4. Writing the Doctor's Bio

Do you have a professional biography, Doctor?  If so, is it up to date or does it represent a version of yourself from years ago with less training, fewer skills and less experience?

Sooner or later you will need a bio for a colleague, a press release, or a patient who asks for one to read.  Rather than scramble to write one at the moment it’s needed, take the time now to put together the information that sums up your background, skills and compassion as a doctor of dentistry.

Overview

There are a number of elements which should appear in your bio, regardless of your practice or specialty.  You’ll want to include information on:

·        Schooling

·        Personal Background

·        Specialty Training

·        Special Achievements/Contributions

·        Continuing Education

·        Affiliations

·        Family

·        Personal Interests

The idea is to keep the copy brief and informative including some details that add humanity and warmth to offset the drier but very important information on education and training.

Introductory Paragraph

Your introductory paragraph should communicate salient information about your education and the origin of your practice.  It introduces you to the reader, creating a foundation of understanding about who you are.  This can include a mention of your birthplace, your schooling/degree(s), and where you began to practice.

            Example of opening paragraph:

            Dr. William Scott was born and raised in Edison, New Jersey, and has remained a lifelong resident. He is an honors graduate of New York University where he received a B.S. degree in Biology. He earned his D.D.S. from New York University College of Dentistry in 1985. He then completed a General Practice Residency program at the Hospital of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark.  In 1987, Dr. Scott opened his practice at 110 Smith Street in Edison while also serving as an instructor in the Oral Medicine/Pathology Department at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  In 2002, Dr. Scott opened the doors to his current practice at 155 Grand Street, Edison; a state-of-the-art dental office which he regularly updates with the latest in dental technology.

You can also choose to use an alternative type of first paragraph that summarizes your mission statement and serves as a kind of “welcome” to the rest of the information. 

            Example of “mission-style” copy:

            Dr. William Scott is proud to welcome patients to a practice where real caring and compassion combine with education and experience to provide the best in dental care.  His philosophy of service to the patient along with the support of a hand-picked, knowledgeable team creates excellence in both patient care and clinical results.

In this case, you would follow with the paragraph in the first example, supplying background regarding your place of birth, schooling, and the start of your practice.  This type of mission statement-styled copy also serves well as a closing paragraph.

Second Paragraph

As your copy goes on, it continues to fill out the reader’s picture of you.  You will want to include information regarding any specialty training, special achievements or contributions and continuing education.

            Example:

            Dr. Scott has received special training in the placement of dental implants.  He is also Invisalign® certified and has been recognized as one of the “Top100 Invisalign Providers” in the U.S.A.  He is dedicated to a lifetime of continuing   education, focusing on his particular interests in implant placement and periodontal care.  Dr. Scott also serves as professor in the Department of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  Every summer, Dr. Scott volunteers his services in the “Back to School Smileathon”, a program which provides free dental checkups and free or deeply discounted dental services to community children from families with limited incomes.

Third Paragraph

Use your third paragraph to detail your affiliations.

            Example:

            In 2001, Dr. Scott achieved his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a proud member of the national professional dental fraternity, Psi Omega. Dr. Scott is a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, New York Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the L.D. Pankey Institute of Advanced Dental Education.

Closing Paragraph

Here is where a small amount of copy concerning family and personal interests can warm your bio and make you someone the reader can really relate to.  It adds dimension to round out your bio, allowing people to see you as someone with whom they would feel comfortable.

            Example:

            Dr. Scott is married to Mary Rue Scott, D.V.M., who practices veterinary   medicine in Edison, as well. They are the proud parents of twin sons and a daughter.  During Dr. Scott’s free time, he enjoys reading, playing the violin, attending his children’s activities and vacationing with his family at national  parks throughout the United States.

As mentioned regarding your opening paragraph, you can also choose to end your bio using a closing paragraph that ties everything together with a kind of summary of your mission.  In that case, the “mission-style” copy which appears as an example under “Introductory Paragraph” above would be used last, following your paragraph of personal information.

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