Running a dental practice today is about more than just providing great care. Patients have more choices than ever, which means your practice needs to stand out and build trust in your community. The good news? With the right marketing strategies, you can consistently bring in new patients while strengthening relationships with your existing ones.
Here are five proven dental marketing strategies that you can put into action right away.
1. Connect With Local Businesses
One of the simplest—and often overlooked—ways to grow your dental practice is by reaching out to nearby businesses. Small and micro businesses in your area often need trusted dental providers for themselves and their employees.
- Pick up the phone, send a quick email, or stop by in person.
- Share a flyer or promotional offer such as a free whitening session or complimentary exam.
- Keep the conversation focused on building relationships, not just selling.
Small businesses appreciate a personal touch, and this approach positions your practice as the friendly, local option.
2. Leverage Facebook and Instagram Ads
While Google Ads are effective, Facebook and Instagram allow you to showcase your practice in a more visual and creative way.
- Share before-and-after smile transformations, team videos, or patient testimonials.
- Use precise targeting by location, age, and interests to reach the right families.
- Test multiple ad versions and let the data show you what works best.
- Don’t forget retargeting—stay in front of people who visited your website but didn’t book.
Social media ads aren’t just about clicks; they’re about building trust and showing your personality.
3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile With Geotagging
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful tools for local visibility. But simply listing your hours and phone number isn’t enough.
Upload unedited photos taken directly from your smartphone. Why? Every photo includes geotag data (GPS coordinates). When uploaded, Google recognizes that your practice is active at that exact location, which helps boost your ranking for “dentist near me” searches.
Pro tip: Avoid running photos through editing tools like Photoshop or Canva, as these often remove the geotag data.
4. Make Reviews Easy for Patients
Positive reviews don’t just look good—they also improve your local search ranking and build trust with potential patients.
- Ask for reviews right after appointments, while the experience is still fresh.
- Provide a direct link via text message or a QR code at the front desk.
- Only ask patients who had a positive experience to leave a review.
A steady stream of recent, high-quality reviews is a major credibility booster for your practice.
5. Launch a Patient Referral Program
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful forms of marketing. Encourage happy patients to refer friends and family by offering a simple reward:
- Free exam for the new patient
- Discount on whitening
- A welcome gift for referrals
This positions your practice as generous and welcoming, while turning your patients into your best marketing team.
Final Thoughts
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. By connecting with your community, using social media effectively, optimizing your online presence, and encouraging referrals, you can create steady growth for your dental practice.
To help you get started, I’ve created a free digital guide: 20 Key Principles for Dental Marketing Success. It’s packed with actionable tips to help you attract new patients and make your marketing efforts more effective.