ARE YOU A TECHIE?
When we asked this question in October 1995, 85 percent of respondents said they used some form of communications technologies. When broken down by category, 75 percent said they had personal computers, 43 percent had access to the Internet, and 38 percent used e-mail. In addition, 63 percent said they had cellular phones, and 28 percent had voice mail. Eight percent of respondents said they did not use any of these technologies.
When we asked this question again in May JADA, we found that these percentages had increased significantly in a little more than four and one-half years.
Eighty-eight percent of respondents say they have PCs, access to the Internet and use e-mail. Eighty-one percent report that they have cellular phones, and 49 percent have voice mail. In response to a new option, 16 percent say they have a dental practice Web page; 5 percent said they will have one soon.
"These tools allow me to keep in touch with patients, with my active lifestyle and with my high-tech patients," said a reader who uses all of the technologies listed. "And they are fun to use!"
Only 3 percent of the respondents said they did not have or use any of these technologies. "Life does exist without these gadgets, and it’s a damn good life indeed," said one.
The ADA provides ways to help members become better connected to modern technology if that is their wish. ADA Business Enterprises, Inc. and Internet service provider BATNET1 offer ADA members Internet access for just $13.95 per month. In addition to unlimited access to the Internet, members receive the following:
- – four unique e-mail accounts, including a personalized ADA e-mail address;
- – five megabytes of message storage space;
- – convenient quarterly billing;
- – toll-free technical support.
Members can take advantage of this offer by calling 1-877-373-3239 or visiting ADA Internet Access on the Web at "www.ada.org".
If you want to set up your own Web site, ADA Electronic Commerce, a division of ADA Business Enterprises, Inc., offers Netopia Dental Office Web Site Service, an easy way to launch a dental practice Web site. A basic Web site package with e-mail support costs $17.95 per month, with a free 30-day trial period. Go to "www.adaecco.netopia.com" for further information and to sign up.
