Howard Speaks By: Howard Farran, DDS, MBA, MAGD
Publisher, Dentaltown Magazine

Howard Farran, DDS,
MBA, MAGD
Publisher,
Dentaltown Magazine

I have recently returned from the Fifth Annual Townie Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a smile on my face. It’s always a blast for me to reconnect with old friends and familiar online faces. Each year I feel more and more honored when scores of dentists approach me in the halls to tell me their practices and lives have been transformed by Dentaltown.com. When this Web community began six years ago, our mission statement was summed up in these words: “No dentist ever will practice solo again.” That statement couldn’t be more apt, as dentists from around the world have connected with each other, solved problems, formed bonds and found solace here. I am happy to say that we have been very successful with this project, but our work is not finished.

Dentistry has always been considered a cottage industry. Most members of the profession work alone in relative obscurity. With the advent of our online community and the necessities of progress, dentists are more connected than ever before.
The power of this community extends beyond the obvious advantage of dentists helping each other. Each day thousands of our members in this free community share experiences, cases and questions related to the operation of their practice.

The additional power of our community is our collective voice. Make no mistake about it, manufacturers, distributors and service providers are very interested in what you have to say. When dentists share their experiences, there is a tremendous value in that feedback – in both the positive and the negative. The honesty of these conversations is critical for everyone. Your feedback is critically important, however many dentists have approached me and explained that they are afraid to participate for fear of appearing foolish. Let me make this very clear – your desire to post a question is vital to our continued success. I am here today to encourage your continued participation. Your opinion matters and other fellow Townies will appreciate the fresh perspective you have to offer – even if you’re merely reiterating someone else’s point of view. If you have not posted a comment or question yet, I implore you to take the leap! It won’t hurt one bit.

One method you can use to get the ball rolling is our e-Newsletter. Each Friday two message board discussions (threads) and a case are sent within this informative message. If you do not yet receive the e-Newsletter, it is easy and free to sign up. Simply log in to your free account and scroll down on the home page until you find “Newsletter Sign Up” on the right-hand side. Click on the newsletter that you would like to receive (you have a choice between the Dentaltown newsletter or Hygienetown newsletter – you can even decide to subscribe to both, if you’re so inclined), enter your e-mail address in the space below and then click the “Subscribe” button. You should receive your first weekly e-Newsletter(s) on the Friday night of that week. While you read the next newsletter, pick a subject and make it a point to share your thoughts. No matter who you are, if you are part of the dental profession, you have something important to say.

Our case presentation forum in the message boards is another way to make a contribution to our community. Share a case and you can be certain to get feedback comments, or even a bit of help if you would like. You might even learn a new way to perform a certain case that you had never thought of before. Posting a case on Dentaltown.com gives you access to thousands of dentists for a second opinion. Who knows, you might see your case featured in the weekly issue of our e-Newsletter.

Recently you may have noticed that Merit Badges have been introduced and displayed under your avatar photo. These merit badges were created for you to show your pride and participation on Dentaltown.com. Your participation, especially in receiving our e-mail promotions, not only adds to the quality of the site, but it also allows us to provide this community to you absolutely FREE of charge.

The following legend will help you get started in earning your stripes.