Jill and I are thrilled to attend the 102nd Annual Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting in Atlanta, GA next week. Although we’ve opted not to rent a booth this year, I’d like to personally extend an invitation to connect with us and schedule an appointment time. We can discuss the latest and greatest in social media, blogging, and digital marketing for your practice, and we’ll answer your questions about creating a strong online presence that strengthens your relationship with new and existing patients.
By the way, have you checked the Dental Junkie events calendar lately? We’ve added over 70 events from now through the end of 2014, with hundreds more soon to be posted. You’ll find dental conferences, annual sessions, expos, CE opportunities, and workshops from across the country—nay, the world!
It’s nearly impossible to say what I’m most excited about, but these are my top 10 courses and special events picks for the 2014 Hinman meeting:
No. 1: Speakers. So Many Speakers.
Previous years’ speakers have been nothing short of fascinating, and I’m sure the latest crop won’t disappoint. Dr. Anthony Cardoza will be on hand to discuss forensic dentistry, and I’ll be interested to hear from local practitioner Dr. Jimmy Eubank as he shares insights into restorative dentistry and occlusion. Dr. Mark Hyman always has interesting things to say about motivation and team building, and Dr. John Svirsky may very well blow your mind with his discussion of oral pathology. Dr. Svirsky rocks a bowtie like nobody’s business, and it’s obvious from his speaker photo that this is a man who gets very excited about oral pathology.
No. 2: Creating Vision and Value for Patients
In this post, I pointed out that one of our clients’ biggest challenges is marketing to cost-conscious patients at a time when many view preventive care as elective. Imtiaz Manji discusses the power of dentistry to effect positive changes in patients’ lives, both clinically and socially. Manji emphasizes the need to create a unique vision that encompasses their needs as patients, people, and consumers. Course Th303, 3/27/2014, 8am – 11am
No. 3: The Exhibit Hall
I could (and probably will) spend hours perusing the exhibits. The Exhibit Hall features charity events, food, charging stations, vendors, table clinics, and thousands of people who share your passion for all things dental. New this year is the “Dentists Only” session. On March 27, from 9am – 11am, attendance will be limited to dentists only. Plan ahead with the interactive 2014 Exhibit Hall map, which you’ll find here.
No. 4: Health and Wellness Track
Can’t decide on your courses? Opt for a track, which is something of an all-inclusive program comprised of several speakers and workshops. Altogether, you’ll hear from five speakers, each with an hour-long discussion of topics to include oral cancer, patient medication safety, longevity, cardiovascular disease, and the effects of lifestyle on chronic illnesses. Course Sa270, 3/29/2014, 8:30am – 3pm
No. 5: Networking Reception and Panel Discussion With Women Dentists
As a woman, mother, and business owner, I understand the importance of balancing family life and work. Panel members will discuss practice management, career advancement, and what it means to be a woman and a dentist. Course Sa411, 3/29/2014, 12pm – 1:30pm
No. 6: 21st Century Dentures: New Ideas, Techniques, and Technology
Baby Boomers are more knowledgeable about personal oral health than their predecessors, and they’ll no doubt seek out the best treatments and care. Dr. Joseph Massad shares his thoughts on improved impression techniques, occlusal schemes, and jaw relationship recording. Course Sa373, 3/29/2014, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
No. 7: The Fun Way to Proficiency With Digital Dental Photography
Who wouldn’t want the chance to become the Ansel Adams of intraoral photography? Dr. Mark Kleive leads a hands-on workshop for capturing images that improve communication between your team and your patients. Role-playing abounds. Course Sa164, 3/29/2014, 9:30am – 12:30pm
No. 8: Ask and Ye Shall Receive! The Art of Getting to “Yes”
In last week’s post, I touched on the benefits of internal marketing for case acceptance and patient referrals. In this course, Dr. Mark Hyman offers advice on selling services, building strong dental teams, and the critical nature of listening to your patients. Course Sa361, 3/29/2014, 9:30am – 12:30pm
No. 9: Back to the Eighties Auxiliary Reception
Arcade games, live music, a photo booth, and a costume contest? Do tell! Open to hygienists, office staff, lab techs, and assistants, the reception will be held at the Omni Hotel ballroom and features a buffet, dancing, and drawings. Complimentary beer and wine, as well as a cash bar. Bless them, they even offer free shuttle service to nearby hotels. Friday, 3/28/2014, 7pm – 11pm.
No. 10: Messages to Our Military
Not a purely dental affair, but an incredible gesture nonetheless. Stop by Booth #137 in the Exhibit Hall to send an appreciative postcard to American soldiers serving overseas. More than 2,500 attendees participated last year, and I know we can do even better in 2014.
About the author: Jill Nastasia, CEO and Director of Business Development at MDPM Consulting, lives, breathes, and dreams dentistry. From masterminding social media to forging brand identity, she is passionate about her clients’ dental practices and patient experience. She’s also passionate about Flock of Seagulls and has every intention of winning the 80s costume contest.