Account Information
How do I reset my password?
Click on the more tab (located in the bar across the top of the homepage), click on the help tab . You will be prompted to enter the e-mail address you used when you registered originally. An e-mail will then be sent with your account information. The login information/activation auto-emails may go into your spam filter so you may have to update your spam settings to allow the @dentaltown.com and @farranmedia.com email addresses to go through.
If you do not receive the information please e-mail sally@farranmedia.com for further assistance.
Click on the help tab (in the green bar across the top of the homepage). Click on the registration link.
Follow each of the 6 steps through the process and provide accurate and complete information in all required fields. This information is not privy to any other members of the site and will not be sold to marketers .
Once you have submitted your registration information, you will be sent an e-mail. You must open that e-mail and click an activation link before you will be allowed on the site. If the e-mail is not received, the auto-emails may be going into your spam filter so you may have to update your spam settings to allow the @dentaltown.com and @farranmedia.com email addresses to go through. If you still do not receive the information, please e-mail help@towniecentral.com for further assistance.
Tips for Registering:
There are no spaces allowed in your Login Name. If you would like to use a space, you must use an underscore “_”, this can be done by pressing shift on your keyboard as you press the hyphen key
You may enter spaces for your Display Name, which can be updated in your Public Profile
The password is case sensitive
You must enter a valid e-mail address in order to activate your new account
Make sure you fill in all required fields or boxes; otherwise you will receive an error message when submitting your registration
If you have issues during any of the steps, please contact Sally Gross at sally@farranmedia.com .
How do I register for an additional Communities?
Once you are logged in, click on the my profile tab with your mouse (in the green bar across the top of the homepage). This will take you to your account information. Click the communities link under My Opt-Ins .
From there you can select any communities that are available for you to join. Once you join a community you cannot remove yourself from that community.
How do I update my account information?
Once you are logged in, click on your profile picture/avatar in the top right corner. From the drop-down menu click on view profile.
From here you will be able to update your registration information and public profile, change your email or password, manage your subscriptions, upload a signature and avatar, and manage other settings for your account.
After each change, make sure to click the update button at the bottom of each section, before clicking on a different link.
How do I change my log in name? When I subscribed I didn't realize it would be posted.
While you are not able to change your login name on our site, you are able to change your publicly displayed name. Anytime you post on the message boards your display name, will be shown. Your login name is the default setting for your display name. This can be changed in your Public Profile by clicking on your profile picture/avatar in the top right corner, click on view profile, enter the Display Name you wish to use and click the update button at the bottom of this section.
Blogs/Podcasts
Posting a Blog
Once you have logged in, click on the blogs/podcasts tab (located in the bar across the top of the homepage) and then choose the option create/edit your blog .
To start blogging you will first need to create your blog profile. Your blog profile should include what you would like to title your blog, a bio or short description that gives an idea of what the blog will be about, and an image/avatar that would personalize your blog.
You can now create your first blog post. You will create a title for your post, set a publish date (you can also save it to draft mode if you don’t have time to complete the post), create tags that categorize the blog post, upload a feature image, and finally the blog post that can include text, images, podcasts, or even videos if you’d like.
When your blog post is ready, click on the Publish button located at the bottom of the post.
How do I edit my blog or blog posts?
To edit your blog or blog posts please click on the blogs/podcasts tab (located in the green bar across the top of the homepage) and then choose manage blog posts. From here you can choose which blog post you would like to edit or you can choose to edit your blog profile by clicking on edit blog in the blue option bar.
Posting a Podcast
Once you have logged onto Dentaltown.com, click on the blogs/podcasts tab (located in the green bar across the top of the homepage) and then choose the option create/edit your blog .
To post a podcast you will first need to create your blog profile. Your blog profile should include what you would like to title your blog, a bio or short description that gives an idea of what the blog will be about, and an image/avatar that would personalize your blog.
You can now post a podcast by choosing new blog post . You will create a title for your post, set a publish date (you can also save it to draft mode if you don’t have time to complete the post), create tags that categorize the blog post, upload a feature image, and finally the blog post that can include text, images, podcasts, or even videos if you’d like.
