Implementation of the social network Instagram as a pedagogical tool in the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Costa Rica

Abstract

Information and communication technologies have changed teaching-learning processes. The objective of this research was to implement the Instagram social network as a pedagogical tool, to facilitate the development of the initial clinical-administrative activities of the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Clinic I at the University of Costa Rica. To do this, a qualitative and quantitative investigation was carried out with the 61 students who were attending the Clinic for the first time. The students were randomly divided into two groups: case and control, a private account was created on Instagram to which only the students of the case group had access. For 6 weeks, information will be published regarding the first administrative steps to care for patients, initial clinical records and cases for students to practice. At the end of the intervention, the students answered a survey on the use of the social network in the Clinic. As a result, a statistically significant difference was obtained in the number of case presentations made by the case group. Furthermore, the students are very satisfied with the use of the social network and recommend its use. The social network Instagram was implemented with great success and satisfaction in the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Clinic.