CATEGORY 122 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST COLUMNISTS Changes to the way we practice dentistry are about to shake up the cottage industry like never before. 1. Search engine optimization. Current research suggests that by the end of this year, 50% of all searches will be voice searches. We don’t have final estimates yet but we believe that 55% of all households in Australia will soon have voice speaker, this means that dentistry must embrace the way we search. There will be new ways to find and optimise for some of the key things that you may want to be optimised for long tail keywords including questions. Thus clearly and concisely on your website think about using the internet that provides the best user experience possible. 2. Personalise all content both on social media websites and throughout the surgery. This is not easy; this takes a lot time management skills and lots of reviewing content, all around the clock because the web never sleeps. Everything should reflect on who and what you are and you will need to focus on being the best provider of dental services. It is amazingwhen I go scanning articles from overseas dental practices and many of them have links with other businesses that have absolutely nothing to do with their own practice. You have established a brand and if you don’t have a brand then you need to speak to someone about getting a brand. 3. Always improve and always work on improving the patient experience. I have many friends in the dental advisory industry, who have made this their life’s work and there is no doubt that a good experience on the telephone with a positive experience in the surgery and good experience post-surgery can do wonders to improve patient acceptance. If this is the problem you are still encountering I can refer you to anyone of my colleagues’ various agencies all round Australia who can help you improve this highly important aspect of your practice. 4. Recognise and accept importance of artificial intelligence and the role that it will play. Every day we are being bombarded with new and exciting artificial intelligence aspects, such as photographic cosmetic resemblance or other tools to monitor TMJ. Other tools monitor both saliva and caries index. 5. Laser technology I was fortunate to be around from the beginning of this journey and, rightly or wrongly, was one of the first to uptake BIOLASE technology and other forms of lasers. I have no doubt that in years to come, with changing demands from patients and practitioners, lasers will play an ever increasing role in the everyday maintenance and delivery of dental practice.The amazing thing forme has been to see how laser technology has moved into periodontal disease management and treatment and the use of simple lasers to stimulate gum and bone growth has been staggering. 6. Text messages I’m not a big fan of text messages however this seems to be the current form of communication and looks like they are here to stay. The dentist will need to understand the how to text message via Tele-dentistry. 7. Marketing This is fundamental and, for example, the power of radio advertising has had a tremendous impact. Conclusion The way forward is complex, but not impossible to negotiate. The successful entrepreneur will see opportunity, leverage the opportunity and make an even greater impact with new technology. We are very positive, about the way to build rapport and engage in the dental community, and the larger wider consumer market place. To that end we are investing heavily in new technology, new community conversations and new and more complex visual and audio technology. So what does this mean to the young dentist setting up? Be ready for the big changes in how and why services will be presented. u For further information and a personal consultation call me 0412 322 253. Or write to hmarget@ebdg.com.au Harry Margot The best is yet to come By Dr Harry Marget PROFESSIONAL DENTIST SUPPLIES - 3/8 NICOLE CLOSE BAYSWATER NORTH VIC AUSTRALIA - 03 9761 6615 - sales@profdent.com.au - ABN 69 088 275 576 WWW.CHLOROFLUOR.COM.AU KEEP YOUR MOUTH AND BREATH HEALTHY & FRESH #SUPPORTAUSTRALIAN
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