Social Media and Scary DIY Dental Trends
Social Media and Scary DIY Dental Trends
With Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd
Course Description:
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) dentistry isn’t anything new. People have been using at-home remedies for dental treatments for hundreds of years. With the popularity of the internet and social media, information on simpler, faster, and cheaper alternatives to going to the dentist are becoming more enticing and easier for the general public to discover. Without prior knowledge or training, people are attempting these DIY treatments without being aware of the negative outcomes that may result in serious and lasting implications to their dental health. Through analysis of current trends, clinical case examples, and communication strategies, participants will learn to identify risk factors, address patient concerns, and maintain ethical standards in an increasingly digital dental landscape.
Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the influence of social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) on the popularity and spread of DIY dental trends.
- Explain the role of influencers, algorithms, and virality in shaping public perceptions of dental aesthetics and self-care.
- List common DIY dental trends (e.g., at-home whitening, tooth filing, mail- order veneers) and assess the potential health risks and ethical concerns associated with each.
- Examine the credibility of online dental health information, including how to distinguish evidence-based practices from misinformation.
- Identify the potential short- and long-term oral health risks associated with specific DIY dental practices.
- Recognize clinical signs of self-performed dental interventions and incorporate appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies.
- Implement principles of digital professionalism to use social media responsibly and effectively as a tool for patient education and public health messaging.
- Develop strategies to address misinformation, promote oral health literacy, and advocate for safer digital environments.
About the Presenter:
Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd, is a dental hygienist with over 30 years of clinical experience in periodontics, laser therapy, and Guided Biofilm Therapy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and dental hygiene. Driven by her passion for teaching in the field of dentistry, she graduated with honors with a Master’s in Education (MEd) specializing in Instructional Design.
In addition to her clinical practice, Cheryl is a continuing education presenter and has written articles for publications such as Today’s RDH, Cocofloss, and DoctorBase. She has also been a guest on the Dental Bun podcast and recently celebrated seven years as a Professional Educator for Waterpik™. Cheryl is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the California Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Dental Hygienist Recognition Program.
Cheryl can be reached on Linkedin @Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd
Course Details:
Instructor: Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd
# of CE: 1.5
Location: Virtual
AGD Code: 010
Time Zones:
- PDT = 6 - 7:30 PM
- MDT = 7 - 8:30 PM
- CDT = 8 - 9:30 PM
- EDT = 9 - 10:30 PM
- AZ = 6 - 7:30 PM
Social Media and Scary DIY Dental Trends
With Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd
Course Description:
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) dentistry isn’t anything new. People have been using at-home remedies for dental treatments for hundreds of years. With the popularity of the internet and social media, information on simpler, faster, and cheaper alternatives to going to the dentist are becoming more enticing and easier for the general public to discover. Without prior knowledge or training, people are attempting these DIY treatments without being aware of the negative outcomes that may result in serious and lasting implications to their dental health. Through analysis of current trends, clinical case examples, and communication strategies, participants will learn to identify risk factors, address patient concerns, and maintain ethical standards in an increasingly digital dental landscape.
Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the influence of social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) on the popularity and spread of DIY dental trends.
- Explain the role of influencers, algorithms, and virality in shaping public perceptions of dental aesthetics and self-care.
- List common DIY dental trends (e.g., at-home whitening, tooth filing, mail- order veneers) and assess the potential health risks and ethical concerns associated with each.
- Examine the credibility of online dental health information, including how to distinguish evidence-based practices from misinformation.
- Identify the potential short- and long-term oral health risks associated with specific DIY dental practices.
- Recognize clinical signs of self-performed dental interventions and incorporate appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies.
- Implement principles of digital professionalism to use social media responsibly and effectively as a tool for patient education and public health messaging.
- Develop strategies to address misinformation, promote oral health literacy, and advocate for safer digital environments.
About the Presenter:
Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd, is a dental hygienist with over 30 years of clinical experience in periodontics, laser therapy, and Guided Biofilm Therapy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and dental hygiene. Driven by her passion for teaching in the field of dentistry, she graduated with honors with a Master’s in Education (MEd) specializing in Instructional Design.
In addition to her clinical practice, Cheryl is a continuing education presenter and has written articles for publications such as Today’s RDH, Cocofloss, and DoctorBase. She has also been a guest on the Dental Bun podcast and recently celebrated seven years as a Professional Educator for Waterpik™. Cheryl is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the California Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Dental Hygienist Recognition Program.
Cheryl can be reached on Linkedin @Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd
Course Details:
Instructor: Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd
# of CE: 1.5
Location: Virtual
AGD Code: 010
Time Zones:
- PDT = 6 - 7:30 PM
- MDT = 7 - 8:30 PM
- CDT = 8 - 9:30 PM
- EDT = 9 - 10:30 PM
- AZ = 6 - 7:30 PM
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