H. R. Makarita, DDS, MAGD, FAACD – Oakton, VA Dr. Makarita is one of forty accredited Fellows of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) worldwide, and is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. He is the recipient of the Peoples’ Choice Award at the 2003 annual AACD Smile Gallery Competition. He is a Fellow in the International Academy for Dental Facial Aesthetics, as well as a Fellow in the International College of Oral Implantology. Dr. Makarita received Mastership Status from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, one of only a few dentists worldwide to achieve this status. He is currently a clinical instructor at LVI, and has recently started lecturing on aesthetic dentistry and occlusion. Dr. Makarita has been recognized internationally for his smile design talents and we are very fortunate to be able to share his beautiful work with you and your patients via before & after images featured in your newsletter versions and our libraries. All this plus he’s the nicest person you’d ever want to meet. Thank you, Dr. Makarita, for your ongoing support and loyalty. Our very best to you! What are your newsletter goals? To educate our patients. Our newsletters increase awareness about procedures as well as new technology. It’s the perfect vehicle to keep in touch with our patients between visits. We also distribute our newsletter to network with other dental specialists and health professionals. How does PNP facilitate your program, helping you achieve goals? PNP is instrumental in creating a newsletter from start to finish. The Account Managers ensure you are on schedule and will even create your newsletter based on your history and preferences. They will even write free custom articles just for you. PNP really has streamlined the procedure into one that does not require much doctor or staff time. What could be easier? What content attracts the most attention, generating the best results? Articles on new procedures and technology, especially implants, but cosmetics generates the most interest. Patients call and inquire, referring to a specific article. The B&A pictures are of very high quality and really demonstrate how cosmetic dentistry can enhance appearance. Our patients take notice when we have attended CE and have implemented new technologies. Any marketing, practice, or newsletter tips for our readers? Place your current issue at your front desk. Ensure new patients receive it and previous newsletters in a professional-looking folder. Carry copies of newsletters – you never know who will be a potential patient. In your newsletter, reference your website, and offer a complimentary smile evaluation which is invaluable as it encourages readers to ask how procedures might help them. Any overall comments or thoughts you would like to share with our readers? Since implementing our newsletter program, patients have a greater respect for our practice. They’re now aware of our commitment to CE, and are informed regularly about the implementation of new procedures and technologies. They appreciate our accomplishments and our desire to remain abreast of modern dentistry. My neighborhood newsletter program reaches out to potential patients and brands my practice. I am educating and keeping in touch with existing and potential patients, and both programs have generated a considerable increase to my bottom line!