To upload a podcast you will click on the media gallery button and a new window will open. Title your media file and click
Select to choose your media file to upload. Once uploaded it will appear
as a media item.
Click the media item and it will automatically be inserted into
the main text editor. If you’d like you can include additional
text/images. Click Publish to post your blog post.
Once your blog post is published you will see a media player
that will play your podcast.
How do I edit my podcast?
To edit your podcast please click on the blogs/podcasts tab (located in the green bar across the top of the homepage) and then choose manage blog posts. From here you can choose which blog or podcast post you would like to edit or you can choose to edit your blog profile by clicking on edit blog in the blue option bar.
Classified Ads
How do you view ads by category in the Classified Ads section?
Once you are logged in, click on the classified ads tab with your mouse (in the green bar across the top of the homepage). This will take you to the classified ads section.
In the drop down menu you will see the classified categories . Click the category you wish to view. This will bring up every ad that has been placed in this category, starting with the latest post date.
If you wish to narrow your search, click on the magnifying glass at the top of the classified ads section to enter as little or as much information as you would like. This information can be Keywords, Locations, Specialty, and Category. The less information you enter, the broader your search will be. Click the search ads tab and a list will return with your specified choices for you to view.
How do I post a job listing / classified ad?
Once you are logged in, click on the classified ads tab with your mouse (in the bar across the top of the homepage), click on view all classified ads. This will take you to the classified ads section.
Click the category you wish to view (this will be on the left side). This will bring up every ad that has been placed in this category, starting with the latest post date.
You can also use the search bar. This information can be Keywords, Locations, Specialty, and Category. The less information you enter, the broader your search will be. Don't forget to click the go button once you have entered your information.
Message Boards
Posts and Topics
How Do I Reply to a Thread or Post?
Click on the Reply button that appears on each individual post in the upper right-hand corner. A reply box will appear which is similar to writing an e-mail.
Simply type your comments in the box, add a smiley or two (at the top of the e-mail box, meant to help with expression) if you feel it is needed for clarification.
Now to submit your message you will click on the Post button.
How can I Post a Thread or Create a New Topic?
Once you have logged in, click on the m essage boards tab (located in the bar across the top of the homepage) and then choose the option forum categories . This will take you to a page with a variety of categories, starting with “Anesthesiology, Appliance Therapy, Assistants”, etc.
Find the category that reflects the post you wish to create and click on it. Depending on the category, you may need to select a subcategory. For example, if you want to create a thread about Teeth Whitening, you would select the category “Cosmetic Dentistry”, and then select the subcategory “Bleaching/Whitening”. However, if you wanted to post a thread regarding Periodontics, you would only need to select the category “Periodontics”, as this category has no subcategories.
From there, you will need to locate the New Topic tap (located in the bar under the category).
You will be able to enter a title and content and utilize the toolbar to check spelling, insert an image, change the font, etc. When you have completed the content of your post, click Post at the bottom of the page.
Your thread will appear in the category for all members to view. It will also initially appear in the “Active Topics” section of the site for the remainder of the day, or for the remainder of the day from the last reply to your thread.
How to Upload an Image When Posting?
First, you need to have saved images from your image software or x-rays from your practice management software. You can easily export those by opening each image and saving to your desktop or if you want to do this process at home versus at the office you can email them to yourself, open them at home and save to your desktop. These images can be saved as either a .jpeg or .gif making sure the file name does not include any non-alphanumeric characters such as #, %, &, @, etc. Once these image files are saved, you can upload them to Cases, Topics, your Image Gallery, etc.
When you create a post by clicking the Reply or New Topic button, you can upload an image by clicking the Insert Image icon in the toolbar. This looks like a square, with mountains, and is located in the bottom row toolbar. If you rest your mouse over it, a label will appear saying "Insert Image".
The upload images window will then open up. Click the select button to find the image on your hard drive, and then click Upload . A preview of the image will appear on the screen. If this is the image you wish to upload, click the Insert button. If the image was placed in your post, you can close the Image Gallery window.
A pinned topic will keep a topic at the top of the list within a forum. Only Moderators and Administrators have the ability to pin a topic. You can request a topic be pinned by sending a private message to the Moderator within that forum or one of the Administrators.
How Do I Post a Poll on the Message Boards?
