Washington State Dental Association Endorses Sesame Communications as Its Preferred Online Services Partner

Seattle-Based Web Services Provider Chosen Out of Nationwide Search to Provide Comprehensive Online Patient Management and Web Design and Search Marketing Services, for WSDA's 4,000 Member Dentists


SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - July 22, 2009) - In conjunction with the upcoming Pacific Northwest Dental conference, July 23-24th, the Washington State Dental Association ("WSDA") today endorsed Sesame Communications, the pioneer in online patient relationship management software for the dental field, as the preferred provider of online services for its 4,000 member dentists to acquire and retain patients. With this endorsement, the WSDA is signaling its belief in the growing importance of the internet in the operation of dental practices and recognizing that dental patients live online. Research shows that patients want to work with their dentist using online communication tools -- from web information access to appointment reminders to paying bills. Sesame can be found at Booth #613 at the conference.

"We conducted a nationwide search for the best dental Web services provider to recommend to our members and chose Sesame," said Steve Hardymon, Executive Director of WSDA. "Of all the firms we interviewed, we found Sesame Communications had the most comprehensive suite for web design, search marketing and online patient relationship management. The fact that they happen to be a Washington company was a positive."

Over the past ten years, Sesame Communications has created a custom solutions package that helps dentists and specialists get found and chosen online, and stay connected with their patients. Over 2.5 million patients around North America are getting information from their dental professionals through Sesame's services. Through its partnership with the WSDA, Sesame will offer webinars and lectures for WSDA Component Society meetings around the state on the findings of research Sesame conducts on topics related to patient preferences in online communications.

"We appreciate the WSDA's vote of confidence," said Sesame Vice President of Sales Rachel Mele. "This relationship is significant because it illustrates that dental professional organizations are helping their membership adapt to the online age. The economy has challenged all small businesses to examine their core functions. Dental practices are no exception -- we're seeing them investing more in having a smart online presence."

While the economy has hit many industries very hard, the dental profession is finding that patients are continuing to invest in dental care for their families. Sesame research proves that online patient convenience is integral as part of a dental practice's countercyclical growth. Sesame Member doctors have looked hard at all facets of their practices and found the following : 1) Being in touch with their patient base has never been more important, 2) Sesame's suite of best of breed applications cements this connection.

Sesame Communications has benefited from this trend. The emerging growth company has steadily built its market penetration with substantial year-over-year growth and sustained profitability since its inception in 2000, emerging as the category leader in the space. It posted 47% sales growth in 2008 and is operating at a similar pace for the first half of this year. In May 2009, Sesame experienced the most profitable month in its business history. 53 of the company's 82 employees are based in its Seattle-area headquarters. One of the fastest-growing companies in the region, Sesame continues to expand its team of Web Design and Google Adwords-certified Search Marketing Specialists.

About Sesame Communications

Sesame Communications is the premier provider of online products and services for the dental industry. Sesame supports the largest online channel in dentistry, with over 2.5 million patients around North America getting information from their dental professionals through Sesame's email reminders and online information access portal. Sesame delivers comprehensive custom solution packages, which enable dentists and specialists to increase patient referrals by getting found and chosen online, enhance patient relationships, and improve practice profitability. Sesame is privately held and headquartered in Seattle, WA and can be found at www.sesamecommunications.com or by calling: 877-633-5193.

About Washington State Dental Association

The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) has been the voice of dentistry in Washington since its inception in 1887. Over 4,000 members strong (over 80 percent of practicing dental professionals in the state), the Association exists to promote oral health of the highest quality. Members of the WSDA belong to a tripartite system that also includes the American Dental Association and local component societies. The WSDA is headquartered in downtown Seattle, WA and can be found at www.wsda.org or by calling (206) 448-1914.

Contact Information: Contact - press only Frith Maier Sesame Communications (425) 272-1811 E-mail: Kainoa Trotter WSDA (206) 448-1914 E-mail: