Kevin Henry, Associate Editor
They are coming from virtually every city in every country in every part of the world. It is an invasion like the world has never seen before. They`re out there at all hours of the day and night, and they`re waiting for you. They are the .com`s, a brand of on-ramps to information that the world has never seen before. And they are not alone; they have their cousins, the .org`s and .net`s, right beside them.
What does the explosion of information and options in the dental industry mean to you? That`s your decision. The .com`s can be ignored, or they can be used to gain knowledge about everything from new dental materials to where the closest periodontist is located.
Below you will find 33 Web sites (in alphabetical order) dealing with the dental industry. This is by no means a complete list, as new Internet sites appear almost daily. This list is meant solely as a guidebook to some of the sites that are currently on the World Wide Web.
Happy surfing ... and may the .com`s be with you.
1. ADA Online
Web address: www.ada.org
Location: Chicago, Ill.
How ADA Online describes itself: "Discount shopping, dental office Web sites, a discussion area, and much more are among the ADA services and resources offered to ADA members on ADA Online. Search and e-mail options make it easy to find what you`re looking for."
What sets ADA Online apart: It is the official Web site of the American Dental Association, giving it instant credibility. • For ADA members, there is discount shopping and daily specials from dozens of retailers in the ADA Electronic Commerce Company (ECCo) Shopping Mall. • Members can search the ADA Member Directory by dental school and year of graduation, as well as by dental specialty, membership category, and address information.
Joining ADA Online: The majority of the site is reserved for ADA members, but the sections that are open to the general public are free.
Key players for ADA Online: Dr. Richard F. Mascola, president.
2. claimsnet.com
Web address: www.claimsnet.com
Location: Dallas, Texas
How claimsnet.com describes itself: "claimsnet.com provides the most extensive healthcare information processing services on the Internet with Services.now! Process your medical and dental claims, send out your statements, provide patient eligibility and referrals using your browser and the Internet."
What sets claimsnet.com apart: Claimsnet.com integrates directly to your practice management system. • Claims are interactively edited, providing immediate reports for error correction. • Online training tutorials are available around the clock for your convenience.
Joining claimsnet.com: Provider Site - $150.00. Billing Service Site - $350.00. Additional Tax ID or Providers - $20.00. More pricing information is available at www.claimsnet.com/public/default.asp? navbar_location_param=services/services.asp
Key players for claimsnet.com: Bo Lyke, chairman; Terry Lee, chief operating officer; Paul Miller, chief financial officer; Abbas Kaffi, vice president of information technology; Ellen Opperthauser, vice president of marketing.
3. DDS4U
Web address: www.dds4u.com
Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
How DDS4U describes itself: "DDS4U is an Internet dentist referral service for people who desire details about a dentist before visiting the office. DDS4U allows visitors to search for a dentist in their area or by specialty and to view the dentist`s Web site to find information about the dentist`s background, list of services provided, accepted insurance, pictures of the office and/or staff, and more."
What sets DDS4U apart: DDS4U`s ability to market its service on the Internet so patients looking for a dentist can find one more easily. • DDS4U guarantees that their dentists will receive at least five new patients during the first three years they are part of the Web site. If it doesn`t live up to the guarantee, there is a complete money-back offer. • DDS4U accepts only 15 percent of the dentists in your area as clients.
Joining DDS4U: Currently, DDS4U offers the service of building and marketing dental practice Web sites for the cost of $499 set up and a $39 monthly fee. Free to the public.
Key players for DDS4U: Buddy Liberman, vice president of sales and marketing.
According to Buddy Liberman: What sets your site apart? "One thing we tell people is that anyone can build a Web page. There are more than 1 billion pages on the Internet. Kids in junior high can put things on the Internet. We offer to build the site and actively market it to patients in a manner that they can easily find it. It`s like building the most beautiful 10-room operatory in the middle of the Mojave Desert. If it can`t be found, it`s worthless." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "I think you`ll see everything from appointment scheduling to paying the bill will be done through the dentist`s Web site. Patients will come to a dentist`s Web site expecting to see everything from photos of the office and staff to which high-tech instruments are used."
