DOI:

10.37988/1811-153X_2025_4_201

A web-based assessment of Iraqi orthodontists’ perception and utilization of orthodontic mobile apps and social media

Downloads

Authors

  • 1 University of Baghdad, 10071, Baghdad, Iraq
  • 2 Wasit University, 52001, Wasit, Iraq
  • 3 Alexandria University, 21544, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Objectives: The integration of smartphones and mobile applications (apps) into healthcare has significantly reshaped orthodontic practice. However, limited research exists on how orthodontists utilize these tools. This study examines the awareness, adoption, and perceptions of orthodontic apps and social media among Iraqi orthodontists as clinical aids.
Materials and methods.
A web-based, cross-sectional survey of 132 respondents assessed demographics, app and social media usage, and perceived benefits.
Results.
Findings indicated that 54% of respondents were unaware of orthodontic apps, and only 11% of those aware used them, primarily for clinical tools such as WebCeph. Patient-focused apps showed minimal adoption, with 95% of participants not recommending these tools to patients. Financial constraints and knowledge gaps were identified as major barriers to adoption. Despite the limited use of apps, 75% of respondents actively used social media for practice promotion, with Instagram* and Facebook* being the preferred platforms. Approximately 67% directed patients to orthodontic content on social media, highlighting its role in patient education. However, concerns about misinformation underscore the need for professional guidelines. The study revealed significant interest (89%) in introductory courses on orthodontic apps, presenting an opportunity to address knowledge gaps through education.
Conclusions.
These findings emphasize the importance of targeted training and policy initiatives to support the integration of digital tools, improve patient outcomes, and promote the adoption of innovative practices in orthodontics. Further research is recommended to evaluate the long-term impact of these technologies.

Key words:

smartphone, applications, orthodontics, social media

For Citation

[1]
Obaid D.H., Sofar M.K., Nahidh M., Zaher A.R. A web-based assessment of Iraqi orthodontists’ perception and utilization of orthodontic mobile apps and social media. Clinical Dentistry (Russia).  2025; 28 (4): 201—205. DOI: 10.37988/1811-153X_2025_4_201

