Dentists’ view of the Internet patient phenomenon in modern dental practice: challenges and prospects for communication

The purpose of the article is to analyze the phenomenon of the Internet patient in modern dental practice and identify the main challenges and prospects for communication between dentists and patients who actively use the Internet as a source of medical information. Based on the analysis of literature over the past 5 years and the results of domestic and international research, it is shown that digital awareness of patients is a twofold phenomenon: on the one hand, it contributes to the growth of awareness and partnership between the doctor and the patient, on the other hand, it creates risks of misinformation, self-medication and conflict situations. Recommendations are proposed for increasing digital medical literacy, integrating proven online resources and adapting communication strategies in dentistry.