4. dentalcourses.com
Web address: www.dentalcourses.com
Location: Texas
How dentalcourses.com describes itself: "www.dentalcourses.com is a unique clearinghouse for information on dental continuing education courses."
What sets dentalcourses.com apart: Practitioners can search for available courses by date, state, subject, or course title. • Those sponsoring courses have an outlet to advertise their event.
Joining dentalcourses.com: Free for dental professionals. Those wishing to submit course information should contact dentalcourses.com.
5. DentalDomain
Web address: www.dentaldomain.com
Location: Chestnut Hill, Mass.
How DentalDomain describes itself: "DentalDomain is a solution resource to the dentist and staff. DentalDomain is also the source for patients to get the latest and most up to date information on any dental issue they may have, or procedures they may be undergoing or considering. DentalDomain is a solution resource to patients, students, public health activists, administrators, dentists, and their staffs; a presentation of the best dental resources from the enormous array available on the World Wide Web; a tool to leverage the flexibility of electronic communication of multimedia information; a business opportunity for independent doctors and laboratories; and a library for patients to explore personal health care programs."
What sets DentalDomain apart: Dental professionals are able to store and archive reports and diagnostic images, at a fully secure and backed-up off site computer bank. All you need is a personal computer a browser, a modem, and a telephone connection. • Multimedia laboratory reports are available. • Online consultations are available on topics ranging from cleft palates to TMJ.
Joining DentalDomain: Free.
Key players for DentalDomain: Arnold Rosen, DDS, founder.
According to Arnold Rosen: What sets your site apart? "We`re in the business of developing Internet-based solutions for dentists. Ours is not a static site. We develop actual business solutions for our clients." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "Tools will be created that will change work flow for the dentists and allow them to do work faster and better. Dentists will be able to share multimedia information on the Internet."
6. DentalHeadHunter.com
Web address: www.dentalheadhunter.com
Location: Fort Wayne, Ind.
How DentalHeadHunter.com describes itself: "DentalHeadHunter.com is your Internet resource for sales and marketing opportunities in the dental industry. DentalHeadHunter.com is the only Web site devoted exclusively to sales and marketing opportunities and talent in the dental industry."
What sets DentalHeadHunter.com apart: Section for employers to view limited amount of available candidates in five separate regions of the United States. • Section for those seeking a job to view limited amount of available openings in same five regions.
Joining DentalHeadHunter.com: Free for both potential employers and employees.
Key players for DentalHeadHunter.com: Nick Harris, vice president and general manager.
7. dentalink.net
Web address: www.dentalink.net
Location: Oxnard, Calif.
How dentalink.net describes itself: "dentalink.net was created to provide staffing assistance to the dental industry throughout the United States. The staff of dentalink.net know how important it is to recruit and maintain quality staff members. We also know how much time and money is wasted when a qualified employee can not be located or an unqualified employee is foolishly hired. dentalink.net speeds up the recruiting process and is extremely beneficial for both the employee and the employer."
What sets dentalink.net apart: All resumes are organized by state and city, so finding the right employee is easy, effective, and free of charge. • dentalink.net is updated 24 hours a day, so there are always new employees to choose from. • Post your practice for sale and reach hundreds of qualified buyers looking to buy practices within the dental industry. Confidentiality is ensured, release only the information you wish.
Joining dentalink.net: Cost for employers to post jobs: $59. Cost to post a practice for sale: $59. No cost to post a resume.
Key players for dentalink.net: Mat Kelly, president.
8. dentalportal.com
Web address: www.dentalportal.com
Location: New York, N.Y.
How dentalportal.com describes itself: "Dentalportal.com is dentistry`s home on the World Wide Web."
What sets dentalportal.com apart: not available
Joining dentalportal.com: Free membership.
Key players for dentalportal.com: not available
9. dentalsite.com
Web address: www.dentalsite.com
Location: Texas
How dentalsite.com describes itself: "The Dental Site is dedicated to serving everyone interested in improving their dental health and those who`s profession it is to educate and care for the dental health of others. Our goal is simply to provide an excellent source of dental health related knowledge for the world free of charge."
