Australasian Dentist Magazine March April 2021

Category 120 Australasian Dentist A s someone who has written pieces for professional dental publications for some years, I find it fascinating when reflecting on the formats used to deliver written form over this time. The tide seems to be changing; with the profession now looking to social media platforms for guidance, inspiration and connection. Whilst this trend has been happening for many years now it seems that the thirst for collaboration from the profession lies in the immediacy of delivery of the social media format, especially during these COVID times of physical distance. The availability and adaptability of content has seen a direct change in the consumption of it. Are dental professionals, by and large, seeking intellectual interaction via social media platforms in preference to scholarly research journal articles? Possibly, in some form or another, the collegiate nature of a group public shaming of clinical case studies can almost be entertaining. The collective denunciation of a shameful overhang, a questionable shade selection or minimal retention crown preparation can be therapeutic for those seeking validation for their feelings of inadequacy. Social media platforms bring quick and easily consumable content to the clinician, often available any time; between patients or alternatively whilst drinking coffee during a lunchbreak. Clinicians are following dental influencers on platforms such as Instagram, searching through the abyss of stylised, photo shopped hype by dental superstars, many of whom rose to fame by flaunting flashy simulated reality. This format provides the consumer with a highly visual and easy to digest storytelling format. Trolling through the solicitous content on platforms such as LinkedIN, a front for unabashed self- promotion of both oneself and one’s professional content can prove to be an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Whilst dental clinicians are scientists who were educated to seek empirical evidence and formulate their own rationale for treatment. Scholarly peer reviewed journal articles were once deemed to be the capstone of authoritative information. Do we no longer actively pursue the research of academics who write captivating articles such as “Dissecting the role of VicK Phosphatase in Aggregation and Biofilm Formation of Streptococcus mutans?” Sounds intriguing and absolutely digestible for a career academic, nonetheless a practicing clinician may be completely ambivalent as to the current clinical indications of such a research article. Are practitioners trending towards using social media platforms as a basis for treatment and practical advice; choosing to follow the clinical intelligence of a fellow practitioner who declares themselves an expert or master clinician? Whilst many of us wish to emulate the apparent clinical proficiencies of an esteemed Facebook colleague, it may be sagacious to consider the case studies on display are the cream of the portfolio. Will the apparent revolution in the consumption of information lead to a dissolution of the scientific accountability of the profession? Unlikely, although as the profession looks to alternative formats for scholarly guidance the individual clinician may choose to seek as many pathways as possible. Supplying digestible, entertaining, and captivating information via alternative gateways may be the only source of guidance for some clinicians working in remote areas, with limited access to mentorship opportunities. If social media platforms are to provide alternative sources of productive and educational information to the dental community, the community itself must become part of the narrative. Choosing to peer review or critique the information offered by the content producer by actively seeking to understand and engage with the Facebook group or LinkedIN contributor by participating in forums. Ask the master clinician to discuss the cases that didn’t always go to plan, as failures often highlight the path to true learning and masterful enquiry. Changing times demand a change in thinking and purpose. Productive, positive collaboration as a profession seeking to understand a multitude of clinical ambi- guities as a collective community could offer infinite wisdom, the challenge lies in unpacking the quality of this information. I have listed my top Five Australian Facebook Groups for your next foray into the blissful abyss of fanciful Facebook foraging: 1. DentTEAMology – administrated by Dr Becky Chen (founded by Dr Becky is a practice owner who believes dentistry requires a strong team culture and work ethic) 2. DentalX – Excellence in General Practice Admininstrated by Dr Christopher Ho, Dr Leong Seng Neoh, Dr Sam Koh, Dr Andrew Chio, Leighton Phunke, Dr Anthony Mak, Dr Lawrence Lau, and moderated by Dr Ian Meyers. (A platform providing clinical case studies, guidance and mentorship) 3. Dental Products review (DPR), administrated by Dr Shail Soni, See- Wee and Steve Tiang (a forum for dental professionals, seeking collaboration and connection via mutual interests) 4. “A spoonful of Oral Medicine”, administrated by Dr Amanda Poon. (offering up bite-sized chunks of oral medicine content for all health professionals) 5. Dental Health Network (DHN), administrated by Dr David Kerr and Robyn Russell. (A shameless, unsolicited plug!) I hope you enjoy the robust discussions had each week, a group administered by a dentist/practice owner and OHT who believe dentistry is a changing, challenging, and rewarding profession and seeking collaboration and connectivity from all members of the dental community). u Robyn Russell Influencers or academics, to follow is to flourish or fail? By Robyn Russell Intentional Pr ctitioner