Samsung and InnoDen have partnered to bring Dentist nationwide the latest in Dental Unit technology and design. Sky Dental “M” has combined all the design and technology features you could ask for with the best quality materials available. All components create a unit that is aesthetically appealing, functional and above all built to last. Together they are changing the way you view dental equipment today.

Seattle, WA (FPRC) June, 1 2010 – Samsung and InnoDen are set to bring the latest in technology and design to the Dental Equipment Industry nationwide. “Sky Dental’s “M” Chair Unit incorporates American design and functionality that is seen from your leaders in the industry today” said Justin Taylor, Marketing Manager of InnoDen.  The “M” unit offers the same modern color schemes Sky Dental is known for which it’s more advanced counterpart unit “W” offers as well.  From the standard over patient light and Touch Panel, it is apparent that they are creating new unit standards in the industry.

The Sky Dental “W” offers a thin back American design that caters to the Doctor and Patient with complete comfort and style.  The “M” unit is an affordable option for any dentist and is equipped with all the bells and whistles used today, without having to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on options and accessories.

“Samsung and InnoDen chose to represent the Sky Dental brand because, they are leading the way in technology and design and we are confident that it will change the dental equipment industry we know today” Said Dr. Park, CEO of InnoDen.  InnoDen’s product knowledge and sales support combined with Samsung’s extensive infrastructure and global reach ensure that Sky Dental will be a brand that is here to stay. Call your local dealer’s today and get a Sky Dental “M” and change the way your practice is viewed and remembered.

About Sky Dental:

Sky Dental has manufactured chairs and delivery systems for over 27 years. Sky Dental is currently distributed in 30 countries across the world and sells over 3,000 units annually. Samsung and InnoDen are convinced that their chair is the best quality and best product on the market today.  All units come with standard manufacturer 5 year warranties.

Contact:

Justin Taylor, Marketing Manager
InnoDen, LLC
206-832-1818
http://www.innoden.com

It’s all about the apps.

Fact: In only nine months, iPod app downloads topped one billion.

What is an app?

App is short for application. A website app is a downloadable version of a website that’s completely user friendly on a cell phone that has Internet capability.

Dr. Lance Timmerman of Seattle has a custom website with TNT Dental. The website features email contact forms, a blog by Dr. Timmerman, video introductions by the dentist, a before-and-after gallery, and many other cutting-edge features that promote conversion – turning web visitors into active patients.

Always on top of state-of-the-art marketing trends, Dr. Timmerman now has a practice website application from TNT.mobile.

Check it out:

Want a TNT.mobile app of your own?

It’s simple. Just call TNT Dental at 877-868-4932 for details. TNT Dental is your Internet marketing partner, and the folks there are anxious to take your practice to the next level!

Even fewer of those options are going to run on a Macintosh computer. For those dentists that are interested in going Apple in their office, there are three options:

• Software designed specifically for Macintosh computers;
• Web based EMR; and,
• Running a virtual machine.

Chris Thorman of Medical Software Advice breaks down these options in one of his latest blog posts. You can read it all at his blog: Mac EMR Software | A Guide to Medical Software for Apple Computers.

1. Are you emailing patient information and digital x-rays to other doctors? Make sure that your office and the receiving office utilize encrypted email services. If you don’t, your data can easily be read on its path from your practice to theirs. HIPAA states that you are responsible for making a reasonable attempt at protecting your data.
2. Do you have a wireless router in your office? If you are using wireless Internet for internal purposes, make sure your router is a current model with the latest security standards. Most wireless routers (especially those purchased from retail outlets) do not default to their most secure settings, making them susceptible even for entry-level hackers.
Do you want to be a HOT SPOT and provide free Internet to waiting patients? Make sure your wireless router is segmented (isolated) from your primary network.

3. It is very important to lock down access to your computers at the end of the day. At the very least, you should log out of your practice management software on all workstations to prevent someone who has access to the office (cleaning people, landlord, or intruder) from easily accessing patient files.
An even better method is to password-protect and completely log off your computer at the end of the day, which will prevent access to documents that are stored outside your practice management software. These are very simple processes to implement.

4. Are you backing up your data properly? In more cases than not, the tapes you are swapping or the portable hard drives you are lugging around are not enough. Tapes can wear out and sometimes do not correctly back up your data. If you are using tapes, then you should regularly conduct test restores to assure that the data you need is being backed up. Portable hard drives, while cheap and easy, can result in the same problems as tapes. Make sure you conduct test restores. In addition, most backups to portable hard drives are not encrypted. This means anyone who plugs in your drive can steal your data.

