The Power of Dr. Google with Dr. Sara Alhammadi

Meet Dr. Sara Alhammadi, her virality in dental content is what initially drew us to her. A moth to a flame, we wanted to see what she had to say about the interweb its constantly growing patient audience.

Google has become the go-to source for everything, including health concerns. This trend is particularly evident in the field of dentistry, where patients often arrive at their appointments armed with a wealth of information—or misinformation—they've found online.

Dr. Sara:?Google has become the first place many patients turn to when they have dental concerns or are considering treatments. While it's great that they’re proactive about their health, it can also lead to misconceptions. Patients often come in with fixed ideas based on what they’ve read online, which may not always be accurate or applicable to their specific case.

CHDL:?How do you handle situations where patients have self-diagnosed or come in with specific treatment requests based on what they found online?

Dr. Sara:?It's all about communication and education. When a patient comes in with information from Google, I take the time to discuss their findings and explain the realities of their condition. For instance, some patients may think they need veneers because they’ve read about them online, but they might actually need orthodontic treatment first. It's important to set realistic expectations and guide them towards the best treatment plan for their individual needs.

To combat the spread of misinformation, Dr. Sara leverages social media to share accurate, evidence-based information.?"We use our social media platforms to share educational content, patient testimonials, and case studies to clarify common misconceptions,"?she says. By doing so, she helps patients make informed decisions and understand the importance of following professional advice.

CHDL:?How do you ensure that patients understand the importance of following professional advice over what they read online?

Dr. Sara:?Education is key. During consultations, I explain the benefits and limitations of different treatments and why a particular approach might be better for them. I also use visual aids and case studies to show them real-life examples. This helps them see the value in following a professional treatment plan rather than relying solely on online information.

As Dr. Sara’s experience shows, the power of "Dr. Google" is undeniable, but with the right approach, dentists can harness this power to educate patients and ensure they receive the best possible care.