Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS

How generating web traffic-and successfully converting that traffic into new patient leads-can have huge benefits for your practice.

This month, in part two of a two-part series, Dr. Shuman continues his conversation with Robert McDermott, president and CEO of iCoreConnect, on the topic of HIPAA compliance and electronic protected health information (ePHI). This column provides greater depth on the required safeguards for HIPAA-compliant management of ePHI, as well as the relative security of cloud-based systems for the dental office.

In part one of a two-part series, Dr. Lou Shuman and Robert McDermott discuss if email can satisfy HIPAA regulations-and how you can ensure electronic protected health information remains secure.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is-so beware these common marketing scams.

SMART technologies are changing the way dental practices are managed-for the better.

Each month, Dr. Lou Shuman consults with a dental digital marketing specialist to discuss the latest developments in social media trends, SEO strategies, website optimization, online reputation management and more. This month, Dr. Shuman consults with Cory Roletto MBA cofounder of WEO Media. He sits down with Cory to discuss mobile websites and responsive design.

Each month, Dr. Lou Shuman consults with a dental digital marketing specialist to discuss the latest developments in social media trends, SEO strategies, website optimization, online reputation management and more.

Have you looked at your Facebook business page lately? If not, you should take a look. Facebook quietly rolled out a new business page design that will impact the layout of your page. It is essential practices keep up with the constant changes in social media, and this is the latest example of why people need to stay on top of their social media marketing efforts.

Facebook can be a valuable marketing tool­ for dental practices-if you know how to make the best of it. .

Incorporating videos into your dental practice’s website, social media and online presence can bring big returns.

Search engine optimization is more important than ever. Here are 6 ways to make sure your site stands out.

To attempt to be on the technological leading edge as a practice today, with the number of high-quality technology product choices in the marketplace is truly mind-boggling. I have been fortunate in my role as President of Pride Institute to have the privilege to work closely with industry experts who are able to offer valuable input in this critical area.

The new paradigm introduced by the Internet has drastically and fundamentally changed how consumers seek, evaluate and communicate with service providers. Google, Bing and Yelp have replaced the Yellow Pages as the lead sources of information. Word-of-mouth and referrals have transformed from neighborly conversations to Web communications through social media channels such as blogs, Facebook and YouTube. These changes have impacted all industries and dentistry isn’t immune to these transitions.

The word “inspire” originates from Latin and means “to breathe.” This is particularly appropriate when we consider that new technology brings new life and greater breadth to the dental practice. As the practice leader, your role must go far beyond the purchase of hardware or software. You need to involve and motivate your team members who will implement and experience the technology. There are four important components to inspire your team to master new technology. Communicate your vision