Indiana University South Bend offers Dental Education programs for students looking to enter the field of dentistry. Once a student graduates, many career opportunities become available, including becoming a clinician, working in public health, education, and more.
Dental Education: Vera Z. Dwyer College of Health Sciences: Indiana University South Bend (iusb.edu)The Academy of General Dentistry is an association that represents the needs of dentists. The organization is made up of over 40,000 members, and the program provides education and advocacy for general dentists.
Academy of General Dentistry (agd.org)The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Oral Health is an organization that is dedicated to improving the oral health of children. The Section on Oral Health provides an educational forum for the discussion of oral health problems and treatment options.
Section on Oral Health (SOOH) (aap.org)The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is an organization dedicated to the advancement of oral healthcare for children. This not-for-profit organization advocates for excellent oral healthcare for all children.
AAPD | HomeThe American Academy of Periodontology is an organization with over 7,500 members that was created to advance the periodontal and general health of patients. The organization is also dedicated to periodontal dentistry education.
American Academy of PeriodontologyThe American Association of Public Health Dentistry is a voluntary organization that is dedicated to helping vulnerable populations by providing access to care for those in need.
American Association for Community Dental Programs (aacdp.com)This list would be incomplete without the ADA (American Dental Association). The ADA is a professional association that has over 161,000 members. The ADA helps to provide research, industry news, guidelines, and more for dentists. The organization was established in 1859 and is one of the most well-known and trusted organizations in the field of dentistry.
Home | American Dental Association (ada.org)The ADEA (American Dental Education Association) is an organization that is “dedicated to preparing future-ready oral health professionals.” The association is over 100 years old and is made up of over 15,000 members.
Home (adea.org)The ADHA (American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an advocacy group that helps support dental hygienists on a state, federal, and local level. The organization is over 100 years old, and helps with growing the careers of dentists, while also providing education and other resources.
Home - ADHAThe AIDPH (American Institute of Dental Public Health) is an organization that focuses on education, innovation, and research to improve the field of dentistry. The organization was created in 2015 to help “foster professional excellence” and advance the field of dentistry.
The American Institute of Dental Public Health – Advancing the science and education of oral health (aidph.org)The ANOHC (American Network of Oral Health Coalitions) is a membership organization that helps to shape policy, educate the public, and promote prevention. The organization helps state oral health coalitions to ask questions, share information, and more.
Home - ANOHCThe AMCHP (Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs) works with and supports state maternal and child health programs to improve the health of women, children, youth, families, and communities. They provide leadership, collaboration, and technical assistance to help public health professionals address the needs and challenges of their communities.
AMCHPThe Campaign for Dental Health is an organization that helps to ensure communities have access to fluoridated water. This is extremely helpful when it comes to preventing tooth decay and ensuring the health of people’s teeth. The Campaign for Dental Health helps with educational efforts for not only those in the communities that will benefit from fluoridation but also the policymakers that may be standing in the way of water fluoridation in their communities.
https://ilikemyteeth.orgCareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a nonprofit organization that helps to provide low-income communities with access to oral healthcare. The organization focuses on research, advocacy, grantmaking, policy, and education. Their main focus is ensuring underserved communities get the healthcare they need and deserve.
CareQuest Institute for Oral HealthThe Dental Trade Alliance Foundation helps by providing grants for pilot projects that improve access to oral care and by funding scholarships. These grants and scholarships help to increase access to healthcare and educational opportunities for those in need that are interested in joining the oral healthcare field.
Homepage - DTA Foundation (dentaltradealliance.org)Henry Schein is a company that specializes in clinical, supply chain technology, and business solutions that help dental (and medical) practitioners to better help provide quality health care. They offer a centralized and automated distribution network. Dentists can procure supplies, equipment, and other solutions and services.
Home - Henry Schein Special MarketsThe Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) is an organization that empowers oral healthcare providers that provide quality healthcare for underrepresented communities. The organization was founded in 1990 and strives to provide a united voice for Hispanic oral healthcare providers, help Hispanics to enter oral healthcare careers, foster research, and more.
Home (hdassoc.org)The IADR (International Association for Dental Research) is a non-profit organization that seeks to increase knowledge and advance research in the field of dentistry. The organization provides grants, hosts industry events, helps dentists with career advancement, and provides dentists with a strong network of peers to communicate and connect with.
IADR HomepageThe MSDA is an organization that represents state Medicaid and CHIP dental programs. They aim to help those that have Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP to get the best possible services. The organization seeks to nurture innovation, advance policy, improve programs, and advocate for those in need.
Medicaid-CHIP State Dental Association (medicaiddental.org)The OHCR is an organization that helps provide high-quality oral health assistance and resources for the maternal and child oral healthcare communities. This includes curricula, guides, publications, and other resources.
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (mchoralhealth.org)The NNOHA (National Network for Oral Health Access) is an organization that offers educational opportunities, resources, and a variety of different helpful programs. They also host a variety of events and conferences. Their mission is to help underserved populations and provide leadership and advocacy.