References

  1. Khatoon B., Hill K.B., Walmsley A.D. Can we learn, teach and practise dentistry anywhere, anytime?Br Dent J. 2013; 215 (7): 345—7. PMID: 24113956
  2. Gupta G., Vaid N.R. The world of orthodontic apps. APOS Trends in Orthodontics. 2017; 7 (2): 73—79. DOI: 10.4103/2321-1407.202608
  3. Siddiqui N.R., Hodges S., Sharif M.O. Availability of orthodontic smartphone apps. J Orthod. 2019; 46 (3): 235—241. PMID: 31169046
  4. Singh P. Orthodontic apps for smartphones. J Orthod. 2013; 40 (3): 249—55. PMID: 24009325
  5. Baheti M.J., Toshniwal N. Orthodontic apps at fingertips. Prog Orthod. 2014; 15 (1): 36. PMID: 24950127
  6. Phatak S.M., Daokar S.S. Orthodontic apps: A stairway to the future. International Journal of Orthodontic Rehabilitation. 2019; 10 (2): 75 81. DOI: 10.4103/ijor.ijor_10_19
  7. Rao G.K.L., Mokhtar N., Iskandar Y.H.P. Managing orthodontic needs through mobile Appss. Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy. 2018; 2: 12. DOI: 10.21037/jhmhp.2018.01.07
  8. Moylan H.B., Carrico C.K., Lindauer S.J., Tüfekçi E. Accuracy of a smartphone-based orthodontic treatment-monitoring application: A pilot study. Angle Orthod. 2019; 89 (5): 727—733. PMID: 30888840
  9. Prithiviraj D., Smyth R.S., Sharif M.O. Orthodontic apps: An assessment of content accuracy and validity. J Orthod. 2023; 50 (2): 166—176. PMID: 36250304
  10. Moorhead S.A., Hazlett D.E., Harrison L., Carroll J.K., Irwin A., Hoving C. A new dimension of health care: systematic review of the uses, benefits, and limitations of social media for health communication. J Med Internet Res. 2013; 15 (4): e85. PMID: 23615206
  11. Smailhodzic E., Hooijsma W., Boonstra A., Langley D.J. Social media use in healthcare: A systematic review of effects on patients and on their relationship with healthcare professionals. BMC Health Serv Res. 2016; 16 (1): 442. PMID: 27562728
  12. Prithiviraj D., Siddiqui N.R., Smyth R.S., Hodges S.J., Sharif M.O. The awareness and usage of orthodontic apps and social media by orthodontists in the UK: A questionnaire-based study. J Orthod. 2023; 50 (1): 9—17. PMID: 35491614
  13. Zotti F., Dalessandri D., Salgarello S., Piancino M., Bonetti S., Visconti L., Paganelli C. Usefulness of an app in improving oral hygiene compliance in adolescent orthodontic patients. Angle Orthod. 2016; 86 (1): 101—7. PMID: 25799001
  14. Scheerman J.F.M., van Meijel B., van Empelen P., Kramer G.J.C., Verrips G.H.W., Pakpour A.H., Van den Braak M.C.T., van Loveren C. Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial to test the effect of a smartphone application on oral-health behavior and oral hygiene in adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances. BMC Oral Health. 2018; 18 (1): 19. PMID: 29415697
  15. Scheerman J.F.M., van Meijel B., van Empelen P., Verrips G.H.W., van Loveren C., Twisk J.W.R., Pakpour A.H., van den Braak M.C.T., Kramer G.J.C. The effect of using a mobile application (“WhiteTeeth”) on improving oral hygiene: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Dent Hyg. 2020; 18 (1): 73—83. PMID: 31291683
  16. Patil S., Hedad I.A., Jafer A.A., Abutaleb G.K., Arishi T.M., Arishi S.A., Arishi H.A., Jafer M., Gujar A.N., Khan S., Raj A.T. Effectiveness of mobile phone applications in improving oral hygiene care and outcomes in orthodontic patients. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2021; 11 (1): 26—32. PMID: 33344158
  17. Pubalan S., Zi Hong O., Yongxian T., Mabel L. Assessing effectiveness of WhatsApp messaging program in oral hygiene care for orthodontic patients: A randomised controlled trial. J Orthod. 2024; 51 (4): 407—414. PMID: 38366912
  18. Abdulkadhum Jassim A., Mehdi Alrubayee M.A., Kazmi S. Smart phone application reminder for patients with fixed orthodontic appliance to improve oral hygiene. Dentistry 3000. 2024; 2. DOI: 10.5195/d3000.2024.699
  19. Yassir Y.A., Salman A.R., Nabbat S.A. The accuracy and reliability of WebCeph for cephalometric analysis. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2022; 17 (1): 57—66. PMID: 35140566
  20. Yassir Y.A., Nabbat S.A., Hamdan H.A. Evaluation of semi-automated software and application for cephalometric analysis. International Medical Journal (1994). 2021; 28 (Supp. 1): 16—20.
  21. Ahmed H.M.A., Obaid D.H., Kadhum H.I., Nahidh M., Russo D., Herford A.S., Cicciù M., Minervini G. Awareness of orthodontic patients towards smartphone orthodontic apps. Minerva Dent Oral Sci. 2024; 73 (3): 134—141. PMID: 38743249
  22. Jacox L.A., Mihas P., Cho C., Lin F.C., Ko C.C. Understanding technology adoption by orthodontists: A qualitative study. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2019; 155 (3): 432—442. PMID: 30826046
  23. Sangalli L., Alessandri-Bonetti A., Dalessandri D. Effectiveness of dental monitoring system in orthodontics: A systematic review. J Orthod. 2024; 51 (1): 28—40. PMID: 37278017
  24. Abuarqub S., Al-Moghrabi D., Alkadhimi A., Fleming P.S. Social media use among orthodontic professionals: Present and future. Seminars in Orthodontics. 2023; 4: 342—345. DOI: 10.1053/j.sodo.2023.08.002
  25. Al-Gunaid T.H., Alkhaibari A.A., Alrashidi B.S., Alrehaili M.A., Alatawi S.A. Impact of online communication and type of media formats in enhancing orthodontic patients‘ knowledge. J Orthod Sci. 2021; 10: 23. PMID: 34760816
  26. Al-Moghrabi D., Alkadhimi A., Tsichlaki A., Pandis N., Fleming P.S. The influence of mobile applications and social media-based interventions in producing behavior change among orthodontic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2022; 161 (3): 338—354. PMID: 34736817
  27. Montasser M.A. Mobile app and social media-based interventions may have a positive influence on the behavior of orthodontic patients. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2022; 22 (4): 101784. PMID: 36494105
  28. Nahidh M., Al-Khawaja N.F.K., Jasim H.M., Cervino G., Cicciù M., Minervini G. The role of social media in communication and learning at the time of COVID-19 lockdown. An online survey. Dent J (Basel). 2023; 11 (2): 48. PMID: 36826193

Downloads

Received

February 7, 2025

Accepted

April 1, 2025

Published on

December 18, 2025