There are many options available today. There are a lot of good remote backup solutions that use the Internet, but encrypt the data so it is protected. Also, there are new disaster recovery systems that back up data to a local storage device as well as a remote location. Make sure your backups happen regularly and that whatever you back up to is in a safe place outside your office. You can never back up too often or too securely.

5. Is your practice anti-virus and anti-malware software current? It is very important that every computer in your practice is protected by current anti-virus and anti-malware software. It significantly decreases the likelihood of a malicious infection. Unfortunately, it is not 100% foolproof, as users can still bypass threat warnings to access something they think they need. In addition to the software with an active update subscription, your staff needs to be educated on what websites to go to and not to go to. A firewall with built-in anti-virus software and filtering can further enhance security and protect from operator error.

It is well worth the effort to make sure that your practice’s data is secure and protected. After all, your practice data is a good portion of your business. What would you do without it?

Tom Terronez is president of Medix Dental, a dental technology consulting company that provides dental practices the technical expertise, resourcefulness and solutions that will increase productivity and make their practice the best practice they can be. For more information, visit www.medixdental.com.

• Detect caries early
• Assess for periodontal disease
• Assess for oral cancer
• Create digital impressions
• Orthodontic treatment planning
• Endodontic imaging from inside a tooth’s canal

According to an article in Dental Products Report, Dr. Craig Gimble, Executive VP of Clinical Affairs for Lantis Laser, Inc., believes that optical coherence tomography will replace 70% of radiography in dentistry.

How it works… OCT scans gather cross-section images of hard and soft tissues by using fiber optics and photonics. De- and re-mineralization, tarter, and caries are identifiable and trackable, as is periodontal disease. For periodontal disease, OCT scans depict ligament detachment/reattachment and bone structure. Cellular changes are visible, as well, thus the OCT scan has acquired the nickname “optical biopsy.”

Dr. Gimble sees the future of OCT leading to more minimally invasive dentistry. OCT isn’t yet available, but Lantis is shooting for a 2011 launch of Lantis OCT Dental Imaging System™ , with FDA approval. The company has exclusive rights for OCT in dentistry, according to a Yahoo! Finance report.

Source:
DPR Article
Yahoo! Finance Report

For More Information:
OCT News Website
JADA Abstract
Research on OCT in Dentistry
Remineralization Study

Taken from Tokyo University of Science press release.

After 11 weeks, the tooth had grown from bud to maturity. The durability, shape, and natural stress responses mimicked that of a natural tooth. It also functioned like nature intended for a healthy tooth.

Human testing has not been announced. Read the full article here.

Stem cell research is bounding forward. If you’re interested in stem cell preservation for your patients, visit www.StemSave.com to learn how dental stem cells can be preserved from extracted teeth.

I’ve been using the ezlase™ diode laser by Biolase for some time, and I just trained on the Waterlase MD™ for hard and soft tissue applications. At first, I was skeptical because I had reviewed the product years ago. I was amazed, however, at advances in the technology and improvements like in the turbo tip. I like the Waterlase because it allows me to prepare conservatively and rapidly. I did a class 1, 2, and class 5 in my morning session, and at 16X under a global microscope, the clarity is unbelievable because the tissue vaporizes with the laser. It is much more efficient than I expected and, the laser energy has some effect on the nerves. The teeth are definitely not sensitive. I could do 6 teeth without anesthesia. When a patient feels something, it’s a sensation unlike burr pain. You simply back up and begin again. Working with the Waterlase was a great experience. I am excited to add this to our practice, and I look forward to continuing the training for crown lengthening and bony recontouring.

Dr. John Cranham

• Fluoride does not have to be delivered in the water supply
• Fluoride does not have to be ingested to protect teeth
• Caries has declined at the same rate in countries with/without fluoridated water
• The public receives fluoride from sources other than public water supply
• Studies show that fluoride can cause a list of adverse side effects

What You Should Know
Fluorine, the ionic form of fluoride, is used in over half of the US public water supply because it is thought to reduce the potential for tooth decay. All public water supplies contain trace amounts of fluoride, and the mineral naturally occurs in soils, plants, and animals. Mammals have the highest concentration of fluoride in bones and teeth. Fluoride can build up in the body over time. Too much fluoride can cause bones and teeth to become brittle, and high levels of fluoride are considered poisonous.

