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As anyone who knows me in real life or reads this blog is aware, I live, breath, and bleed technology. It’s what I do for a living and what I do for a hobby, when my dear wife is not forcing me to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. The only part of my life heretofore untouched by technology has been dentistry. Even my medical doctor uses wireless tablets instead of a clipboard in the exam room. Only dental care seemed stuck in the mid 1960’s.
Dr. Bookman’s website is not going to win any awards for cutting edge design or art content, but that’s exactly as it should be. I don’t go to my dentist’s site to be amused by a 45 second Flash intro, unlabeled navigation tabs, or loud midi files playing 80’s music. When I go to the site, I’m looking for specific information such as location, appointments, and contact information. Let’s take a look at each of these on her site.
Location/Contact Information. On many sites, dental and others, it’s practically a state secret where the damn place is! The internet is global. A search engine may have brought me to you. Don’t assume that I just know the Beans Bar and Grill is in Los Angeles. Every sub page on Dr. Bookman’s website contains this:
Additionally, the location page has a full sized, live, Google map, complete with a “get directions” form:
Appointments. Every page has a Request Appointment button that invokes a simple form:
Here’s the important part. They actually seem to monitor it! When I submitted it for my first appointment, I had a call back within two minutes and an appointment for the next day. When my wife used the form, she received a call back within the hour.
Other pluses. You can take a virtual tour of the office and see actual photos of the premises. The pictures are crisp, clear, don’t require the download of some obscure plugin, and are of a reasonable size. The main page has a button linking to a decently done, fairly frequently updated, Facebook page. Good use of email reminders for appointments. Oh, did I mention that Dr. Bookman is also a great dentist?
Some suggestions.
1. Put a copyright date on the site and keep the date updated. Not only does that protect your legal rights, it keeps the site looking up to date.
2. Get a new picture for the shot of the outside of the building. The one you have is not flattering and is crooked. Think of it as a tooth. It needs to look nice and be straight.
3. Keep the Facebook page updated and moderated. Fresh content at least twice a week (daily, if possible) and close moderation will keep visitors coming back.
Overall, I give Bookman Dentistry’s website a solid A-.
Paul,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. I love my dentist for a completely different reason. They saw technology as a great way to set their practice apart. They were the first in the area to invest in oral cameras and digital x-ray machines. The new digital machines are just as effective but only emit 15% of the radiation of traditional units. The films are also reusable which is great for the environment. I helped them install their customer CRM and records system back in the day, and seeing it all come together was great.
On top of all that, I love my dentist period. I am tired of hearing people complain about having to go to the dentist. We are truly blessed with great dental care in this country and the next time you're in the chair, think about all the people in the world who do not even have a dentist to see. Sitting in the chair is a luxury few have experienced. It'll make that drill a little more bearable next time.
-Garry
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeletePoint taken. I should have mentioned that Dr. Bookman also uses up to date technology on the teeth, too!
Paul
There must be something in the air; I just saw a restaurant website critique which was similar and may interest you: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/restaurant_website
ReplyDeleteHi Eva,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I love The Oatmeal site with a nearly unnatural passion! I have to tell you though, I find it a little disturbing that you were able to ascertain my inspiration so easily.
Just what else do you know, Eva--if that really is your name! :-)
Paul
ps. Just kidding you--glad you liked it.
I just visited my dentist yesterday and was Astonished to see film x-rays that were hand held to a lamp by my dentist because it is 2011.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the teeth cleaning procedure on my daughter was the paste and buffering. I endured this in 1982. When I asked about it, the hygienist informed me it was because it is safer for children. However, that wasn't the case when she was younger at an entirely state of the art dental office in Florida.
Then we were handed a DVD about the first visit for my younger daughter. Why wasn't this amateur DVD on the website or YouTube? There was a notice included warning that loss or damage would result in a $150 fee. It was approximately 48 cents to replace.
My chikdminder was an instant member of the No Cavities Club. I took a quick snap on my IPhone and said I would send it. But the receptionist explained that the camera (unbeknownst to me if it was at least digital) was not in the office.
Also that the x-rays were not immediately uploaded to any known software. There was an absence of technology that honestly, being so close to Google in Seattle, made me uncomfortable.
The Dentist was very nice. The office was very clean. It seemed like a small family business. I was attracted to that. It even had a website. But now I am not certain that in a free market capitalist society where my dollar is my choice, that I want to waste my time in this archaic dental office.