What sets dentalsite.com apart: Separate areas of interest for the general public, dentists, hygienists, assistants, and technicians. • Links to a myriad of Web sites for further information. • A "Find A Dentist" search engine that will not only locate a dentist in the United States, but also in 41 other regions of the world.
Joining dentalsite.com: Free.
Key players for dentalsite.com: not available
10. DentalSupplyHouse.com
Web address: www.dentalsupplyhouse.com
Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
How DentalSupplyHouse.com describes itself: "This Web site has evolved to provide not only information on periodontics, but also very low prices on a vast selection of dental supplies and instruments at DentalSupplyHouse.com. Savings up to 40 percent off catalog prices are commonplace."
What sets DentalSupplyHouse.com apart: The site is operated in conjunction with the UCLA School of Dentistry. • "The club" entitles customers to an extra 10 percent off, and access to quality continuing education credits online. • The convenience of 24-hour shopping complements the expanded content sections that feature news, continuing education, textbooks, tutorials, videos, chart forms, message boards, and custom e-mail alerts.
Joining DentalSupplyHouse.com: Free.
Key players for DentalSupplyHouse.com: not available
11. DentalTown.com
Web address: www.dentaltown.com
Location: Phoenix, Ariz.
How DentalTown.com describes itself: "DentalTown.com will offer a way for consumers to find a dentist and have their questions answered."
What sets DentalTown.com apart: Free samples of new products from manufacturers will be available on demand. • A "Just for Kids" section will have information geared toward teaching kids how to take care of their teeth. • Free services such as e-mail, Web site space, news groups, chat rooms, a listing of events sponsored by dental fraternities, and the DentalTown Daily News will be available.
Joining DentalTown.com: Free.
Key players for DentalTown.com: Howard Farran, DDS, founder.
12. Dental X Change
Web address: www.dentalexchange.com
Location: Irvine, Calif.
How Dental X Change describes itself: "We are your premier one-stop online shop in the world of dental information, services and products. Since 1995 thousands of dentists, hygienists, assistants, office staff, lab technicians, and dental professionals have been coming to dentalxchange.com and have made us their #1 dental internet resource. Our site is packed with exciting up-to-date content and more services than any other dental commercial web site."
What sets Dental X Change apart: An up-to-date source for product launches, new techniques, quick clinical tips, and product reviews by leading consultants is just one more dentalxchange advantage. • An extensive online continuing education directory. • "Job Boards" allows you to post job openings, resumes, or CVs.
Joining Dental X Change: Some cost for Web site hosting and construction. Otherwise, it`s free.
Key players for Dental X Change: not available.
13. dentamatch.com
Web address: www.dentamatch.com
Location: Sioux City, Iowa
How dentamatch.com describes itself: "We are a practice enhancement service which matches patients with highly qualified dentists. The individuals we introduce to a dental office receive dental benefits that include free office visits, oral exams, reduced fees, and dental accident insurance all at no cost to participants. These benefits are over and above any insurance the patient already has."
What sets dentamatch.com apart: A separate page of helpful suggestions and "Frequently Asked Questions" when there is a dental emergency. • The initial office visit and oral examination will be completed at no cost to the individual. • An individual becomes enrolled in a free dental plan once they become a patient. Patient status begins once dental services other than the initial exam are performed.
Joining dentamatch.com: Free for patients. Cost for dentists. Log on to dentamatch.com for more information.
Key players for dentamatch.com: Myron Slobin, president; Helen Barbour, vice president.
14. dentfinance.com
Web address: www.dentfinance.com
Location: Minneapolis, Minn.
How dentfinance.com describes itself: "dentfinance.com is a one-stop dental financing source dedicated to providing dental equipment finance contracts, dental equipment leases, leasehold improvement financing, working capital loans, practice acquisition financing, new practice financing and a variety of other financing products online and on your terms."
What sets dentfinance.com apart: dentfinance.com holds and services all of its contracts until maturity. To you, that means that when you choose to do business with dentfinance.com, you never have to worry about your contract being sold to another company. • dentfinance.com personalizes the Internet financing process, enabling you to speak with an expert finance representative in the office directly at any time to ask questions or submit personal information directly via phone or fax. • As a privately-held company with vast resources, dentfinance.com can customize the leasing and financing programs you need to grow a profitable practice.