Studies and Politics

• In the early 1900s, studies showed that teeth with fluorosis did not decay
• First US public water supply with fluoride was in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945
• Some studies show fluorinated reduces cavities by 20-40% overall, but the validity of these studies is being questioned by anti-fluoride advocates
• The positive effect of the study may be based on topical, not ingested, fluoride, as water passes over teeth before being swallowed
• Public water was fluoridated because it is considered the most cost effective method for widespread, public distribution of fluoride
• In 1950, Wisconsin protested fluoride and was defeated
• In the US, water fluoridation was considered a political plot as part of the “Red Scare” in the 40s and 50s
• The US EPA expressed concerns over fluoridated public water supply in 1985
• In 2005, 11 EPA employee unions worked toward eliminating fluoridation in public water
• In 1990, the National Cancer Institute conducted studies and found no evidence of cancer linked to fluoridated water
• The EPA in California has called for a review of fluoridated water as a cancer risk

Nations that Have Fluoridated Public Water

• Public water fluoridation is currently used in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia
• Sweden & Germany stopped in 1971
• Japan stopped in 1972
• Netherlands stopped in 1976
• Czechoslovakia, German Democratic Republic, and Soviet Union stopped in 1990
• Finland stopped in 1993

Other Resources

• Proposition 65 in California to Review Cancer Risks Associated with Fluoride
• PubMed’s “Overview of the history and current status of fluoride supplementation schedules”  Garrett County
• Water Fluoridation Factsheet (pro)
• Petition Against Fluoride (anti)
• Fluoride Information Network (pro)

Wise Guy Comment from the Editor
Is the fluoride scare legitimate, or is it a ploy for bottled water companies to keep their heads above, well, water, during an economic slowdown? Sounds silly, but consider that the US is the third greatest consumer of bottled water in the world. By 2011, market forecasts show that the bottled water market in the US will be $174,286.6 million. The big soda pop companies have bottled water products for one reason – money. Bottled water does not contain fluoride, so. Badabing.

Saving lives? It’s all in a day’s work for a proactive dentist!

In this economy, dentists can increase their value to patients by offering dental-related, preventive services. Do you offer stem cell preservation? Do you look for signs of serious non-oral diseases during checkups? Do you treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring? Do you offer early oral cancer detection? If not, maybe you should!

Stem cell preservation
In the past, stem cell preservation was isolated to extracting cells from a person’s umbilical cord at birth. Now, however, dentists can get in on saving lives! As a dentist, you can bank stem cells for your patients, which could actually save their lives down the road. Stem cells are used to heal bone, skin, cartilage, nerves, and muscles. They can treat diseases that range from Parkinson’s to Leukemia and far beyond. Adult stem cells are found in bone marrow and teeth. Baby teeth, wisdom teeth, and permanent teeth contain stem cells. They are the most powerful type of stem cells in the human body according to research, because they are fast replicators, and they replicate longer than those from other parts of the body. Age plays a factor, though. The younger the patient, the more active the stem cells. If you’re interested in learning how to preserve stem cells for your dental patients, visit: http://www.stemsave.com/.

Identifying symptoms for possible diseases
In an examination, dentists can identify symptoms that may indicate serious health problems. This puts dentists on the front line of defense for early detection, which can lead to early treatment and improved survival potential for patients. Dentists can assess for symptoms that my indicate these conditions:
• Acid reflux
• Bulemia
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Leukemia
• Oral cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Pregnancy
• Sleep apnea
• Stress
• Type 2 diabetes symptoms

Treating obstructive sleep apnea
In North America, about 90 million people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can increase risk for heart attack and sudden death. Patients who don’t respond well to a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine can turn to their dentist for a more comfortable option – an oral appliance. If you’re interested in offering OSA treatment at your dental practice, consult the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine for more information:
• http://www.aadsm.org/

Early oral cancer detection
By the time oral cancer cells are visible in the mouth, a patient may face a significant potential for early death. The Oral Cancer Foundation tells us that 100 cases are diagnosed in the US every day. It is the sixth most diagnosed type of cancer in the US. Worldwide, about 481,000 cases are diagnosed annually. Oral cancer kills one person per hour, on average. Death is more prevalent with oral cancer than with cervical, laryngeal, testes, endocrine system, and skin cancer, as well as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With new early oral cancer detection systems, dentists can identify the condition before the cells reach the surface. Half of patients diagnosed with oral cancer do not live five years. Early detection increases a person’s potential for cure to 90 percent!

