The Do’s and Don’ts on Facebook

 Practice of Dentistry  4 Responses »
Jan 052012
 

The week before the holidays I posted a guest blog from Bartley Stratton on “Getting Started in Social Media” to help answer the numerous questions about using social media for dental practices. The post was popular and generated even more questions about using the different social networks, so Bartley has agreed to share with us the suggestions she gives her clients when they are launching into this marketing arena.

This week we are focusing on, “what not to do on Facebook”.  This will help give you some insight of how to do-this, not that.  It may seem self-explanatory, but it’s always a good idea to review.  Remember that your page represents your practice.  The image you want to give your followers and Fans will be portrayed on your business page.  Make sure you make the proper choices to put your best Social Networking foot forward. Continue reading »

Custom Athletic Mouth Guards

 Occlusion/TMD, Practice of Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry  4 Responses »
Dec 052011
 
Athletic Mouth Guard and Silicone Model

Silicone Model and Athletic Guard

As the mom of three teenagers, all of whom are active in sports, I understand athletic mouth guards. Wearing a mouth guard is a critical piece of protective equipment. In addition to preventing damage to the teeth, softening the blow to the temporomandibular joints and have been linked to the lessening of concussion injury. The long-term effects of concussion injuries suffered as a teen are just being uncovered, but appear significant. The challenge of the store-bought mouth guards are numerous. They first few times I purchased one at a sporting goods store, I was baffled by the variety available, and the claims on the packaging. As a dentist I assumed I would be able to do a better than average job custom fitting them back at home – I was wrong. I am not sure how many we went through before I finally gave up, but it is difficult if not impossible. Continue reading »

Pampering Your Dental Patients

 Dental Marketing  10 Responses »
Jun 162011
 

Neck PillowMother’s Day my family surprised me with a visit to the spa for a day of pampering. You would think on an occasion like this I would relax and forget about dentistry for awhile, but everything somehow relates for me. As I sat down I was offered a warm neck wrap. It was soothing to feel the heat against my neck and it smelled very lightly of lavender. It struck me as I was sitting there enjoying the experience that one of the most common things my patients complain about is there shoulders and neck getting stiff. I also realized that it would be great to offer something comforting at the very beginning of every appointment to help our patients feel welcomed and  ease into their time with us.

It’s pretty simple to purchase a number of microwavable neck wraps. I would recommend choosing one color or pattern, perhaps that goes with your office decor. Continue reading »

Time to Spiff up Your Sign!

 Dental Marketing  2 Responses »
Jun 072011
 

Last month I was speaking at the Texas State Dental Meeting and on Saturday morning had a chance to step in and listen to Kirk Behrendt of ACT Dental Practice Coaching. I came in just in time to catch his discussion on the importance of your  office sign. I was floored when he shared that your sign may be the second highest referral source into the practice. As I’m listening I am trying to remember what my sign looks like? Actually where is it would be a better place to start, and making sure it is clearly visible to passersby.

Sign of a Tooth for a Dentist OfficeI started writing down ideas, so once I locate my sign I can get to work. First I need to make sure my sign is in good condition, that the physical appearance and paint are consistent with what our practice represents. Next I will make sure that the area around my sign is clean and neat, maybe invest in having some new landscaping done in that area. While we are at it I will make sure that we have adequate lighting so the sign is visible and can be read in the evenings. Continue reading »