Joining dentfinance.com: Free.
Key players for dentfinance.com: Chris Bills, general manager; Kim Montgomery, director of sales and marketing.
According to Kim Montgomery: What sets your site apart? "We really don`t have a competitor that is similar to us. Dentists come on to our site to learn about finance and conduct financial matters. On our site, dentists can come directly to us rather than going through a middleman." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "What we`re doing will change the face of distribution in the marketplace. In five years, people will still come to the trade shows to shop, but they`ll go online to secure the best pricing and financing, which will result in big-time savings. The consumer will have control versus merely being informed."
15. DentistBid.com
Web address: www.dentistbid.com
Location: New York, N.Y.
How DentistBid.com describes itself: "This young e-company offers products and services based on a Priceline.com pricing philosophy: Letting the doctor submit the price he or she wants to pay for the products they use most."
What sets DentistBid.com apart: In addition to the bid system, which allows doctors to place orders online, DentistBid.com also offers daily auctions, closeout deals, and limited-time special offers. • Unlike many auction sites, DentistBid.com stocks all of its products, cutting out the middleman and saving the customer more money. • Check out the product of the day, the hour, and the minute. Get the lowest bid price allowed on some everyday products.
Joining DentistBid.com: Free.
Key players for DentistBid.com: not available.
16. dentisthotline.com
Web address: www.dentisthotline.com
Location: New York, N.Y.
How dentisthotline.com describes itself: "Dentist Hotline is a Web site created to provide consumers the best access to dentists and dental information on the Internet. Our belief is that the more we inform consumers, the more they will become aware of their dental needs and use the services of dental professionals like the ones found in our directory."
What sets dentisthotline.com apart: You`ll find a list of 20 important things to expect from your dentist, with special thanks given to David Letterman and his diastema. • dentisthotline.com has a "what to do" listing for the public and the dentist when confronted with an emergency situation. • There`s an interesting children`s section that mentions nothing about dentistry, but has links to the Crayola home page and cool views of the solar system.
Joining dentisthotline.com: Free Web pages are available for dentists.
Key players for dentisthotline.com: Michael Farahnick, DDS, president; Rick Pelsman, designer and vice president.
17. dentistinfo.com
Web address: www.dentistinfo.com
Location: Northbrook, Ill.
How dentistinfo.com describes itself: "I am striving for Dentistinfo.com to be the most user-friendly, noticed, and best listing and dental information site out on the web," said Ronald Widen, DDS.
What sets dentistinfo.com apart: You have the option of playing music on the site while you navigate through the different categories. • A news ticker at the top of the page continuously flashes the latest headlines, keeping you up-to-date while you surf. • Do you want to know why feet smell or do you want to learn from the great Dr. Duey Neadam? Then check out the kid`s section.
Joining dentistinfo.com: Free, except for a cost involved with Web site set-up.
Key players for dentistinfo.com: Widen
18. DentistryOnline.com
Web address: www.dentistryonline.com
Location: Vancouver, Wash.
How DentistryOnline.com describes itself: "Millions of patients are going to the Internet to find dental treatment. I`ve launched DentistryOnline.com to help put your practice on the Internet with a free Web site, free e-mail, free Web site hosting, and a free listing on the world`s most sophisticated `Find-A-Dentist` search service," said Bob Rondeau, DMD, president and chief executive officer.
What sets DentistryOnline.com apart: DentistryOnline.com will create a Web site for a dentist`s practice, an e-mail address for the dentist, and host the new Web site ... all for free. • Dental professionals have the opportunity to review products, services, and companies online. • A search engine lets potential patients search for dentists by name, zip code, special hours, high-technology equipment, aesthetic services, and practice specialties.
Joining DentistryOnline.com: Free.
Key players for DentistryOnline.com: Bob Rondeau, DMD, president and chief executive officer; Elizabeth Rondeau, vice president of operations; Ralph Laurie, executive vice president.