Learn about early oral cancer detection tools for dentists here:
• www.VELscope.com
• www.ViziLite.com
• www.Trimira.net

OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc., out of Huston, Tx, has created a vibration device to promote faster natural bone remodeling for patients who wear braces or Invisalign. The gentle vibration actually accelerates the cellular signals to the bone. Similar technology has been used to advance healing in long bones. Patients say that the vibration kind of tickles! Scientists hope to reduce the standard two-year treatment time for orthodontic braces with this new and innovative technology. (See the video here.)

In 2007, OrthoAccel was recognized by BioHouston. After more awards and success, Texas Governor, Rick Perry, announced in 2008 that the company had been granted investment of $750K from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston started testing the vibrating technology, called Celerect, in 2008. The premise is:

“People with braces would use the vibrating mouthpiece for 10-20 minutes per day, once or twice a day. If results from animal studies hold up, the overall treatment time required to realign teeth could be reduced by 40-60 percent.” (Click here for link.)

OrthoAccel received venture capital from S3Ventures in August 2008. Brian R. Smith, the managing director of S3 Ventures stated, “”OrthoAccel’s Celerect devices represent a universally attractive acceleration technology for all orthodontic solutions. S3 sees the science, team and opportunity as an excellent potential investment.”

Visit the quite comprehensive OrthoAccel website to learn more.

Related Links:

UTDB Press Release, August 18, 2008

Brace yourself for the vibrating gumshield that straightens wonky teeth

An 18-year veteran dentist, Dr. Igor Tsarik of Siberia, has carved/sculpted about 300 teeth, many of which are on display. He uses a drill, heat, and lacquer to create his tooth art, which is a form of Japanese netsuke. Primary teeth are too soft for netsuke, so Dr. Tsarik uses extracted permanent teeth for his art.

How do patients react? Some think the tiny reliefs are really cool. Kids, in particular, appreciate them. However, one African woman fainted when she saw her own tooth transformed.

Read the full story here.

Purchasing new technology? Exercise your right to choose…

• Think about your future plans for technology in your practice. It’s important to determine how the new technology will integrate with your existing equipment and future plans. This will help limit compatibility issues that may arise.
• Remember that lower initial cost doesn’t not necessarily mean lower overall cost. Realize that if you buy lower-end equipment, you will likely pay more in the long term dealing with performance issues. Lower-end equipment will also become obsolete faster.
• Opt for products that have a multi-year warranty incorporated into the initial price. That way you’ll be covered if any issues arise.
• Talk to other dentists who are using the technology you are considering. Ask them about the pros and cons. This type of insight can be invaluable while you’re narrowing down your list.
• Realize that you don’t have to buy computers through your software provider. Many dentists do this because they falsely believe they will only have to call one support center with computer issues. In reality, most software providers have separate support departments for software and hardware issues.
• It’s easy to get sucked into purchasing all your technology, equipment and supplies from one company. But keep in mind that not all dental practices are the same, and this cookie cutter approach doesn’t always work. It will also limit your flexibility when it comes to other vendors’ products.
• Ask your vendor if the new technology is compatible with your existing equipment. Go beyond a yes or no answer. Determine how it’s compatible – is it a seamless integration or was it made compatible through a bridge?
• Try and get your hands on the technology you are considering, so you can try it out for yourself – this is particularly relevant for equipment you may be using in your day-to-day activities with patients.

It is well worth the effort to take some time to educate yourself about the technology choices in the market. This will help minimize your technology headaches and ensure that your practice is running as smoothly as possible.

Medical College of Georgia reports a team effort with BreakAway, a video game developer, in which an implant simulation game introduces students to patients with various clinical situations. The game allows students to examine and ask the virtual patient about medical history. Because each case is different, dental students must consider the virtual patient’s personality and clinical condition for optimal diagnosis and treatment planning. For qualified implant patients, student dentists must determine the proper type of implant, location for the implant, anesthesia, and tools to use.

