NMC and NDC social media guidelines for doctors and dentists (2026)
On 6 October 2026 the National Medical Commission issued Guidelines on Ethical Advertising and Public Communication. On 14 October 2026 the National Dental Commission issued an advisory to dentists on unethical social media promotion and advertising. Below is what each says, with the clause for every line.
Updated 27 October 2026 · General guidance, not legal advice
At a glance
| What | NMC guidelines (clause) |
|---|---|
| Health awareness and educational content | Permitted if it does not promote personal practice, solicit patients or get monetised through promotional marketing (5.1) |
| Name, qualifications, registration status and number | To be disclosed on electronic media posts (3.2, Expl. III) |
| Before-and-after photographs | Not to be displayed, unless strictly scientific or educational with anonymised consent (8.1 v) |
| Patient testimonials and reviews | Not to be requested or shared for promotion on social media (3.2, Expl. V) |
| "Best doctors", "No.1 Specialist", "100% success" | Not to be advertised (8.1 iii) |
| Discounts, offers, free procedures | Not in a manner likely to encourage unnecessary care or that amounts to solicitation (8.1 x) |
| Announcing start of practice | Permitted as a formal, factual, non-promotional announcement (8.2, 9.3) |
| AI-generated promotional campaigns | Prohibited for furtherance of commercial interest (7.2) |
Read the guides
- DoctorsNMC advertising and social media guidelines for doctors (6 October 2026)
- DentistsNDC social media advisory for dentists (14 October 2026)
- Doctors and dentistsCan doctors and dentists post before-and-after photos?
- Doctors and dentistsCan doctors and dentists share patient reviews and testimonials?
- DoctorsMust doctors show their registration number on social media posts?
- DoctorsCan a doctor announce a new clinic?
- DoctorsCan doctors use AI content, marketing agencies or influencers?
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