While it may seem like everyone is on social media these days, only about half (51%) of Canadian dentists maintain a social media account for their practice, according to the Data Driven Dentistry survey from Oral Health. Adoption also varies significantly by region. Dentists in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are leading the charge, with 75% reporting that their practice has a social media presence. Quebec and the Atlantic provinces trail behind, with just 33% of respondents saying they use social media for their practice.
But in 2026, which platform do dentists use most?
Despite being one of the oldest major social platforms still in widespread use, Facebook remains the clear leader. Among practices that use social media, 87% report having a presence on Facebook, making it the most widely used platform among dental professionals.
While newer platforms such as TikTok often generate buzz as the latest social media trend, Facebook still has the largest user base in the world, with more than 3 billion monthly active users. That scale, combined with the detailed information users share on their profiles, makes Facebook a powerful marketing tool for dental practices. The platform allows practices to target advertising campaigns very precisely — for example, reaching parents, specific age groups, or people living within a certain distance of the clinic.
Facebook also offers strong opportunities for community engagement through features such as Facebook Groups. These groups allow dental practices to connect directly with local residents and community organizations. Participating in neighbourhood or city-based groups can help practices build visibility, answer questions, and establish trust with potential patients.
Instagram is not far behind Facebook in terms of popularity among dentists, but Facebook’s massive reach and powerful targeting tools help explain why it continues to dominate. For dental practices considering whether to establish a social media presence, the data suggests Facebook remains the most effective place to start.
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