How to start a poll on the message boards:
Once you have logged onto Hygienetown.com, click on the “Message Boards” tab on the right side of the screen. This will take you to a page with a variety of categories, starting with “Anesthesiology, Appliance Therapy, Assistants”, etc.
Find the category that reflects the poll you wish to create and click on it. Depending on the category, you may need to select a subcategory. For example, if you want to create a poll about Teeth Whitening, you would select the category “Cosmetic Dentistry”, and then select the subcategory “Bleaching/Whitening”. However, if you wanted to post a poll regarding Periodontics, you would only need to select the category “Periodontics”, as this category has no subcategories.
From there, you will need to locate the “Create New” button located in the upper right corner of the Message Board section. Hover your mouse over the button and New Topic, New Case, New Poll, and New Video will appear. To post a poll, select “New Poll”.
You will be able to enter a question and options for answers, as well as utilize the toolbar to check spelling, insert an image, change the font, etc. When you have completed the content of your poll, click Post at the bottom of the page.
Your poll will appear in the category for all members to view. It will also initially appear in the “Active Topics” section of the site for the remainder of the day, or for the remainder of the day from the last reply to your thread.
Please note – once you create your poll, you won’t be able to edit the question or answers.
How do I create a video or podcast topic?
To insert media into a topic or reply click on the Media Gallery button (play button to the right of the YouTube button in the editor).
This will open the media gallery and will display any previously uploaded media here. To insert a previously uploaded video or audio file, simply click on it to insert it into the body of your post at the cursor.
You can also upload video and audio (podcast) files by selecting one in the media gallery window, giving it a title, and uploading it. Once the media file is uploaded, click to insert. After it is submitted, the media will be processed and will show up in the gallery as pending until it completes. You can close the media gallery and write your post while waiting for the media to finish processing. You can also refresh the window by clicking on the reload button in the top right corner (next to the close button). Once the media file is uploaded, click to insert.
How do I add a video or podcast inside a topic or reply?
To insert media into a topic or reply click on the Media Gallery button (the colored play button to the right of the YouTube button in the editor).
This will open the media gallery and will display any previously uploaded media here. To insert a previously uploaded video or audio file, simply click on it to insert it into the body of your post at the cursor.
You can also upload video and audio (podcast) files by selecting one in the media gallery window, giving it a title, and uploading it. Once the media file is uploaded, a submit button will appear. After it is submitted, the media will be processed and will show up in the gallery as pending until it completes. You can close the media gallery and write your post while waiting for the media to finish processing. You can also refresh the window by clicking on the reload button in the top right corner (next to the close button).
Private Messages
How do I send a private message?
To send another user a private message within the message boards you will need to find a post that the user has made. Within that post is their avatar located in a box on the left hand side of the message they posted. On the bottom of this box you will find a Message link. Click on this link and a window will open where you can type your private message and send to the user. The user will be notified of a new private message.To view or check your private messages click on the message board tab, and then click on my messages .
Subscriptions
How to Subscribe/Unsubscribe to a Message Board thread?
How to Subscribe to a Forum:
If you would like new posts in a particular forum sent directly to your email, you can subscribe to that forum. Once you have logged in, click on the message boards (in the bar across the top of the homepage) then forum categories . This will take you to a page with a variety of forums, starting with “Anesthesiology, Appliance Therapy, Assistants”, etc.
Find the forum that you wish to subscribe to. Depending on the forum, you may wish to only subscribe to a subcategory. For example, if you want to receive updates about Teeth Whitening, you would select the forum “Cosmetic Dentistry”, and then select the subforum “Bleaching/Whitening”. Once you are in that forum, click the Subscribe tab. However, if you wanted to receive updates for all of “Cosmetic Dentistry”, you can also click the Subscribe tab (in the toolbar below the category), prior to selecting a subcategory.
All of the new posts will be sent to the email we have on file in your View Profile section of the website.
How to subscribe to a Thread:
If you would like new posts in a particular thread sent directly to your email, you can subscribe to that thread. Once you have logged in, click on the thread you wish to subscribe to. At the top of the post, under the topic, click the Subscribe tab. All of the replies in this thread will be sent to the email we have on file in your View Profile section of the website.