19. Dexpo.com
Web address: www.dexpo.com
Location: Conshohocken, Pa.
How Dexpo.com describes itself: "Dexpo.com combines advanced e-commerce technology with content from leading experts to provide a unique online resource - a virtual `trade show` for dental practitioners and manufacturers."
What sets Dexpo.com apart: An online auction puts you in command by allowing you to determine the ultimate price you pay for dental supplies and equipment. • Every other Friday, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. (Eastern), there is a $5 Friday auction, featuring some (as Dexpo.com puts it), "interesting products." • Classified listings that include employment opportunities and practices for sale or rent are updated daily.
Joining Dexpo.com: $1,400 for manufacturers, $5,000 for distributors, and $500 for others.
Key players for Dexpo.com: Jeff Goodman, chairman and chief executive officer.
According to Jeff Goodman: What sets your site apart? "We are close to being a trade show online. Different participants can promote their products to dentists. The reverse auction is also truly unique. Dentists have also shopped a catalog in the past. This is the exact opposite." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "I think every manufacturer and distributor will have an active Web site. There will be one central marketplace for commerce. I don`t think there will be a lot of fragmentation because the market isn`t large enough."
20. Direct Dental Courses
Web address: www.dentalcourse.com
Location: Chino Hills, Calif.
How Direct Dental Courses describes itself: "D.D.C. is dedicated to providing a quality learning experience to each dental professional. Your time is important to us so we have made continuing education courses directly available to you in the comfort of your own home. Our courses are designed to enhance the licentiate`s knowledge and proficiency to better serve the community."
What sets Direct Dental Courses apart: Available courses are displayed, and the practitioner can then choose to take the course online, or have the course mailed to his or her house. • If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, Dental Direct Courses guarantees a full refund within 60 days. • The course may be done in as many sessions as you choose so that you may work at your own pace. Once you have finished studying the course you may begin the post examination.
Joining Direct Dental Courses: Tests vary in price.
Key players for Direct Dental Courses: not available
21. eDentalStore
Web address: www.edentalstore.com
Location: Burlingame, Calif.
How eDentalStore describes itself: "eDentalStore combines the convenience of online purchasing with comprehensive product selection from leading dental suppliers, delivering a streamlined, lower cost purchasing channel for dental professionals. eDentalStore is committed to delivering exceptional service, maximum value, and mutual benefits to our business partners and customers."
What sets eDentalStore apart: For suppliers, eDentalStore is the first supplier-neutral online marketplace supporting a direct manufacturer-to-dentist selling model. • For dentists, the eDentalStore marketplace offers dental professionals a comprehensive purchasing solution, offering products from trusted quality suppliers, and customers can easily and conveniently compare products, services, and prices, access product reviews, and order supplies from a single online source, thereby saving time and bottom-line business expenses.
Joining eDentalStore: Free membership.
Key players for eDentalStore: William A. Porter, chairman; Thomas Q. Jensen, president, chief executive officer, and co-founder.
22. floss.com
Web address: www.floss.com
Location: Garden City, Long Island, N.Y.
How floss.com describes itself: "We aim to educate visitors and dismiss some of the apprehensions they may have with dental visits. Through an understanding of procedures, dental technology, and the latest developments, we hope to communicate to our audience the importance of good oral hygiene and health," said Dr. Peter D. Vastardis, founder and chief executive officer of Floss.com, Inc.
What sets floss.com apart: A complete library for the general public on everything from how to stop your child from thumbsucking to your pet`s dental health • This site has a sense of humor: You`ll find dentist jokes here. • You can buy everything from toothpaste to vitamins, and sign up for a subscription to many health and fitness magazines.
Joining floss.com: Free to the public.
Key players for floss.com: Peter D. Vastardis, DMD, PC, founder and chief executive officer.
23. MedAvenue.com
Web address: www.MedAvenue.com
Location: Ontario, Calif.
How MedAvenue.com describes itself: "With over 500,000 doctors and 150,000 dentists to choose from, MedAvenue.com provides you with a complete internet medical directory. We are dedicated to providing the health-care public a unique directory source and the doctors an opportunity to explain their unique competence and skill to their patients."
