Let’s face it—social media is this generation’s chosen means of communication. Whether it is between family, friends, or businesses, many of us resort to different social channels to stay in touch and up-to-date with important information. Now, how do you, the dentist, utilize social media for your dental sleep practice? It’s simple! Here are three ways.

1. Share Important Information

We all find ourselves surfing the Internet on a daily basis—whether it is for a specific purpose, or just to pass the time. The next time you are exploring the Internet, think about your patients. With so many articles readily available, you are sure to come across an article that would be beneficial for your patients.

The world of dental sleep medicine continues to grow, which means it is important for your patients to gain a better understanding as well. From articles on what sleep apnea is to treatment options, share important information on your Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and other social media accounts. These articles can be shared across all social media channels so you can further reach your patients when they are not in your office. Sharing articles will also show your knowledge and expertise, further allowing your patients to be comfortable with the services you provide.

2. Interact with Your Patients

You interact with your patients at dental visits, and you have more opportunity for interaction when you join a social network. By joining Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and other social media channels, you open up communication between your office and your patients. Whether they have questions about symptoms, or want to share their experience, each channel allows them to do so.

Even if your patients aren’t asking questions, keep them up-to-date with your practice by posting frequent updates. Whether it is new office hours or new services, keep your patients “in the know” with important information. This is especially important for dental sleep medicine because patients are still getting to know this specific area of services and how it might relate to them. Since most people suffering from sleep apnea are unaware they have this condition, inform your patients about the sleep disorder and its symptoms so they can become aware of this condition.

3. Informing Other Medical Professionals

Your social network can also play a role in informing other medical professionals in your community that you are currently offering dental sleep medicine services. Just as you are working to inform your patients and provide important information, so are other medical professionals in your community. By connecting with them through social media, you can continue to interact and share important information with their offices as well. Once they understand the services you offer and that you are knowledgeable in dental sleep medicine, a working relationship can be built.

To generate marketing for your practice, social networks are the way to go. While you might have a personal account to keep in touch with friends, creating social media channels for your practice is another way to reach your patients, as well as other medical professionals. Utilize Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and other social networks to introduce dental sleep medicine to your patients, as well as other medical professionals in your community.

Mayoor Patel, DDS, MS, is the owner of Atlanta’s Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Center of Georgia. Patel’s expertise in craniofacial pain, TMD, and dental sleep medicine, in addition to the opening of his dental laboratory—MAP-LAB—allows him to successfully help other dentists improve their dental offices. Contact Patel via his website.