Second Opinion: The Golden Rule By Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, Editorial Director, Dentaltown Magazine

Second opinions are common in healthcare; whether a doctor is sorting out a difficult case or a patient is not sure what to do next. In the context of our magazine, the first opinion will always belong to the reader. This feature will allow fellow dentists to share their opinions on various topics, providing you with a “Second Opinion.” Perhaps some of these dentists’ observations will change your mind; while others will solidify your position. In the end, our goal is to create discussion and debate to enrich our profession.
–– Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, Dentaltown Editorial Director

In April, I attended the Townie Meeting in Las Vegas, Nev.; a gathering that represents a portion of our loyal community. In May, I was privileged to attend Nobel Biocare’s World Tour, a first-class event that showcased everything Nobel Biocare has to offer in dentistry, when it visited Scottsdale, Ariz. In the past, I also have attended the California Dental Association South, Chicago Midwinter, Yankee Dental Congress, Greater New York Dental Meeting, American Dental Association Annual Session, and so on. In spite of the differences in group size or focus, they are all dental meetings – a gathering of dental professionals that meet each other at a designated place and time to share information about this profession.

The message boards on Dentaltown.com are the same thing. Well, it’s the same thing except: it’s free; open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year; everyone in the dental profession is welcome to participate; there is a wealth of information available to share; everyone has a chance to ask a question or solve a problem…I could continue. This online, real-time community has grown so large that it has influence on the entire dental industry. Dentists make buying decisions based on commentary they read on Dentaltown. The discussions on our Web site reflect the state of dental practice today. To paraphrase Peter Parker’s uncle: “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

There is one additional difference between Dentaltown’s continuous meeting and the traditional meetings mentioned above. The anonymity of the Internet provides the ability to write things we would not normally say in person. This situation provides a mixed blessing. The biggest benefit is when the Internet allows a professional to share a case or ask a question that would otherwise go without discussion. How many times have you attended a lecture and wanted to ask a question, but you kept quiet because you were not sure if it was a good question? On the Internet, this is a non-issue.

When I attend any of the dental conventions listed above, the conversations among fellow professionals are cordial, pleasant and informative. Speaking with fellow Townies (members of Dentaltown.com) at these meetings, I often hear the following comment: “I love Dentaltown, but I don’t post because I’m afraid someone will attack me.” It is my goal to reduce these comments about this community.

In my opinion, the atmosphere needs to change. Every dental professional should feel welcome in our virtual community. When you post on Dentaltown or reply to a fellow Townie’s post or question, reply as you would to a fellow professional at a dental meeting. It is not professional to attack someone because you don’t like the syntax of his/her message. It is not professional to beat down a dentist who asks a “stupid question.” Take the opportunity to teach him/her what you know and improve his/her skills.

Is it appropriate to argue and fight with enthusiasm? Of course! That’s the best part of Dentaltown.com and the members of the community. We have the most passionate minds in dentistry sharing cases, tips and opinions. I believe it is possible to be passionate and polite. When you stick to the topic at hand, a heated discussion can teach many people. There are two possible solutions to consider: 1) increase moderation and policing of disruptive characters, 2) continue to let the community members discipline each other when a discussion lacks professionalism. I think option two is most appropriate for a community of professionals. Our research indicates that the community does not want the site to be heavily moderated, rather the Townies prefer to regulate themselves. My goal is to appeal to your professional sensibilities and welcome new members as they participate on the site.

In May we launched Docere.com, the newly designed gateway to both of our communities, which will allow us to expand into more populations in the future. The design is deliberately clean and professional. We have worked very hard to incorporate your suggestions into this new design. However, a Web site is a living, breathing entity and we are always interested in your suggestions to improve the user interface and features. If you have a comment or suggestion to share about our site, send an e-mail to our design team at help@docere.com.

Now you know my opinion on the subject of online behavior. What are your thoughts? Visit this thread to discuss the topic at Dentaltown.com: Message Boards >> Dentaltown Magazine This Month >> June 2006 >> The Golden Rule or send me an e-mail at tom@dentaltown.com.