First, do you have a social network? Are you on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+? If not, now is the time to get those up and running as soon as possible. The availability of a social network is the easiest option for reaching your patients. And what makes it even better is its free to create!

If you already have an active social network for your practice, let’s re-evaluate how you are using it. From sharing educational information and blog posts to updating your patients on your practice, your social network is a vital go-between for you and your patients. Let’s take a look at what you should be doing with your social network.

Pay attention to when you’re posting online

Timing is everything when it comes to your social network.  When you are thinking about when to post something, ask yourself when your patients go online. Or, what’s even better is to ask when your staff goes online the most.  

If you can gain a better understanding of when people are utilizing the Internet, you can plan out your sharing and posting. For example, most people will go on a social channel when they first wake up in the morning, at lunch time, after work and then again before bed. If you stick to a time around those, you can improve your outreach to your patients.

Pay attention to what you’re sharing online

What you are sharing on your social network? Is it relatable? Is it something they want to know? Think about questions that your patients frequently ask you and utilize information that answers those questions. You can help to educate your patients in dental sleep medicine and craniofacial pain by:

  • Answering common questions patients might be answering in the office, online.
  • Giving patients educational resources to help them make educated decisions regarding their health and wellbeing.
  • Sharing images that help explain certain aspects of dental sleep medicine and craniofacial pain.
  • Giving tips that help patients better understand sleep apnea and TMD.

Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are each available as a way to educate your patients on your specific area of interest. From articles throughout the Internet to your own educational blogs, social media channels are available for you to reach your patients in any way possible. Even if you are simply announcing a new member to your already expansive dental team, your patients want to know what is going on at your practice. Let your patients into your practice and let them know you are available and listening to their needs.