Home | NNOHAThe Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) page helps patients to find primary and preventative care providers regardless of their income and ability to pay. You can enter your information and find health centers in your area, then receive the care you need. This includes dentists in your area.
https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.govThis page allows patients to find Medicaid service providers in Indiana. This resource helps patients to search for providers of a variety of different medical services, including dentistry.
Indiana Health Coverage Programs - IHCP Provider Locator (indianamedicaid.com)This orthodontic organization helps low-income families to afford braces for their children. The website allows patients to apply for support and offers referrals to dentists that would like to participate in the program.
Donated Braces for Children and Teens | Smiles Change LivesThe Healthlinc Mobile Dental Clinic provides outstanding dental services for patients. The mobile clinic travels around Northern and Northwestern Indiana to provide dentistry services to communities in need. Patients from Chicago, East Chicago, and Valparaiso may also benefit from their services.
HealthLinc | Serving Northern Indiana (healthlincchc.org)NorthShore Health Centers is a non-profit community health clinic that services Lake Station, Portage, Merrillville, Chesterton, Hammond, and La Porte, Indiana. Services include pediatrics, urgent care, radiology, dental, and more.
Health Clinic in Hammond & Portage, IN | NorthShore Health CentersThe Indiana University of South Bend isn’t just a place to receive an education in the field of dentistry—it also contains a clinic that is open to the public for dentistry services. The Indiana University of South Bend’s Dental Hygiene Clinic offers services that are provided by students but overseen by licensed dentists. Services are very affordable for those that have a lower income.
Dental Education: Vera Z. Dwyer College of Health Sciences: Indiana University South Bend (iusb.edu)Indiana Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). They service many uninsured and medically underserved communities. Some of the dental health services provided include family dental care, fillings, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, exams, and more.
Dental Services – Indiana Health Centers (indianahealthonline.org)The Angola Faith Community Health Center offers clinical services for patients that are uninsured and meet financial guidelines. This includes a variety of different dental services, along with other medical treatments.
Faith Community Health Clinic (faithhealthclinic.org)The Indiana Fort Wayne Dental Clinic offers fantastic dentistry services at a low cost. They accept a variety of different insurance plans, along with Indiana Medicaid. Some of the services offered include exams, cleanings, sealants, x-rays, and more.
Dental Clinic: Indiana University Fort Wayne (iufw.edu)Affordable Dentures and Implants is a provider of denture and implant services at affordable prices. They have a variety of different locations, including a location in Fort Wayne.
Dentures Dentists | Affordable Dentures & ImplantsSt. Martin’s Healthcare offers high-quality dental care for patients with chronic and acute conditions. All of the services provided by St. Martin’s are free of cost to the patient. They provide a variety of services, which include dental services like screenings, exams, restorations, extractions, and more.
PATIENTS | St. Martin's Healthcare (smhcin.org)If you live in Montgomery County, Indiana and you are uninsured, The Montgomery County Free Clinic may be the perfect place to have your dental needs met. The clinic offers services that include restorations, check-ups, and more.
Montgomery County Free Clinic, Inc. (wpengine.com)Meridian Health Services is a service provider that offers dental services in a variety of different locations. These services include preventative care, oral surgery, emergency care, periodontal care, and more. Meridian services patients that have HIP (Healthy Indiana Plan).
Meridian Health Services (meridianhs.org)Trinity Free Clinic is a health clinic that offers medical, vision, and dental services. Trinity Free Clinic offers high-quality services for those that are underinsured, uninsured, and low-income. The dental services provided by Trinity Free Clinic include exams, restorations, extractions, and more.
Trinity Free ClinicThe Dental Lifeline Network in Indiana offers volunteer services for patients that are in need of general services. They do not offer cosmetic or emergency services. Through the program, patients that are in need are allowed access to dental services.
Dental Care Program Options in Indiana | DDS | DLN (dentallifeline.org)The Give a Smile program is provided by the Indiana Department of Health. This volunteer program provides preventative, educational, and restorative dentistry services for children that are in need.
Health: Oral Health: Give Kids a Smile (in.gov)Oral Health Home is another Indiana Department of Health initiative to improve oral health for residents in the area.
Health: Oral Health: Home (in.gov)MouthHealthy is a program that provides educational services. They also have a “find-a-dentist” feature to help patients find an ADA-affiliated dentist. You’ll find topics that range from “How to Choose the Right Dentist” to “Dental Emergencies” and everything in between! If you have an upcoming service or you have any dentistry-related questions, make sure you check this site out.
MouthHealthy | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADAThe Oral Health Foundation is an organization that provides outstanding educational information. Through the site, patients can learn about various oral healthcare services, prevention, and more. There is even a list of approved products for patients to choose from! It offers some solid advice and is an excellent tool to learn more about oral healthcare.
Oral Health Foundation (dentalhealth.org)There are lots of outstanding, traditional resources you may be using to help grow your dental practice and get in front of more potential patients. While this may be the case, it’s extremely important for dentists to utilize innovative and modern marketing solutions to keep up with changes in the field.
