When a patient walks into your office with a screenshot of a TikTok dental “hack” or an influencer’s porcelain veneer transformation, you’re no longer just treating a clinical case—you’re managing expectations shaped by social media, pop culture, and viral trends.
As dental professionals, we’ve entered an era where aesthetic aspiration meets digital influence, and the gap between what patients want and what is appropriate is growing wider—and faster—than ever.
So, how do we bridge that gap? Let’s consider what it means to be a modern dentist in a TikTok-fueled world.
The New Patient Mindset: Influencer-Driven Dentistry
We used to ask patients, “What brings you in today?” Now we might hear:
“I saw this smile on Instagram—can you make mine look just like it?”
“A YouTuber said I can bleach my teeth with baking soda and lemon juice.”
“This TikTok said shaving my teeth before getting veneers is normal… right?”
The rise of social media dentistry has done wonders for patient awareness, interest in cosmetic procedures, and destigmatization of dental care. But it has also created an environment where misinformation spreads faster than science, and expectations are often set by filters, edits, and scripted “smile reveal” videos.
3 Challenges of Social Media in Clinical Practice: Understanding these challenges is the first step in navigating the influence of social media in our profession.
1. Unrealistic Aesthetic Expectations: Patients often bring in photos of celebrities or influencers without understanding the complexity of their treatment. They may not realize the person in the video had orthodontics, gum contouring, and ten units of Botox-not just whitening.Patients often bring in photos of celebrities or influencers without understanding the complexity of their treatment. They may not realize the person in the video had orthodontics, gum contouring, and ten units of Botox—not just whitening.
2. DIY Dental Trends
From dangerous trends like paperclip braces to at-home veneer kits and TikTok teeth-filing disasters, these viral fads often create irreversible damage. Patients don’t always see the risks because the algorithm favors engagement, not ethics.
3. Commoditization of Dentistry
Social media can make cosmetic procedures seem transactional, like beauty products. But unlike lipstick or lashes, dental treatments are medical procedures with long-term consequences.
Strategies for Navigating Expectations
Open the Conversation Early: By initiating this dialogue, we can guide our patients towards informed decisions and manage their expectations effectively. Start every cosmetic dentistry consultation by asking, “What inspired you to consider this treatment?” This allows you to uncover their source of influence and gently correct any misinformation.
Use Visuals to Educate
Showcase real before-and-after cases from your practice. Emphasize that each smile is customized—not cookie-cutter. Explain facial proportions, bite alignment, and gum health in the smile design.
Be the Expert, Not the Critic: Our patients look to us for guidance, and by offering constructive advice, we can help them achieve their smile goals safely and effectively.When patients mention DIY treatments or unrealistic goals, avoid dismissive language. Instead of “That’s not safe,” try, “Here’s what I’d recommend to protect your smile long-term.”
Join the Conversation Ethically
You're missing an opportunity if you’re not already using social media to educate. Posting short videos, smile stories, or myth-busting content can establish your authority and reach patients before misinformation does.
The New Role of the Dentist: Clinician + Influencer + Coach
Today’s dental professionals are more than clinicians—we are guides in a world of overwhelming content. Patients don’t just need our skills—they need our clarity. They want their smiles to shine, but they also want someone they can trust.
By positioning ourselves as ethical experts in function and aesthetics, we can protect our patients, elevate our practices, and help shift the social media narrative toward responsible, beautiful, and health-centered dentistry.
Final Thoughts
Social media isn’t going away, and neither are the influencers, trending treatments, or TikTok-fueled requests.
But as dental professionals, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to lead with education, empathy, and excellence. When patients walk in with a viral smile goal, it’s our job to show them what’s possible, appropriate, and best for their health.
From toothache to TikTok, our role is evolving. And that’s a good thing—because now, more than ever, the world is watching what dentistry can do.
About the Author:
Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is a restorative and cosmetic dentist in Henderson, NV specializing in smile makeovers, dental implants, and facial aesthetic treatments. She is passionate about patient education and bridging the gap between science and modern beauty trends.
Learn more: https://drperrone.com/blog
Contact: (702) 458-2929