How to follow a Member:
If you would like new posts from a particular Member sent directly to your email, you can follow that Member. Once you have logged in, find the Member you wish to follow, either by the search button(magnifying glass in the top right) or within a thread. Click the follow link under their picture and all of the posts from this Member will be sent to the email we have on file in your View Profile section of the website.
I am automatically getting email from a message board...How do I deselect this option and get it to stop? Thanks!
If you are receiving an email alert from the message boards this means you signed up for a subscription. To modify or delete a subscription go to the home page of your community. Once logged in, click on the message boards tab (in the green bar across top of the homepage). When inside the message board area click on m y subscriptions link also on the right-hand side of the page under Quick Links. Under My Subscriptions(in the blue bar) you will see these tabs: Following, Subscribed Topics, Subscribed Forums, or Subscribed Keywords. Click on any of these tabs to turn off email notifications or to delete the subscription altogether.
User Profile
How to edit my Message Board profile?
Once you are logged in, click on your avatar/profile picture in the top right, click view profile from the drop-down menu. This will take you to your account, public profile, subscriptions/opt-ins, settings, and communities.
Once there, you can modify your Public Profile, including display name, update your email address and password, upload an avatar and signature, update your subscriptions, and more.
Where is the link for uploading/changing avatars?
Once you are logged in, click on your avatar/profile picture in the top right, click view profile from the drop-down menu. This will take you to your account, public profile, subscriptions/opt-ins, settings, and communities.
Click on the Avatar/Signature link and upload your new image
How do I add a picture to my profile?
Once you are logged in, click on your avatar/profile picture in the top right, click view profile from the drop-down menu. This will take you to your account, public profile, subscriptions/opt-ins, settings, and communities. Click on the Avatar/Signature link and upload your new image.
How do I create an active clickable link in my signature?
Once you are logged in, click on your avatar/profile picture in the top right, click view profile from the drop-down menu. This will take you to your account, public profile, subscriptions/opt-ins, settings, and communities Click on the Avatar/Signature link, then enter your contact information or any text you would like to include within your signature.
For the active clickable link you will need to enter the coding below that creates a sample hyperlink to your site. Here is an example of the code for http://www.towniecentral.com with a title for the link of "Townie Central":
<a href="http://www.towniecentral.com" target="_blank">Townie Central</a>
Copy and paste the above code into the signature box. You will need to remove the address between the quotation marks and insert the address you wish, including HTTP://. You will need to remove the Townie Central title and insert the title of your link. If you have issues with this please email Sally Gross at sally@farranmedia.com .
Viewing Posts
Why can I access the posts on one community but not another community?
If you are able to access posts in one community, but not another, you are not a member of the community that is denying you access. You will need to add the community denying you access to your account. Please do NOT re-register.
Once you are logged in, click on your avatar/profile picture in the top right, click view profile from the drop-down menu, click on Communities, from there you will able to join other communities (if permitted). ( Note: Once you join a community you cannot remove yourself from that community.) Make sure you click the Update Communities button at the bottom of the screen.
Some of our communities are restricted to certified specialists. If that community is not available for selection, you may not be eligible to join. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, please contact Sally Gross at sally@farranmedia.com
To check which communities you belong to click on your avatar/profile picture and in the drop-down menu will be a list of your communities.
How do I view Today's Active Topics?
There are two ways to view Today's Active Topics. See Below.
Once you are logged in, on the homepage next to the word featured will be a link to Today's Active Topics, click on that.
Once you have logged in, click on the m essage boards tab (located in the bar across the top of the homepage), and then choose the option Today's Active Topics .
Message Boards - Private Groups
Guidelines and Tips for Running a Successful Group
If you are the administrator of a group, here are some pointers for creating a thriving community:
Invite your friends and anyone you know who is interested in what you are interested in. Having group members is the first step in having a successful group!
Visit the group frequently. Groups thrive with daily discussion, and with daily responses from other members of the community, in chat and on the discussion boards.
Moderate, moderate, moderate! Successful groups are kept in check by good moderation. Tend that garden; pull the weeds, mow the lawn, prune the roses, etc. To help you moderate your group, you can enlist other members to become moderators. Moderators don't have full administrative power, but they can help you moderate group content, keep tabs on discussions, and weed out the people who don't play by the rules.
