The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has released a comprehensive guideline on the responsible use of social media and digital communication platforms by medical and dental practitioners across the country.
Dated October 14, 2025, the document titled “Guidance on Social Media and Responsible Online Conduct” sets out the standards expected of all practitioners registered with the Council in their online engagements, stressing professionalism, accuracy, and respect in digital spaces.
According to the MDCN, the new directive aims to safeguard patients’ rights, protect practitioners, and uphold the integrity of the medical and dental professions while promoting evidence-based communication online.
The Council stated that the same standards of professional conduct that apply in clinical and public life equally apply to social media, warning that posts or endorsements made online can reflect on the profession as a whole.
Among the key principles highlighted are professionalism, honesty, integrity, patient confidentiality, accuracy, and accountability. Practitioners were reminded never to share identifiable patient information, including clinical images or voice notes, without explicit written consent.
The MDCN also cautioned against using personal social media accounts for patient interactions, emphasising that all medical advice should be provided in appropriate clinical settings. It further urged doctors and dentists to avoid discriminatory, harassing, or defamatory posts against patients, colleagues, or institutions.
“Practitioners are responsible for their online activity. Even deleted or private posts may become public,” the guidance warned, adding that breaches could lead to disciplinary or fitness-to-practise proceedings.
Addressing recent trends of online misinformation and unverified commentary, the Council noted that some practitioners have made false or misleading statements about the MDCN and its officers under the guise of advocacy. It warned that such actions erode public trust, mislead colleagues, and could attract legal or disciplinary sanctions.
While affirming that constructive advocacy and professional dissent are welcome, the MDCN stressed that “defamation is not advocacy.” It advised practitioners to verify information directly from official MDCN sources, use measured language, and channel complaints through proper platforms.
For transparency, the Council listed its verified communication channels, including its official website — www.mdcn.gov.ng, social media handles (@MDCNOfficial on X, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria on Facebook, and @officialmdcn on Instagram) — and dedicated emails such as info@mdcn.gov.ng for general enquiries and registrar@mdcn.gov.ng for formal complaints.