But what do these solutions look like? And what resources are available to grow a dental practice?
Below are some of the best dental marketing resources available that you can take advantage of starting today!
Websites are extremely important for dental offices. Your patients need to be able to find you, learn more about your office, and schedule an appointment. If you don’t have a website (or your website isn’t properly functioning) you are missing out on a lot of business.
There’s a high likelihood that your competitors have optimized their websites. Search for dental offices in your area and check out their sites. Then see how you stack up. If you’re lucky, they’ve also neglected their website. More likely than not, though, they have a functional, quality, and even stylish website that is leaving yours in the dust.
There are a couple of ways to build your wonderful, functional website. The first is to hire a company to do it for you. There are many great web design businesses out there that can build you a site from the ground up that looks spectacular and functions well. With that said, they will end up costing you a good amount of money. If you don’t have the time to devote to building a site on your own (even with the tools to do so), though, you should consider hiring a quality provider to build a beautiful site to meet your needs.
If you decide to build your website on your own, there are a few site builders you should consider, which include:
WordPress is outstanding for those that want to customize and dig deep into their website. While there are very simple and easy templates that can be used, there is also a lot that can be done under the hood. To save some money, you may consider setting up the website on your own and then hiring a developer to implement your sign-ups, contact forms, and other factors that may be slightly more complex.
Squarespace isn’t quite as technical as WordPress, but it is still a robust solution. There are plenty of design tools to ensure your website looks professional, all with an easy interface that allows you to get your website up quickly.
Wix is a fantastic option for those that want a simple, drag-and-drop solution. Wix is generally considered the least advanced of the three, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a beautiful site! Wix also has plenty of add-ons, making it a strong solution for those that may want to add more functionality to their site later on.
All three of these solutions offer you the opportunity to build your own site and get things up and running. Even if you need someone to add more complex forms later on, you can at least get your site up and running now! So, get to it!
Content marketing is very useful and effective in a variety of different ways. If you check out your competitors, there is a pretty high likelihood that at least some of them are using content (such as blogs) to set themselves apart, grow their websites, drive traffic, and increase their appointments.
Here are some ways that content marketing can help to both increase your patient base and keep your current patients engaged:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is fundamental for your growth online. Essentially, search engine optimization is the process of boosting your website and pages higher in the algorithms of top search engines. So, if done properly, you’ll find your website ranks higher on Google than your competitors.
It’s important to note that the first few slots will always be given to those paying for ads. With that said, you can get yourself to the first organic position with the help of SEO implementation.
You may be wondering, “how is SEO linked to content?”
One major way in which SEO is linked to content is with the help of keywords. By adding relevant and popular keywords to your web copy and blog content, you’ll let search engines know that the information you are providing is relevant. With that said, you also don’t want to “spam” keywords. Instead, it’s best to organically work in keywords as best as possible for optimal results.
As your site gets more clicks and more people spend time reading your content, Google and other platforms will see your content as useful and will increase your rankings. Eventually, you may get to the point where you are the #1 organic search result in your area!
There are a lot of dentists to choose from, and it can be difficult for a patient to know which dentist to go with. Having a dental blog can help to establish yourself as the best in the field and can build trust. You can not only provide your potential and current patients with helpful and important information but also express your personality.
If you have a new practice, a strong blog can also help to build trust in your brand and your office. This is extremely important for a business that may not have a ton of reviews or a strong reputation yet.
Content is one of the most cost-effective ways to grow your business and drive traffic online. Even if you decide to hire a company to create content for you (which you may want to consider), it’s still a cheaper option than running ads. This is especially so in comparison to traditional advertising methods like renting billboard space or running ads on television.
With that said, even if you have a robust marketing budget, you should consider adding content marketing to your overall marketing plan.
If you don’t have the time or aren’t a great writer, don’t worry! We’ll look at some cost-effective solutions for content creation (including some places you can go to hire writers).
If you are looking to hire a company or freelancer to help out with your content services, consider the following options:
Dream Chasers is a marketing agency that offers outstanding content, web development, copy, and other services for their clients—many of which are in the dental industry. With their level of expertise in the field of dentistry and dental marketing, hiring them is a sure bet to get outstanding results.
Upwork is a very trusted company to hire freelancers and contractors from. Freelancers are available for as little as one project and can also offer ongoing services.
It’s important to keep in mind that, if you hire a freelancer through Upwork, you may not be able to hire them outside of the platform. You’ll need express permission from Upwork to do so. Still, Upwork makes the process of finding and hiring a freelancer pretty easy.
Guru.com is an alternative to Upwork that has been around for a long time and is credible. The main difference is generally the quality. While there are outstanding freelancers on Guru, there are also a ton that are getting their start. While this means you can hire them for pennies on the dollar, you also may get “pennies on the dollar” quality writing.
If you have colleagues or friends that have recently hired a content provider, consider asking for the information of the provider so you can contact them. Or you can schedule a meeting through your friend or colleague. You’d be surprised how many great business relationships start with a referral and through networking.