What sets MedAvenue.com apart: Definitions of each doctor`s specialty can be found in an easy-to-use glossary. • A point-and-click map of the United States allows consumers to look in their own state for specialists and general doctors and dentists. • You can search for medical professionals ranging from a chiropractor to an orthodontist.
Joining MedAvenue.com: Free for consumers. Medical professionals must contact MedAvenue.com for pricing.
Key players for MedAvenue.com: Greg J. Powers, vice president; W. Craig Van Sant, project manager.
24. medicalbuyer.com
Web address: www.medicalbuyer.com
Location: Johnson City, Tenn.
How medicalbuyer.com describes itself: "Medicalbuyer.com provides integrated e-commerce solutions for the medical supply industry. As your medical supply supersite, we`re committed to improving your service and satisfaction by providing the best choice of products available in an open access online marketplace."
What sets medicalbuyer.com apart: Founded in 1997, as part of Cimtek Commerce, medicalbuyer.com works with manufacturers, distributors, and other industry participants to deliver Internet-based "infomediary" services and an E-commerce marketplace for the medical supply distribution chain. • A category board (that looks similar to Yahoo!) allows the shopper to choose from medical items ranging from a penlight to crutches.
Joining medicalbuyer.com: Free.
Key players for medicalbuyer.com: Edward S. Rollins, chairman and chief executive officer; Michael S. Bradley, president and chief operating officer.
25. net32
Web address: www.net32.com
Location: Morrisville, N.C.
How net32 describes itself: "A fast, free, painless (and modern) way to buy dental supplies."
What sets net32 apart: All of your orders are saved in a database, so they can be reviewed for subsequent orders. • Everything offered is completely standardized, so you can compare products and prices from multiple vendors on an "apples-to-apples" basis. • You can search for products by category, vendor, brand, code or manufacturer.
Joining net32: Free membership.
Key players for net32: Thomas P. Cavanagh, president and chief executive officer.
According to Thomas P. Cavanagh: What sets your site apart? "Our site is the only place where you can order manufacturer direct from multiple distributors. We offer comparative shopping for knowledgeable consumers. We offer an aggregated consolidated historical record of product consumption and historical tracking. You can build reports of what you`ve ordered in the past, look at those quantities, and build a shopping list using those quantities." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "I believe the Web will dramatically impact the dental industry. It`s amazing to think that 75 percent of dentists still practice in isolation. These people are starving for camaraderie and buying power. The Internet offers them a community to interact with, and a place to get buying power."
26. netopia.com
Web address: www.adaecco.netopia.com
Location: Alameda, Calif.
How netopia.com describes itself: "Netopia, Inc. develops, markets, and supports Internet and electronic commerce infrastructure for small- and medium-size businesses. Netopia`s DSL equipment and Web platforms enable businesses to easily and cost-effectively connect to the Internet, establish and enhance their Internet presence, and conduct business and electronic commerce on the Web."
What sets netopia.com apart: netopia.com has been selected by the American Dental Association to provide ADA members with customized Web sites. • Using a simple point-and-click process, dentists can completely customize their Web sites without any knowledge of HTML or the need for any programming. • Through a private page, the ADA ECCo and its affiliates can communicate directly with each dentist to offer information such as continuing education classes, special product promotions, or hot topics in dentistry.
Joining netopia.com: Premium Web site package will cost a dentist $17.95 per month, plus $139 annual maintenance fee and a $99 one-time set-up fee. Basic Web site packages are available for $17.95 per month, plus $5 per month for telephone support.
Key players for netopia.com: not available
27. Oralis.com
Web address: www.oralis.com
Location: Seattle, Wash.
How oralis.com describes itself: "Our mission is to be the number one online supplier to oral healthcare professionals for all their products and services. We will alleviate the hassles and costs associated with ordering supplies so that more time can be focused on what`s most important: patient care. We will deliver whatever our customers want better than anyone else in a more cheerful, enthusiastic manner."
