by Lory Laughter, RDH, BS
[email protected]
There was a time when only those with a perceived need had a home phone. If you were not the sheriff or local doctor, you probably did not need such quick access to people and information. Years later, only those with spare money or a need for immediate access had a cell phone — now even eight-year-olds have smartphones. I believe websites are becoming as common as phones for communication, information, and networking.
It is now common for an RDH to have a website if he or she has a business outside of clinical dental hygiene. There are several sites I visit when looking for information on practice management, speaking, or writing. Dianne Glasscoe Watterson, RDH, BS, MBA, has a website worthy of praise. The site layout has changed a few times since I began following it, and it continues to improve, inspire, and educate. Her site at www.professionaldentalmgmt.com appeals to professionals wanting to improve dental care delivery. On this classy site you can browse her upcoming seminars, schedule a phone call about specific practice needs, and even order a copy of her new book.
Kathleen Johnson is not an RDH, though she is a staunch supporter of dental hygienists and their contribution to public health. Her site at www.kjohnsonconsulting.biz is a shiny example of a professional site. I used her site as an example of color use and page layout when setting up my website.
Consulting is not limited to practice management — professionals, corporations, and event planners often need advice to grow business. Educational Designs will address multiple needs with one visit. At www.educationaldesigns.com, you can browse course offerings by Kristy Menage Bernie, RDH, BS, RYT, along with articles covering a variety of topics. Pay a visit to the Marketing and Consulting section of this site for a list of services ranging from marketing strategies to speaker coaching.
Most speakers make connecting over the Internet a priority, and there were many sites to choose from. One of my favorite speaker sites comes from Tricia Osuna, RDH, BS, FAADH, owner of Professional Insights. At www.triciaosuna.com, you will see stunning photos alongside organized content. The articles page is an ideal place to conduct research on products, technology, and ergonomics.
Another speaker with an esthetically appealing site brimming with information is Noel Kelsch, RDHAP. Her site at www.hy-ginx.com will touch your heart, make you smile, and provide you with course offerings to fulfill your continuing education needs. You can sit at your computer any time of day or night and practically have a conversation with these speakers on their topics, availability, and accomplishments. Contacting the speakers is possible with the mere click of a mouse on the appropriate tab.
RDHs are very skilled at creating educational websites. Go to www.madultrasonics.com to learn everything imaginable about power scaling from Madalyn Rosenbluth, RDH. At www.dentalbuzz.com, Trish Walraven and Eva Watson blog on everything from bite guards to things they witnessed at the ADA meeting. The first entry I read discussed the Chuck Norris implants — who wouldn’t want one of those?
Lest we think websites are limited to those outside of clinical practice, there are sites for those who see patients daily to create a healthier world one mouth at a time. Take some time to visit www.colenehouserdh.com, and learn about an inspiring woman who refused to let a pesky diagnosis of carpometacarpal arthritis end her clinical career. Colene has written several articles, which are also listed. One office site is doing an excellent job of highlighting the accomplishments and talents of the RDH team at http://drsliesenpinzl.com. Please visit the support staff page and read about Kathie Budaj, RDH, listed as Kathie RDH in the Park Falls office.
I look forward to sharing more RDH websites and groups with you this year. There are many more categories and people to introduce. Be a communicator in 2012 —start a website!
Lory Laughter, RDH, BS, practices clinically in Napa, Calif. She is owner of Dental IQ, a business responsible for the Annual Napa Dental Experience. Lory combines her love for travel with speaking nationally on a variety of topics.
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