavior, social interaction, health practices and believes, and common language.

Health history of the Arabian Peninsula is yet an undiscovered treasure. Documentation preserves the history and offers reference to understand the society throughout different historical periods and determine the level and direction of interaction with health determinations. However, it is a multi-level, multi-disciplinary process that requires careful analysis of available resources that include diaries, letters, interviews, oral histories, biographies, travelers’ commentaries, folk songs, drawing, novels, newspapers articles and reports, governmental documents, stone inscription, and manuscripts. Awareness is the first step to acknowledge the importance of documenting health history of the Arabian Peninsula. Capacity building and supporting research activities are the second step. Capacity building involve not only academic training for health professionals to equip them with archeological knowledge and historical studies principles to prepare health historians but also training programs for historians to understand health determinants and their interaction with population health as well as programs designed for technicians. Studies that had assessed ancient civilization reflected that unique progress in health practices.

The classic perception of health profession that limit practice to prevention and curative aspects should be changed to engage health professions in activities beyond the classical practice. Health profession involvement in archeological activities, manuscript analysis, and historical events assessments should help draw a better conclusion of ancient civilizations.

Guest of Honour GERMANY’S DENTAL INDUSTRY” – AEEDC Dubai 2024 conference.

Germany’s Dental Industry to be Guest of Honour at AEEDC Dubai 2024
AEEDC Dubai is ‘The Largest Annual Scientific Dental Conference and Exhibition in the World’

Dubai, UAE – 3 October 2023: The global dental and oral health industry is set to make an extraordinary impact this coming year as it was announced that Germany’s Dental Industry will be the Guest of Honour at next year’s 28th edition of the annual International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition – AEEDC Dubai 2024.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the International Dental Show (IDS), the leading global event for the dental community – which ensures sustainable success as a platform for innovation and market trends, between the Association of the German Dental Industry (VDDI) and INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, the organizers of the annual event AEEDC Dubai.
“I am very honored about this initiative, which will give the manufacturers of the German Dental Industry the opportunity to tighten their contacts and business activities in this important regional target market and to be able to further expand them in many places. The VDDI has always been happy to support the AEEDC in Dubai for decades. This is a new milestone in our friendly cooperation” stated Mark Stephen Pace, Chairman of the Board of the Association of the German Dental Industry (VDDI). “I am very thankful for the tremendous support of our German Government represented the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the of the AUMA – Association of the German Trade Fair Industry,” he added.
The news was received with positive response as AEEDC Dubai is known as ‘The Largest Annual Scientific Dental Conference and Exhibition in the World’ where more than 66,000 people from 155 countries attend. Last year alone showcased more than 4,800 brands from over 3,600 companies, and the 2024 edition is set to expand by nearly 30%.

Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding, stated: “Germany has had a long-standing position within AEEDC Dubai as major contributors for innovative technology and enhanced treatments methods. We appreciate the valuable contributions they have made over the years and we are delighted to have them as our Guest of Honour of AEEDC Dubai 2024.”
AEEDC Dubai connects dental and oral care companies, manufacturers, and distributors from around the world to reach new business markets and increase their networks. Having Germany’s Dental Industry as the Guest of Honour will further support German products to increase their market share and introduce new products to the world. The Guest of Honour position will place a major spotlight on German brands and products at AEEDC Dubai and highlight them throughout the exhibition for attendees to be aware of their contributions to the global dental industry which spans for more than 100 years.
Germany’s Dental Industry is known for their high-quality products as their turnover has increased by more than 28% to over 6.2 billion euros, where export markets have contributed significantly to this with a total of 4.1 billion euros, and expected to increase steadily over the next year.

About VDDI
Association of the German Dental Industry (VDDI) is part of a worldwide expanding healthcare market and holds a leading position within the international dental industry. VDDI’s business activities include more than 60,000 products in the field of fixtures and fittings, instruments, appliances, and materials, covering the complete spectrum of dentistry from diagnostics through preventive medicine to final restoration.

About AEEDC Dubai
AEEDC Dubai is an annual international three-day conference and exhibition specialized in dentistry which brings together oral health practitioners and producers from around the world, showcases the latest innovative technology and provides companies in the industry an opportunity to forge long-term deals and joint investments to serve the needs of local, regional, and international markets.
AEEDC Dubai 2024 will take place on February 6th-8th at the Dubai World Trade Centre and is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Org. LLC. – a member of INDEX Holding. The event is supported by Dubai Health Authority, Scientific Global Dental Alliance, Dental Federation, Executive Board of the Health Ministers Council for Gulf Cooperation Council States, Gulf Health Council, Riyadh Elm University, Arab Academy for Continuing Dental Education, Saudi Dental Society, Saudi Orthodontic Society, Saudi Prosthodontic Society, International Association for Dental Research, The Greater New York Dental Meeting and Manitoba Dental Association.