What sets oralis.com apart: An online demo that showcases the site`s ease-of-use, 20,000+ and growing product database, and sophisticated yet simple ordering features including oralis.com`s signature Quicklist. • The "Customer Care Center" is staffed by experienced Dental Assistants who are equipped with real-time information regarding accounts to more proactively and effectively answer questions. • Can`t find what you`re looking for in oralis.com`s product database? Don`t worry, ask ToothHound. He`ll track down anything you need and send you a personal response within 24 hours.
Joining oralis.com: Free membership. Also, by joining Oralis.com, you will receive free unlimited access to the Internet through oralis.com`s partnership with Concentric Network. Use your Internet access to order products and services from Oralis.com and anything else you want to do on the Internet.
Key players for Oralis.com: Pierre T. Gallant, president and chief executive officer; Nathaniel Short, vice president, sales and marketing; Ann S. Palmer, vice president, engineering.
According to Nathaniel Short: What sets your site apart? "We`ve developed a tool that dentists or their staff can use in the office on a daily or monthly basis to order products and take advantage of services. We are price competitive, but we think our biggest value proposition is the time savings we offer to dentists in terms of ordering and order tracking." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "I think the industry will change dramatically. Technology will streamline operational efficiencies in a dentist`s office. Bill Gates once said that if the 1980s were about quality, and the 1990s were about reengineering, then the 2000s will be about velocity."
28. rdental.com
Web address: www.rdental.com
Location: Bethesda, Md.
How rdental.com describes itself: "rdental.com is a dental Internet site anchored by some of the most prestigious clinical experts in dentistry today. We are dedicated to providing you, the general consumer, with the highest-quality dental care information available on the Internet."
What sets rdental.com apart: A Dental Care section provides you with access to Frequently Asked Questions on a wide variety of dental conditions and procedures (e.g., general dentistry issues, gum disease, children`s oral health, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, etc.). To the extent the section of Frequently Asked Questions fails to provide sufficient information on any particular area of oral health, you can retrieve more detailed information and related articles, or turn to the Ask the Dentist section with a specific problem. • The Digital Dental Directory provides you with a directory of dental providers by specialty and by location. • For the dental professional, rdental.com provides an impressive range of clinical, business, and special interest programming. The Online Institute, which features exclusive continuing education seminars and lectures from the rdental.com Board of Advisors is just one of the many features that are offered.
Joining rdental.com: For dentists, $29.95 per month. The site is free to the general public.
Key players for rdental.com: Robert Fleshner, president and chief executive officer; Lou Shuman, DMD, executive vice president of marketing and professional development.
According to Robert Fleshner: What sets your site apart? "Our continuing education opportunities and our esteemed board of advisors. We have 13 of the greatest names in dentistry that are exclusive to us. We have interactive management tools that helps dentists run their practice." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "I think you`ll see an increasing amount of continuing education online. The Internet won`t replace trips to Hawaii for conventions, but it will be very important to a lot of people who can`t travel to Hawaii and other conventions."
29. smileworks.com
Web address: www.smileworks.com
Location: Santa Monica, Calif.
How smileworks.com describes itself: "A powerful Internet strategy for dentists, smileworks.com builds on our 14 years of experience marketing dentistry to the public and generating millions of calls and referrals to dentists. Our extensive television and Internet banner advertising encourages regular dental visits and drives consumers to smileworks.com where they are screened, matched, and referred to member dentists. Thousands of potential patients visit smileworks.com every day looking for a dentist."
What sets smileworks.com apart: Member dentists receive new patient referrals immediately via fax and e-mail. • With more than $30 million spent each year on consumer television and Internet banner advertising, smileworks.com gives member dentists tremendous visibility with the public. • smileworks.com gathers patient information and matches him or her with dentists` practice profiles.
Joining smileworks.com: For a limited time, smileworks.com is offering free trial memberships. Regular cost, including all marketing services, will be $295 per month, on a month-to-month basis. The site is free to the general public.
Key players for smileworks.com: Fred Joyal, chairman; Peta Gorshel, chief executive officer; Lucas Donat, chief marketing officer.
