MADISON, Wis. (1/30/2015)— In advance of its 2015 annual scientific session in San Francisco (May 6-9), the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is releasing a next generation Digital Member Platform specifically built to leverage digital media and to benefit from search engine optimization and the practice-building power of patient reviews.
The new platform integrates many aspects of an AACD member-dentist’s online reputation and facilitates the organic pageranking of member profile pages. The platform includes a new, consumer-friendly cosmetic dentist locator/directory, Google maps, AACD-certified patient reviews, practice information, and social media links and feeds. Additionally, the platform can exhibit comprehensive photos and videos of treatments. Members choosing to fully leverage the new platform can upgrade to The Review Solution Pro, which allows them to collect patient reviews at the point of service. These reviews can then be posted to the AACD member profile page and other important sites such as Google+, Yelp, Healthgrades, Vitals, and RateMDs.com.
A core component of the AACD mission is to present member information that is accurate, transparent, and useful to consumers, recognized members, and dental professionals. AACD President Dr. James Hastings says, “The release of the new Digital Member Platform – tied into our Find a Dentist locator – represents our commitment to educate AACD members in comprehensive cosmetic dentistry and responsible esthetics, and to offer the digital tools that can deliver real practice growth for our members.”
“What we’ve recognized”, says Michael DiFrisco, Chief Marketing Officer for the Academy, “is that online content impacts the bottom line for our members. Since an expectation of membership in the AACD is that affiliation will help members become more successful, this new platform addresses many of the core online business-drivers our members need through one unified solution.”
The AACD has entered into a long-term service agreement with Third Coast Interactive (3Ci) based in Nashville, Tennessee, to develop the proprietary platform. The firm specializes in online reputation management, digital branding, and consulting. “We are developing many relationships with associations in North America. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry represents the progressive and innovative thinking that membership organizations need to remain relevant and competitive,” says 3Ci COO Steven Wyer. “We are very excited to deliver such a robust and comprehensive technology platform to the AACD.”
