Sheri's Solutions: Do you do video?

"Do you video?" An interesting question. I tweet, I Facebook, I Foursquare. We do recommend our patients to "like" us on Facebook and Foursquare, but we haven't entered the world of video yet.

But we have been considering using video of patient testimonials for several weeks.

I had recently been to a seminar where different methods of social media were discussed. According to Brad Newman, videotaping patient testimonials was one of the key components to a healthy social media campaign.

It does not have to be expensive. The simple use of a smartphone video or handheld video and then uploading it to YouTube will be sufficient.

Of course, you would also be able to hire an expensive videographer who will splice and edit to your heart's content, but the homegrown look of doing it yourself does appeal to me.

This is basically free online advertising for our practices. It merely takes a little time to create. If you are unable to film the video, ask one of your team members. Between all the members of your office, you should have someone who is already uploading video to YouTube or Vimeo.

Does your practice do something unique? Are your patients all enjoying your Sky-Scapes in your lighting systems? Video is a great medium for demonstrating this.

You may not have to search for something that different. A team member discussing the office's infection-control protocol may be of interest to dental consumers. Another option is a tour of the office: So many patients are fearful of the dentist that a "virtual" tour could bolster some courage.

Of course, not all patients will want to be in a video. You need to have a release form created to give you permission to use their picture and words.

We plan to start some videos this weekend. I haven't decided which method I plan to use, but I am also checking out the ability to upload these videos to my website.

This seminar was my call to action. How about yours?

Sheri B. Doniger, DDS, practices clinical dentistry in Lincolnwood, IL. She is currently vice president and president-elect of the American Association of Women Dentists and editor of the American Association of Women Dentists "Chronicle" newsletter. She has served as an educator in several dental and dental hygiene programs, has been a consultant for a major dental benefits company, and has written for several dental publications. You can reach her at [email protected].