Cyber Salon
What ’ s Your Status ?
By Dr . Brian Mark Schwab , Associate Editor
In the online social networking era , things just happen differently than they would have prior to the myriad of technological advances and access that have shaped the first decade of the 21 st Century .
In previous columns , we have focused on the various social networking sites Facebook , MySpace , LinkedIn and Twitter . We have also focused on PDA ’ s new Social Networking site , which is up and running and ready for business . In addition to promoting our new site , we have also provided articles about how easy social networking is . A 5 year old can do it and so can a 105 year old . Now we are going to focus on some of the minor aspects of social networking that can help make your experiences just a little more exciting and enjoyable .
I am certain that some of you are totally new to social networking . You have figured out how to search for someone , you probably have uploaded a picture and you probably have emailed or posted a message for someone you know . Now it is time to explore the many additional features that are available to you .
On Facebook , one of the options you have on your profile page is to enter “ What ’ s on your mind ?” You type something in the box and hit “ Share ” and it will appear on your friends ’ page the next time they log into their account . You could post something minor like , “ When is this heat going to break ?” or something exciting such as , “ I just had my first hole-in-one !” or something else of significance or insignificance to you . This is your way on Facebook of communicating to your pals without having to email , text message or telephone them to tell them what is going on .
On Twitter , you actually do the same thing but it is known as a “ Tweet .” On the PDA ’ s social networking site , you are prompted to enter “ What ’ s on your mind ? Question for other Members ?” This is where you can post good news , bad news , inquiries about dental products , materials , legislation or virtually anything you ’ d like . It is a forum that is available only to PDA members who have registered to use the site . It is the hope of the PDA Board of Trustees and staff members that members will utilize this excellent forum to openly discuss and debate questions and topics introduced . There is a forum for general dentists , specialists , public health and volunteering , new dentists and others . Literally , there is a forum for everyone and if you have an idea for a new forum , please contact Jessica Forte and jsf @ padental . org .
Social media can be used as a tool to reach out to people whom you would otherwise not have direct access to . Imagine the capability of being able to connect a dentist in Philadelphia with a dentist in Erie . Suppose the Philadelphia dentist posted that she is planning to purchase a Panorex machine and she wanted feedback on two different brand names . The dentist in Erie just purchased one and really liked the customer service and special financing he received from company A versus company B . In literally 10 seconds , he could share this excellent , firsthand information with a colleague . No long distance phone calls , no lengthy emails , none of that . These two dentists may never have even “ met one another ” had it not been for the PDA ’ s social networking site . This example represents the type of activity that we would like to see .
Our site is a dynamic fusion of vision and mission ; to connect members together for the common benefit and to offer member value through PDA membership . Imagine how this site can be used to quickly distribute information on legislation . I hope you currently receive CapWiz alerts . Unfortunately , there is no method to discuss the CapWiz alerts with your colleagues or leaders . Those days are over now , as we have an excellent way to discuss activities in Washington and Harrisburg and all around the state right at our fingertips . Our impact will be greater if we can educate each other and promote legislation that will have a positive impact on our profession .
If you have not yet taken the time to log into www . community . padental . org please take 10 minutes and explore the site . In addition to using it as a direct connection to PDA , you will find it easy and fun to use . Hope you have a great time social networking !
September / October 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal
45