According to Lucas Donat: What sets your site apart? "The amount of advertising that we do to the general consumer. We will spend $31.5 million in advertising this year. Our message is simple: Go to the dentist. Never have those kind of dollars been spent for this message. We want to be the great champions of dentistry." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "Essentially I think you`ll see all of the dental sites doing the same thing. He who has brand awareness and trust will win in the final analysis."
30. The Tooth Fairy Online
Web address: www.asis.com/toothfairy/
Location: Unknown, but she claims to store her harvest of baby teeth "in a pink cloud on the other side of the rainbow."
How The Tooth Fairy Online describes itself: not available
What sets The Tooth Fairy Online apart: Information on flossing, frequently asked questions for the Tooth Fairy, and other information pertinent to children. • International information, including a link to the Dental Gnome, the British Tooth Fairy. • Tons of links to everything from basic dental information to where to find the best music for kids.
Joining The Tooth Fairy Online: Free.
Key players for The Tooth Fairy Online: Megan McCormick, RDH, founder.
31. USatWork.com
Web address: www.USatWork.com
Location: Rolling Meadows, Ill.
How USatWork.com describes itself: "USatWork.com is an innovative Internet community that provides Web services for the professional services industry. We have already developed and posted your Web site on the Internet for free. This allows possible clients to quickly and easily find you on the Internet."
What sets USatWork.com apart: Four levels of Web sites let the dentist choose exactly what he/she wants from an Internet site. • Personalized information is easy to update online as often as you like. • Information such as office hours, emergency information, and telephone numbers are all displayed at no charge.
Joining USatWork.com: Standard package comes at no charge to dentists. Bronze package is priced at $29 per month or $295 per year. Silver package is $49 per month or $495 annually. Gold package costs $99 per month or $995 per year.
Key players for USatWork.com: Bob Lobascio, vice president of sales.
According to Bob Lobascio: What sets your site apart? "I think there are three things. We build a Web site for the least amount of investment possible. We are an enterprise portal, meaning we drive into the eyes of the people who are looking for a practice. We are totally flexible, meaning you can modify your Web site online or call us with changes." Where do you see the dental Web phenomenon in five years? "Business-to-business models have gravitated to portals. I think the dental industry should be able to do the same. Like others, the dental industry will find convenient portals through which millions will look for information on the Internet."
32. webclaim.net
Web address: www.webclaim.net
Location: Huntington Beach, Calif.
How webclaim.net describes itself: "EDI-Health Group, LLC offers WebClaim™, a unique service that allows dental providers direct access to the hundreds of paying organizations in this country without use of a third-party software (such as a practice management software) through a simple internet connection. Whether the patient is covered by an indemnity plan or by Medicaid/Medi-Cal, you can be confident in the fact that WebClaim™ can help the provider get paid - faster and more efficiently than with paper claims."
What sets webclaim.net apart: Webclaim.net claims to reduce your rejected claims from the national average of 25 percent or more on paper claims down to 1 or 2 percent electronically! Your claims are processed in a standardized manner, and prescreened with WebClaim™ "smart edits" to confirm accuracy. This assures that you receive the payments you are expecting in a timely manner. • Using WebClaim™ is like sending every claim via certified mail! You`ll know for sure that it has been received instantly. You can even track a claim electronically! • With the WebClaim™ prescreening process, you will be able to correct errors that could otherwise delay your claims.
Joining webclaim.net: No sign-up fee or enrollment fee. 75 cents per electronic WebClaim. Account maintenance fees run $9.95 per month.
33. webdental.com
Web address: www.webdental.com
Location: not available
How webdental.com describes itself: "The WebDental Team is committed to providing the most comprehensive and diverse resource center for the dental community on the internet. WebDental was conceived to provide dental professionals with a direct link to manufacturers, suppliers, management services, business and financial information in a centralized, interactive resource center."
What sets webdental.com apart: webdental.com advertises itself as diverse, and it`s not kidding. You can find links on everything from travel to the latest NBA news. • There`s a listing of dental laboratories from throughout the country. • The webdental.com directory contains more than 170,000 practices and individual dentists found across the United States.
Joining webdental.com: Free, except for a cost involved with Web site design.
For more information about this article, contact the author at (800) 633-1681 or by e-mail at [email protected].
