Making the most of social media – Association of Dental Implantology (ADI)

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  Posted by: Dental Design      26th October 2018

It is not an understatement to say that social media has revolutionised the way that we live our lives. Not only has it become a core part of our daily interactions, but it has also evolved into a fantastic resource to find new information and meet new people, opening doors to new opportunities that are well worth exploring. These opportunities are numerous for dental professionals, and by harnessing the power of social media you can quickly reap the rewards.

A global way of life

In recent years social media has become so popular in global society that its users now number well into the billions. This number grew from 0.97 billion in 2010 to 2.62 billion in 2018 alone, and is now projected to continue rising to reach over 3 billion in 2021.[i]

This not only shows how deeply ingrained social media has become but also how far its reach has expanded, providing countless marketing, networking and educational opportunities for those who know how to use it best.

A wide audience

Due to such high numbers of the world population using social media (over 40% if we consider the 2018 social media statistic against the current estimated world population of 7.6 billion[ii]) it makes sense that various platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can be used as effective marketing tools for a dental practice. A Facebook page, in particular, is a very useful platform to have as it can serve multiple beneficial functions. Not only can it act as a hub for patients to discover relevant information such as opening times and the latest practice news, it can also be used as a space for promoting special offers and new equipment or procedures, which may draw in new business.

Instagram, too, is an excellent platform for professionals looking to show what they are capable of. The app recently revealed it now has 1 billion monthly users,[iii]and with this level of traffic it’s easy to widen your visibility, especially if you post relevant images that show the skills of yourself or your team. Of course, proper consent from patients is vital in these instances, but once obtained these images can be a fantastic marketing tool to draw in new patients.

Networking possibilities

Social media has made it easier than ever before to get in contact with people who are relevant to your line of work. A quick search on Facebook will quickly bring up plenty of groups for people in the profession and suggested friends, and for dental professionals – especially those who offer implant services – this can be invaluable. These groups offer diverse forums for discussion and are often frequently visited by some of the most prominent figures in the industry. Plus, you can speak to people and gain second opinions on aspects such as materials or brands, helping you to make the best choices for both your practice and your patients.

LinkedIn also offers plenty of professional potential, and people on the site often use it as an electronic curriculum vitae so you can easily see people’s credentials. This makes it easy to contact people who you think will be relevant to your own career or approach people who could be attractive candidates for any positions you may have available in your practice.

An encyclopaedia of education

Arguably one of the best aspects of social media is the potential to use it as an educational tool. Whilst some platforms are fairly limited in this regard, Facebook groups are a gold mine of information that can help you in the field of implantology in a number of ways.

Depending on the group you may be able to find out about new materials and equipment used in implantology procedures or keep on top of the latest innovations from around the world. This not only gives you a constantly updating global perspective of the industry but can also inspire you to research new topics and materials, helping you to offer a better level of patient care. Furthermore, these groups are also invaluable forums for feedback should you want any guidance or advice Many of these groups will have members who actively assist people with questions or offer their perspectives, meaning that you can gain a thorough evaluation of cases from qualified professionals where required.

Understanding the power that these groups can have, the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) offers individuals access to their ADI Members’ Only Facebook Group as just one of the many perks of membership. An exciting hub where professionals can learn, discover and discuss, this Facebook group is available alongside other invaluable educational resources for members such as ADI Study Clubs and access to high-quality research journals.

Social media your way

It’s important to remember that social media can work differently for everyone. Depending on whether your goal is to network, learn, or market your skills or your practice, social media provides many possible avenues. All of them are worth exploring if you really want to make the most of what the modern age has to offer.

 

For information on the ADI and upcoming events, please visit www.adi.org.uk

 
[i]Statista. Number of Social media Users Worldwide from 2010 to 2021 (In Billions). Link: https://www.statista.com/statistics/278414/number-of-worldwide-social-network-users/ [Last accessed June18].
[ii]World Population Review. World Population 2018. Link: http://worldpopulationreview.com/ [Last accessed June 18].
[iii]  The Telegraph. Instagram Hits 1 Billion Users as it Launches Video Service to Rival YouTube. Link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/06/20/instagram-hits-1-billion-users-launches-video-service-rival/ [Last accessed June 18].


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