The Virtual Dentist Implant Training Simulation Program utilizes Pulse!! Virtual Learning Lab, which was created by Texas A&M and BreakAway. The Virtual Implant Training and Simulation Program came to being because of a $6.5 million grant by Nobel Biocare. Twenty schools in the Nobel Biocare University Partnership Program are evaluating the implant simulation software. Soon, 25 universities, and potentially 15,000 dental students will use the instructional video game, primarily for third and fourth-year students.

DentalBlogs feels your pain! Fortunately, the Internet has revolutionized how we research and gather information. These days, you can research anywhere, anytime. Five days a week, DentalBlogs brings dentists the latest news.

For up-to-the-minute dental technology news, befriend DentalBlogs on Facebook! At Facebook, we post dental news all day long. You may also want to subscribe to the feeds or emails for the following websites and blogs, so you can stay plugged in to dental technology developments 24/7.

The Emmott on Technology Blog – In the Dental Office
Dr. Emmott writes for Dental Products Report and owns a private dental technology consulting and training firm. His blog keeps dentists up to date with product reviews, trade show reviews, and interesting tips about a “paperless” dental office. If you’re interested in private consulting to set your practice on the forefront of technology, Dr. Emmott’s your man.

The Digital Dentist Blog – Computers
Dr. Lavine regularly posts tips about computer technology. If you want to keep your thumb on the latest geek news, get the RSS feed for this blog!

PracticeWorks TV – Videos About Dental Technology (Kodak)
If you like to watch videos, you may enjoy some of the features of PracticeWorks TV. At this site, you can view videos of dentists who’ve implemented technology – like a documentary – to see how they’re faring. Also, hear dentists and experts review some of the latest tools in dentistry.

Dental Products Report 2009 Tech Guide – Technologically Advanced Products
With featured articles and special sections for diagnostic, treatment, and management, the 2009 Technology Comprehensive Online Resource (COR) by DPR is a one-stop shop for the latest info.

TNT Dental Tips – Dental Websites & Internet Marketing
Once a week, TNT Tips brings dentists practical information on how to maximize a practice website. Topics include search engine optimization, blogging, marketing, and building and maintaining a unique dental website.

Get this month’s DPR and check out “Turn It Around with Technology: on page 34. You may also want to visit http://www.dentalproductsreport.com/clinical360. The DPRWorld website is packed with information about the latest dental technology.

You’re probably familiar with the popular patient education programs that include a DVD to play on loop in your lobby. While these systems are great, there’s a new option that has taken patient education to a more personal level. Lobby Vision is a custom video that can feature information about your team, your tools, your procedures, and your office – rather than generalities. This personalized approach to patient education is a favorite with Dr. Henry Pinkey. Read his testimonial below.

The following is a letter written by a dentist currently benefiting from the Lobby-Vision Program.
This letter was sent to the Madow Brothers for use in their newsletter.

I have no financial interest in this company or product and no relationship with any employee. I am
writing this in an effort to inform dentists around the country about what I believe is one of the best and
most cost effective internal marketing devices I have seen in my 32 years of practice and to help a
group of young professionals who are attempting to help dentists around the country, succeed.
I am a dentist in the suburbs of Detroit and before you feel sorry for me being at the epicenter of the
economic meltdown in our country I would add that we are finishing three of the best months we have
ever had. I feel Lobby-Vision has had a significant part in this. Suffice it to say, we are not involved in
any PPO’s, we collect 99% of the work we bill and we have an enthusiastic staff that believes in what
we do.

Basically, Lobby Vision is a customized program that combines information about you, your practice and
your services with some fun dental quiz questions and facts. It has great graphics and transitions. It
plays on a TV monitor that you mount in your reception room. It repeats every 30 minutes or so and
plays all day. Best of all, it is totally silent so it is not intrusive and doesn’t drive your front desk staff
crazy. Working with their designers, we put together a program that showcased our office in a way that
we were never able to do before.

So, what can Lobby Vision do for you? Do you believe that forming a personal bond between yourself
and your patients is important? Then tell them something about you as a person: your interests, hobbies
or family. Do you want to establish your competency? List the continuing education classes you took in
the last year? Do they know all of the services you provide? Tell them. Tell them about the laser you
bought, the digital x-ray you spent tons of money on, the gizmo that you never use.
Tell them how long your assistants have been working with you and show them their pictures. Patients
want to form a personal link. Make it easy for them. Let them know your hours, your emergency
protocol. Build value in the relationship. Tell them the things that they never see: the fact that you use a
water filtration system and only American dental labs.

