Social media tip: How dental team members and dentists can avoid defamation

We recently posted an article about how a Pennsylvania dental practice filed a defamation lawsuit against employees from a competing practice claiming they made damaging statements about it on social media. A dentist, "claimed in the suit that the defamatory statements made on Facebook have severely damaged his reputation and his dental practice, which led to a loss of patients and business opportunities."

Rita Zamora.

The article has generated plenty of buzz from DrBicupsid.com readers, so we wanted to ask a social media expert in the dental space, Rita Zamora of Connect90, for her advice on how you and your fellow team members avoid the same kind of consequences that are being faced by one Pennsylvania dental practice.

Many interactions on social media (including those that are brought up in court) could be simply avoided by taking a moment to logically consider the ramifications of what is being typed on that keyboard, Zamora said.

"Think twice before hitting Post. What you post can come back to bite you," Zamora said. "It may bite you legally and in addition, may cost you your job, future opportunities, or even your self-respect."

Here are some of Zamora's other best pieces of advice when it comes to social media.

A few questions to keep in mind:

• Is what I'm about to do in line with my values? 
• Am I harming others in any way?
• Is this how I would want to be treated?
• Is what I'm doing something I will be proud of?

Other options to consider:

• Don't participate. Keep scrolling and let it go.
• Take the high road. Speak well of your colleagues to patients, it reflects well on you.

Zamora also thinks highly of this Peter Attia tip, calling it "an actionable tactic for better self and emotional regulation."

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The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.