Abstract

MARIN GUAMAN, Marco Antonio  and  GUERRERO LUZURIAGA, Aura del Cisne. Social Media Applied to Dental Education Learning. Rev. Sci. [online]. 2025, vol.10, n.35, pp.149-170.  Epub Oct 01, 2025. ISSN 2542-2987.  https://doi.org/10.29394/scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.35.7.149-170.

This study analyzes the impact of social media on the teaching-learning process of dentistry students at Universidad Católica de Cuenca (UCACUE). Using a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) descriptive approach, a survey was applied to 93 eighth-semester students during the 2022-2023 academic period. Results revealed that 99% use social media and 91% incorporate these platforms into their educational process. YouTube (83,10%) stands out as the preferred platform for theoretical-practical learning, while WhatsApp (76,60%) leads in clinical feedback. 95% consider these platforms useful for theoretical components and creating educational videos. 78% perceive benefits in both theoretical and practical subjects. Time dedicated to social media (65% between 3-5 hours daily) raises questions about possible effects on academic performance. The study concludes that social media represents complementary pedagogical tools with high potential to enrich dental education, although institutional regulations are required for their systematic integration into all courses and the development of critical digital competencies that allow students to discriminate, validate, and effectively apply available information.

Keywords : social media; higher education; learning; dental education; educational technology.

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