“Removing” is when a person is removed from a group. Here are some general guidelines to help Admins determine how and when to use the remove feature:
Use this power wisely and sparingly.
If someone types or posts something offensive, try giving them a friendly warning.
If they continue their behavior, use your discretion as to when it's appropriate to remove the member. You can do this from the Admin view of the member's list.
Use your best judgment. Sometimes when someone is removed they go and create a new account using another name and try to rejoin the group. This is fine so long as they don’t continue the prior behavior.
Obscenity: As an admin you get to determine the tone and flavor of your group.
Swearing: As an admin you get to determine the tone and flavor of your group.
Rudeness: As an admin you get to determine the tone and flavor of your group.
Porn: As an admin you get to determine the tone and flavor of your group.
Get it? Groups allow you to create the environment. Create an environment that has your group member enjoy the experience. Otherwise, they'll probably leave.
Abusive, Harassing or Threatening Behavior
This type of behavior is not allowed or tolerated at any time on the website.
Help / FAQ / Groups
What is the difference between public and private groups?
Public groups are displayed on the Groups Search page and allow site members to request to join the group. Private groups are not listed anywhere on the site thus completely invisible. You can join them only by invitation from a group member.
How do I make a public group private? And vice-versa?
You cannot change the public / private status of a group.
How are private groups administered?
When you create a group, you are automatically made its first administrator. As administrator, you can also promote members to help you run the group. You can promote your members to either moderator or administrator status.
A group admin can manage:
The group name
The group description
The group icon
Promoting / demoting other members to admin / moderator
Removing members from group
The ability of group members to invite new members
A group moderator can: (note all administrators have moderator permissions)
Moderate group discussions
Edit posts
Delete posts
Pin topics
Who can see the posts I make in a group?
Only group members can see group content. Group content does not appear anywhere else on the site, and will never appear in on the Active Topics or Active Cases pages.
Go to your "my private groups" page and find the group you'd like to leave. On the right-hand side, there's a red "X" link where you can leave the group. That's it!
The only way to delete a group is to leave the group as the last remaining member. A group can't be deleted if it has any existing members.
How do I create a private group?
Please select the “message board” tab located in the green option bar that runs across the top of the Dentaltown page. Once this opens the category box please choose “my private groups”. From here you may select the “create group” tab. Please remember to select the “private” option while creating this group.
Please enter a group name, and a description for your group.
Once you have created the group you will be able to invite members! You can use their Dentaltown display name, or their email address. You can also customize the invitation message they will receive! When you are ready please select "send".
Online CE
General
How do I take an Online CE course?
Once you are logged into the site, click on the continuing education tab (in the bar across the top of the homepage) and then choose view all courses .
You can select a course by entering search criteria in the bar across the top portion of the Online CE section, search by category in the Categories list on the right side of the screen.
Once you have found a course, click the course title to view details. If you would like to view this course, click the orange View Course tab found to the right under the title.
When prompted, enter your payment information and your personal information. This information needs to be accurate, as it will appear on your CE Certificate. When complete, click the Submit button at the bottom of this section.
You will be able to view the course in its entirety or pause and come back.
If you pause the course and leave the page, you can return to the course by clicking the continuing education tab (in the bar across the top of the homepage), click on the >>, Click my receipts, you will then be able to select the title of the course, click the View Course button, then click the option to resume playback.
To claim your CE credits, click on the Continuing education tab, click on >> , click on my receipts, click the orange button that says view course, click on the orange button that says claim credits. After you fill out the evaluation, you will be taken to the exam.
How do I claim my CE credits and take the post test?
Once a course is viewed in its entirety, you will have the option to claim credits, or not claim credits. Select your desired option and click Submit. If you wish to claim credits, you will be prompted to enter in your payment information. Once you have paid, you will be asked to take an exam regarding course content. You must answer at least 70% of the answers correctly to pass. If you do not pass it the first time, you will be given more opportunities to take the exam.
How do I get my CE Certificate?
After having obtained a minimum score of 70% on the post test, you can obtain your CE certificate in 3 ways:
1) After submitting your post test successfully, a page will appear with the button CE Certificate . Click on this button and you can print your certificate.