Many patients have commented positively about Lobby Vision. Some have asked how they can get one
for their own optometry or medical offices. I only am sorry I didn’t have this years ago.
And the cost? Lobby Vision is a bargain. All you need is a DVD player and a TV. Every expert says that
internal marketing is the best place to use your dollars and I am convinced that Lobby Vision pays for
itself every day.

You can see more at http://lobby-vision.com or call them at 866-230-5588.

Henry Pinkney, D.D.S.
February 26, 2009

]]> http://www.dentalblogs.com/archives/administrator-2/lobby-vision-introduces-you-to-patients/feed/ 0 http://www.dentalblogs.com/archives/administrator-2/see-beautiful-hawaii-and-attend-the-ada-150th-annual-session/ http://www.dentalblogs.com/archives/administrator-2/see-beautiful-hawaii-and-attend-the-ada-150th-annual-session/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:14:02 +0000 Administrator http://www.dentalblogs.com/?p=2703 Ready for a vacation? Ready for the ADA 150th Annual Sessoin? You’re in luck! Registration is now open for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) 150th Annual Session and World Marketplace Exhibition. The event will be held in Honolulu’s Hawaii Convention Center,  Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, 2009.  Check out the registration page online here www.ada.org/goto/session.

At the conference, Linda Miles  and Dr. Rhona Savage will present “Two Sides of the Management Coin,” a topic they’ve blogged on for months now right here at DentalBlogs. See the official press release from the ADA here…

Registration Opens for ADA’s 150th Annual Session in Hawaii

4/9/2009

150th ADA Anniversary celebration, cutting-edge technology, learning opportunities

First of all, if you are unfamiliar with Facebook, join up for free at www.facebook.com, if for no other reason than to say you did! Facebook is a social networking website where people across the globe post profiles and connect with other folks. Facebook is a form of “social networking” for individuals and businesses. Do dentists do social networking?

I decided to see what turns up on Facebook with a simple search for “dentist.” Here’s what I found (my regional network is Dallas/Fort Worth)…

• First, I found a dentist. Actually, I found one of Dallas’ top cosmetic and implant dentists who has websites and a Facebook account. Alas, the Facebook was empty!

• Next, I found “Cad Cam Dentist,” apparently a doc who signed up over a month ago, posted some D4D pictures, and got busy elsewhere. Not much action going on there.

Then came the groups:

• DENTIST (159 members), a “common interest” group with a silly little old man dentist for an icon.
• Dentist (169 members), a “just for fun – Facebook classics” group. It’s a closed group, so you have to be invited or approved to get in. They must be plotting how to take over the world with teeth?
• From there, it really went downhill – sad, forgotten groups with a handful of members.

So all in all, dentists are not using Facebook in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for social networking. Let me explain how an active, beneficial Facebook account works for a dentist.

1. If you want in on social networking, start with claiming a home on the Internet. Start with a website! Contact TNT Dental if you need direction in this area.
2. Set up a free Facebook account for business. You might use your logo for the picture, put speaking events on the calendar, and for your profile, use a professional bio.
3. Ask your web design/hosting/support provider to add the Facebook logo and link to your website’s homepage.
4. On the newly established Facebook account, create photo albums for before and after cases, special events, team pictures, etc. Invite your patients (by email form on Facebook) to “become your friend” on Facebook.
5. At least once a week, if not more often, post an update, such as a testimonial video from YouTube, a before-and-after case in your album, information on a particular product or technology, news in dentistry, a cool link that your patients might like, and/or a tip for patients’ oral homecare.
6. DO NOT FORGET ABOUT YOUR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT! Many, many dentists start out gung-ho, then get busy with life. If you do not have time to devote to social networking, you have two options: 1) don’t even get started, or 2) teach your admin staff to manage your Facebook account and make it part of his/her job description to keep it up to date.

The benefit? The more presence you have online, the better your Internet marketing. The Yellow Pages is in bankruptcy. People look for dentists online. You want to appear like you’re technologically savvy and genuinely interested in your patients? You want to leverage the web to your advantage? Social networking is the key. It takes time and commitment. There’s just no way around that part.

So you have a website or two, and your practice has an active Facebook account. Take your social networking strategy a step further – start a blog on your website, and when you post to your blog, Twitter it! Sounds Greek, you say? We’ll review Twitter soon, so stay tuned to DentalBlogs for more info on social networking for dentists!