My annual helpful review of orthodontic social media.

Introduction

Another year has passed, and as usual, I am sharing my review of social media sites for 2024. 

In writing this blog, I explore various social media platforms to gather information and publications that people are discussing. As a result, I spend a significant amount of time focused on orthodontic social media. In this post, I will share my perceptions of the social media sites I review. Please note that these impressions are entirely my own. Additionally, if I do not mention a particular site, it does not indicate a lack of merit; I may simply have missed it during my research.

This year, I’ve noticed a shift in the tone of various sites. In the past, many of them featured exaggerated claims from individual practitioners, companies, and their paid clinical sales representatives. I’m glad to see that these claims have decreased, and I wonder if this is due to moderators becoming more proactive in challenging what users post. While I acknowledge that this is a subjective view, I sincerely hope this trend continues.

As with other years, I shall start with Facebook.

Facebook.

There are numerous orthodontic Facebook groups, ranging from academic research sites to those occupied by the “totally bonkers” fringe. I review these groups; I have not listed them in any specific order and include many from previous years.

Evidence-Based Orthodontics (7.5K members)

This site has made significant progress over time. It focuses on disseminating evidence-based treatments and emphasizes research papers and discussions. Martyn Cobourne and Andrew DiBiase are the directors of the site. I should mention that I know both of them well. Martyn and I grew up in the same small village in Worcestershire. Although I am a few years older and we did not know each other as children, it is gratifying to see that we both became Professors of Orthodontics. The site also serves as a platform for their annual evidence-based orthodontic course held in the UK. Membership has seen a slight increase over the past year.

Orthodontics Mastery Group (11K members)

This is a long-established discussion group intended for specialists, postgraduates, and residents. It primarily features case reports, opinion pieces, and discussions of research papers. The group is very active, with daily posts. I believe it is well moderated, making it an excellent source of interesting information.

Orthodontic Fundamentals (9.4K members)

This group is managed by Padhraig Fleming, who also makes significant contributions to my blog. Like the other groups I’ve mentioned, this site includes information from research papers and some case reports. One of the great strengths of this group is that Padhraig writes posts about current topics.research and takes part in the discussions by other group members.

KIEFERORTHOPÄDIE – The Journal for Practical Orthodontics (5.3K members).

I believe this group is relatively new. Over the past few years, I have had discussions about it. It is a German-based group run by Bjorn Ludwig. The group is similar to others in its field, and Bjorn publishes quality case reports, research papers, and a weekly discussion on a selected research paper. He actively participates in the discussions as well.

Controversies, concepts and items of interest in orthodontics (2.5K members).

This group can be a bit wild, and that’s why I enjoy it. It is dedicated to in-depth case reports and discussions on contemporary controversies in orthodontics. The group also shares posts that expose poor practices in our specialty, specifically addressing get-rich-quick schemes, some of our most openly corrupt key opinion leaders (KOLs), and various scandals. While not all content will appeal to everyone, the discussions can become quite passionate.

Orthodontic Pearls (9.3K members)

I have had mixed feelings about this group over the years. However, in recent years, the tone has subtly changed. It was at risk of publishing too many posts from key opinion leaders (KOLs), but it has shifted its focus. Now, it primarily provides clinical tips and engages in case discussions, and it does this very well. Many posts come from members seeking advice on clinical problems. Some may be critical and feel that certain questions are too basic; however, I disagree. There is nothing wrong with asking a simple question, as these are often the very inquiries that require the courage to address.

The Digital Orthodontist (6.3K members)

I recently discovered this website and have come to appreciate it. It is managed by Kyle Fagala, a U.S.-based orthodontist who focuses on digital marketing and various digital aspects of dental care. As an orthodontic academic with a more traditional approach, you might wonder why I pay attention to this site. The reason is that I find the digital aspect of our practice intriguing, and we cannot ignore its relevance in today’s world. The posts are well-moderated, and Kyle effectively addresses fringe topics. I have learned a great deal from this community.

Orthodontics Study Group (31K members)

This group is based in Egypt and is the largest one that I follow. It is well-moderated and primarily focuses on clinical posts and discussions. The discussions are always polite, non-confrontational, and professional. They cover a wide range of topics, from basic questions about treatment to complex treatment discussions.

Instagram

About a year ago, I noted that I still find this topic to be a mystery. I have an Instagram account with an increasing number of followers, but I feel I could improve my presence on the platform. Instagram generally favors quick, polished formats for posts, which often leads to insufficient case reports and videos of dancing orthodontists and their staff. These videos are primarily aimed at marketing their practices. While some are pretty good, others can make the practitioners appear foolish. However, some content is genuinely interesting if you can look past this. The accounts I follow include James Andrews, Padhraig Fleming, and Messias Rodrigues.

I also want to mention Orthoreads again. This feed includes information on classic research papers that the authors consider significant. They are now transitioning to feature experts highlighting noteworthy research papers in their field. It serves as an excellent information source for everyone.

Podcasts

Due to time constraints, I struggle to keep up with the many orthodontic podcasts available. A lot of them are absolute rubbish. As a result, I have become very selective about which ones I follow. The only podcast I regularly listen to is “Orthodontics in Summary,” hosted by Farooq Ahmed from the UK. His discussions on various aspects of orthodontics are excellent and well-balanced.

My social media

Finally, I would like to mention my social media. I use this mainly to publicise my blog posts. But I am trying to post more regularly.  I have two main Facebook sites because I made a mess of setting them up.  These are Kevin O’Brien, and Kevin O’Brien’s Orthodontic Blog (this is a group). This is a bit messy. So, I am going to stop posting updates on my personal Facebook. If you still want Facebook updates, can you become a member of Kevin O’Brien’s Orthodontic Blog?

I will also do better with Instagram (I am getting lessons from my children). So if you want updates etc, please follow me on my Instagram at  Kevin OBriens Orthodontic Blog.

That’s about it for this year. I hope that you find this helpful information.