2) When in the Online CE section, click on My Certificates link located on your right hand side navigation bar. All your certificates are stored on this page and you can access them and print them anytime.
3) You will receive your certificate by email. However, some Internet providers block these emails and you may not receive it. You still have all your certificates stored under the My CE Certificates link within the Online CE section of our communities as described in #2 above.
How can I change my contact information or enter my AGD number to update my CE Certificates?
Once you are logged into the site, click the continuing education tab (in the purple bar across the top of the homepage) and choose the option my CE info . Enter your changes and click the Submit button at the bottom of the page.
Are these credits valid for my state?
Most licensing boards accept credits from AGD PACE and ADA CERP recognized providers. However, it is the responsibility of each registrant to contact his/her licensing board to verify which credits are accepted. Note that many states do not accept credits for practice management courses. Continuing education credits issued for completion of online CE courses may not apply toward license renewal in all licensing jurisdictions .
What is the difference between AGD and ADA credits and which ones should I use?
Most licensing boards accept credits from AGD PACE and ADA CERP recognized providers. However, it is the responsibility of each registrant to contact his/her licensing board to verify which credits are accepted. If both are accepted, you can then submit the ones of your choice.
How do I print out a copy of my CE Certificate?
Once you are logged into the site, click on the CE tab, click on my CE certificates, to the right of the CE title you will be able to view the certificate. You can either print it out or email it
Troubleshooting CE Courses
I clicked “take course” on the CE Course information page and nothing happened OR my computer says it blocked a script or pop-up and the CE course won’t run.
Check that Flash Player is installed (already installed on 98% of all browsers) and that you have the latest version by clicking here:
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Make sure flash is enabled
https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Clear cache and cookies
https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=24629
Change browsers
You can do that in latest versions of Chrome at chrome://settings/content/flash. You’ll need to explicitly allow http://www.dentaltown.com to use Flash as shown below
Also make sure your Microsoft Silverlight plug in is up to date: http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx
If you see the animation playing in the section labeled Adobe Flash Player, then your Flash Player is up-to-date. If you need to update or install Flash Player, you will be prompted to do so.
Additionally, pop-up blockers may prevent the course from displaying. Either turn off your pop-up blocker or set it to allow pop-ups from towniecentral.com . (How to do this depends on your specific pop-up blocker).
Note: Firewalls and antivirus programs may have a script and pop-up blockers, you may need to turn them off or set them to allow the webcast.
Also, your Privacy setting in Internet Explored may prevent the course from displaying. Set the Privacy setting to Medium High or medium. Do the same for any other browser.
I can’t hear any sound when viewing CE Course presentations.
There are many things that can cause this to happen. Below are some of the most common issues:
1. Make sure your speakers are plugged into a power outlet, turned on, and plugged into the correct output on your computer soundcard.
2. At the lower portion of the webcast window and to the right of the “articulate” logo there is a volume icon. Make sure the volume level is turned up.
3. Go to Windows “Control Panel”, click on “Sound and Audio Devices” and make sure your audio device volume is turned up and not muted.
4. Make sure you are getting sound from other devices. Can you hear sound from Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or other media players? If you can’t, it is a problem with your computer and not the webcast.
5. If you did not get sound in Step 4, it is possible that the driver on your sound card is not installed or corrupted. Go to “Control Panel”, System, and then find Device Manager. If there are any yellow question marks anywhere (particularly the sound), that means that the driver is gone, corrupt, or outdated. Find a new driver on the internet or try updating your soundcard.
My computer takes a long time to download the CE Course presentation slides and there are many interruptions during the webcast (the audio stops and starts). It takes me 2, 3 hours to view a course.
This is usually caused when someone is using a dial up Internet connection. If this is the case, you can still view the course with such a connection, but it will be very slow. Try taking the course from your office, where you are more likely to have a high speed Internet connection. You can print your CE certificates from any computer as long as you log into your community with the same username and password.
Troubleshooting
Why can’t I use the site with my Mac computer?
Mac users are able to use our Web site. Please use the latest version of Safari or Firefox for your internet browser (see links below to get the latest browser version).
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/