As dentists, we are representatives of our profession even when we are not practicing in our offices and must remember to follow the American Dental Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct (ADA Code)1Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with Official Advisory Opinions Revised November 2020. American Dental Association. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/principles-of-ethics-code-of-professional-conductGoogle Scholar when we participate on social media platforms. Social media is an important tool that allows for instant communication to a large audience. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn have become pervasive in our society. Businesses use these social media platforms to advertise and connect with customers, and people use them to receive news, share information, and make or maintain social connections. With increased and widespread use of social media for various purposes, we have received ethical questions from dental professionals about social media posting. Although many questions about social media use have no definitive solution and are situational, we would like to offer guidance on some of ADA members' most frequently asked questions as they relate to the ADA Code.1Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with Official Advisory Opinions Revised November 2020. American Dental Association. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/principles-of-ethics-code-of-professional-conductGoogle Scholar Many patients are excited and proud to be featured on social media, and some will even take a selfie while in the dental office and post themselves. However, the dentist should keep several ethical considerations in mind when posting about patients, their cases, or other personal information. The dentist should follow the principle of Patient Autonomy (“self-governance”) in Section 1 of the ADA Code.1Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with Official Advisory Opinions Revised November 2020. American Dental Association. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/principles-of-ethics-code-of-professional-conductGoogle Scholar Section 1.B.2 refers to Confidentiality of Patient Records, and dentists must safeguard patient’s privacy. Section 5 of the ADA Code also offers guidance to protect the patient-dentist relationship and, as stated in Section 5.D.2., not “exploit the trust” inherent in this relationship. Following the principle of nonmaleficence, dentists must also follow Section 2.G of the code and avoid “exploiting the confidence placed in them by a patient.”1Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with Official Advisory Opinions Revised November 2020. American Dental Association. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/principles-of-ethics-code-of-professional-conductGoogle Scholar Engaging in the informed consent process to ensure that the patient is adequately informed of what will be posted, how it will be used, and to whom it will be visible should be a minimal obligation, but there are other factors to consider. Before posting anything about a patient in a public forum, the dentist should be sure to contemplate all the nuances that could be involved to protect the patient-dentist relationship. Within Section 5, the principle of Veracity (“truthfulness”), Section 5.F.1. refers specifically to Published Communications, stating that dentists should not make “false or misleading representation to the public” and Section 5.F.2. defines “false or misleading” and provides examples.1Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with Official Advisory Opinions Revised November 2020. American Dental Association. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/principles-of-ethics-code-of-professional-conductGoogle Scholar Section 5E (Professional Announcement) states, “In order to properly serve the public, dentists should represent themselves in a manner that contributes to the esteem of the profession.”1Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with Official Advisory Opinions Revised November 2020. American Dental Association. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/principles-of-ethics-code-of-professional-conductGoogle Scholar The principle of Justice (“fairness”), Section 4 of the ADA Code, is ever present both on and off social media, but a spotlight has been placed on online platforms. Although a person may be attempting to offer helpful advice, keep in mind that it may be difficult to discern the motives of others commenting on a forum. When a post is made on a public forum, it is a representation of the dentist's professional reputation and could affect the integrity of the entire profession. As dental professionals, we share the common goal of helping patients achieve optimal health, and we must work together with a unified voice to preserve this ability. The principle of Nonmaleficence (“do no harm”), Section 2 of the ADA Code, is an important consideration in today’s social media landscape. It may seem harmless to attempt to diagnose a patient’s condition and solve their problem with a photo and narrative of the issue, as the dentist strives to help patients. However, even if the question is coming from a patient of record, certain standards must be followed with all patients to make a comprehensive diagnosis. A response on social media may be seen as a definitive solution because dentists are trusted health care professionals. The principle of Beneficence (“do good”) is referenced in Section 3 of the ADA Code.1Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with Official Advisory Opinions Revised November 2020. American Dental Association. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/principles-of-ethics-code-of-professional-conductGoogle Scholar It may seem tempting to offer advice as part of that principle, but it is important to remember it can be difficult for dentists to give professional advice while maintaining their ethical obligations under the principle of Nonmaleficence (“do no harm”), as proper diagnostics are not typically available in a social media setting. The ethical principle of Nonmaleficence (“do no harm”), Section 2 of the ADA Code, requires the dentist-patient relationship to remain professional. Section 2.G., Personal Relationships With Patients, addresses this and states “dentists should avoid interpersonal relationships that could impair their professional judgment or risk the possibility of exploiting the confidence placed in them by a patient.”1Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with Official Advisory Opinions Revised November 2020. American Dental Association. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/principles-of-ethics-code-of-professional-conductGoogle Scholar In addition to protecting the rights of patients and staff members, it is recommended that posting on social media be purposeful, and it may be a good idea for dentists to establish separate personal and professional accounts, depending on the information being shared. For example, if dentists use their social media accounts to market and advertise for their practices, professional accounts should be used. These accounts are often verified and some can even provide data on followers, friends, or connections to ensure target audiences are being reached. Dr. Bailey is a general dentist, Boston, MA, and immediate past chair of the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs. Dr. Mellion is an orthodontist, Akron, OH, and a past member of the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs.