King's College London

In 2019, the Netflix documentary Root Cause – later removed – incorrectly identified root canal treatment as a cause of stroke and heart disease. Despite its withdrawal, misinformation continues to circulate on Instagram and TikTok. Dr Sadia Niazi’s Research at King’s College London demonstrates that Root Canal Treatment improves both oral and cardiovascular health outcomes, refuting social media myths with scientific evidence. While tooth extraction is often presented as a quicker, healthier, and more affordable option, it ultimately leads to higher overall costs, poorer health outcomes, and a negative impact on self-image.

80% of social media users now use it for health guidance, often preferring platforms like TikTok and Instagram over official organisations such as the NHS, Public Health England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the WHO. Many users struggle to identify health misinformation, and the rapid growth of TikTok has further fuelled its spread. Instagram’s algorithms have inadvertently amplified misinformation, enabling influencers and unqualified individuals to propagate false claims, whether through ignorance, financial incentive, or the pursuit of followers. With Meta (Instagram) discontinuing fact-checking, misinformation now faces fewer restrictions. Despite this, Dr Rachael Kent’s research at King’s highlights that social media remains a valuable tool for promoting proactive health practices and countering misinformation over time, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today's dental students are part of a generation shaped by digital media, making them particularly susceptible to health misinformation online. While King’s provides a research-informed curriculum that is essential for training students to properly educate and inform patients about the correct treatments, much of the UK dental workforce does not benefit from such evidence-based teaching. To address this gap, King’s dental students, supported by King’s researchers, will collaborate with community partners to co-produce social media content countering misinformation about Root Canal Treatment, which will be disseminated through Instagram and TikTok. Students will engage their peers through a WhatsApp campaign, while community partners will communicate accurate information among friends and family via a pilot programme. Additionally, the British Endodontic Society, with support from the team touring UK dental teaching sites, will work to address discrepancies in dental education and ensure professionals receive accurate, research-driven training.

“At a time when misinformation about root canal treatment is spreading rapidly on social media, this OKI support allows us to respond with scientific evidence. Backed by Dr. Sadia Niazi’s research on the health benefits of root canal treatment and Dr. Rachael Kent’s work on the positive potential of social media, we’re hopeful this project will raise awareness and enhance research-informed curricula and practice. We hope to empower dental students, practitioners, educators, and patients alike. Our goal is to build trust, promote evidence-based care, and ensure that every patient feels confident in choosing treatments that protect both their health and their smile.”

- Dr Sadia Niazi, Senior Clinical Lecturer/Honorary Consultant and Dr Rachael Kent, Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy & Society Education

Expected Impact

This project will:

• Establish evidence-based strategies to counter Root Canal Treatment misinformation and improve public understanding
• Upskill UK dental students on patient needs and barriers, enhancing their ability to educate and consent patients correctly
• Promote acceptance of Root Canal Treatment as a beneficial treatment among dentists and the wider dental community
• Create sustainable information channels through British endodontic Society and social media to ensure continued dissemination of accurate content
• Support the future dental workforce in developing improved endodontic practices and national alignment on Root Canal Treatment prescribing
• Expand global engagement through British Endodontic Society, involving key international endodontic associations

Partners and Collaborators

• Dr Sadia Niazi, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Endodontics, King’s Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences
• Dr Rachael Kent, Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy & Society Education, King’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Maryam Butt, King’s student representative
• Hishaam Ahmad, King’s student representative
• Ning Shan Teo, King’s student representative
• Xinran Wang, King’s student representative
• Farhaan Lohn, King’s student representative
• Youssef El-Wahab, King’s student representative
• Diya Dhebar, King’s student representative
• OKIF Project Role: External Partner
• Dr Phil Tomson, Senior Lecturer and honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at Birmingham Dental Hospital and School, Current President of the British Endodontic Society
• Professor William Mclean, Professor of Endodontology and Honorary Consultant in Endodontics at University of Glasgow and Past President of the British Endodontic Society
• Crispin Pierce, Director of Operations, The Liminal Space
• Sarah Douglas, Director, The Liminal Space
• Charlotte Cornish, Content lead, The Liminal Space
• Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC, Community partner recruitment)
• Dr Lienkie Diedericks (Project Manager)
• Dr Andi Skilton (Project Support)
• Gavin Wren, Content creator for social media

This project is supported by the One King’s Impact Fund

The One King's Impact Fund is part of One King’s Impact, King’s strategic programme to support and accelerate work within and beyond the University which creates positive change for people, planet and society.

#TruthAboutRoots responds to the following Impact Priorities: 

Whole life health for mind and body |  Technology for Good