1. What can your component do to help the CDHA PR Council?

2. This training will help each component learn about the functions of Public Relations, and what YOU (the trustee or component PR Chair) can do to assist the CDHA PR Council. This training will cover: -What are Press Releases? Who is the audience? -How *you* can help distribute them at the component level -How to work with the PR Council, and how we can assist you and your component -Posting to the CDHA Facebook page. -What to do if: -You find a local article you want to comment on or refute. Or if the topic can be used as a jumping off point for CDHA PR. -A local media outlet wants to interview you regarding a recent story or press release.

3. What is a Press Releases? A Press Release is an official statement by CDHA on a dental health matter aimed at helping achieve both our mission and our goals. CDHA’s Goals are: Achieve autonomy of dental hygiene education, licensure and practice. Serve as the recognized authority for the profession of dental hygiene. Advocate direct access to registered dental hygienists.

4. Goals and Targets of Press Release? Our releases usually coincide with a monthly awareness topic. (HIV awareness, Cancer awareness, etc.) Who do we target? We target unique groups…not dental groups. For example; a press release on ECC may be picked up and placed on the website of a mothers group. This is the end user we want to target with our message!!!!

5. Where do members and components fit in? Each of you advocate. As you speak to patients, the public and fellow hygienists, you can bring this information forward. What the PR Council is asking each component to do is to set a goal to reach out to media with this information.

6. Steps to help you get the “word” out… 1.Place the press release on as many websites and social media sites as you can. 2.Put it on Facebook, twitter, even You Tube (via your own video) 3.Ask you friends to put it on the websites they frequent. 4.Send it out on Constant Contact. 5.Put it in your component newsletter.

7. Print copies and share the release. Share it with your patients, family and friends, etc. Ask them to post it at work, share it with their friends and co- workers, put it in their PTA newsletter, day care center – what ever they are associated with that relates to the subject matter of the release… ask them to utilize it. Associations and programs such as Head Start are often looking for articles to publish in their newsletters.

8. Your job as the Component PR Chair or Trustee: Contact the media in your area. Call or Visit the Newspaper. Try to create a relationship with someone at the paper or station. This way, future releases will be easier to distribute. You can also visit the contact page of the organization and email someone directly. Let them know who you are and that you would like to share an article/press release that most likely will coincide with that month’s awareness topic (Cancer, Aids, National Children's Oral Health Month). Many times they are looking for these types of articles.

9. Please contact the CDHA PR Chair with your successes or challenges: Michael Laflamme, RDH, B.A. mslaflamme@gmail.com

10. Can Press Releases Be Printed By Anyone? - Yes, anyone can print the press release. The purpose of the press release is to get information to everyone. The media often picks up on releases which meet the needs of the consumer. - Our contracted Public Relations firm, has been instrumental in getting our message out via National radio, TV and magazines. They will probably beat you to the organization you are trying to contact (which is a good thing!)

11. What if the media outlet wants more information? There are a host of resources available. On CDHA's website, there is a press section that has a host of media material. If the newspaper or media outlet would like to interview someone, please let the Public Relations Council know. Stevan Allen will help you prepare for an interview or supply you with someone for the interview.

12. Inform PR Council of articles

13. What if you see something in the local or national media that is just flat out wrong?

14. These incorrect statements should be corrected.

15. But what can I do??

16. Formulate your response… Research your view, or contact an expert with more information.

17. Contact the editor with your concerns: - Keep it short, - Keep it focused - Keep it within the bounds of good taste

18. Tell them who YOU are… at the top of your email… Full first and last name, Address Phone and/or fax numbers (day and evening) E-mail address

19. What are you writing about? If you are referring to a previously published letter, a news story or column, identify it by its headline and the date it was published

20. No Rambling Cut to the chase. Just focus on one or two key points that you want to make.

21. Limits Limits vary from paper to paper. Most limit to 200 words. Small independent papers frequently give more leeway.

22. Editors dream No attack of the writer or person, addresses the subject. Well written, easy to understand Addresses single issue Limited amount of editing required Not sent as an attachment unless prior notification and approval

23. What affect does it have? Letters to the Editor are the most frequently read part of the paper Policy makers look to it as a barometer of public opinion Has a greater impact than you realize

24. Another Option… Find the Facebook Page of the Newspaper or Media Outlet Post your response or comment on their page. Be sure to log into your Component FB page prior to posting so that the posting is seen as coming from your component

25. Posting Component Functions to Facebook Planning an outreach event? Plan on posting it to FB!! Take photos of volunteers, set up, location. Keep track of how many patients were seen, what services were provided, any local officials or dignitaries that attended. *Note: DO NOT take photos of patients faces. Instead, take pictures of the backs of their heads or strategically place the light or providers head to block their face. Signed Releases are needed for any pictures of patients, so avoid these type of pictures.

26. Posting Component Functions to Facebook Send to your Component FB Manager, or log in as your Component to Post. (If your component is linked to CDHA FB, your pics will show up there also) You can post directly to CDHA FB from your personal FB account. If unsure how to post or you need help, contact the CDHA PR team if you want us to post the event for you. Send us what what you want to share (event, providers involved, patients seen, services provided, etc.), along with pictures, and we will post it for you. Remember to keep it professional. You are posting to the CDHA FB page, so you are a representative of CDHA!!

27. Questions? Contact the CDHA PR Council or Chair. We are here to help you…help the CDHA and your Component.