How to Market a Dental Practice with 7 Proven Strategies

August 2025

Running a dental practice in Tennessee today goes far beyond clinical expertise. Dentistry is not just about providing care, it’s about making sure people who need that care can actually find you. The way patients search for dentists has completely changed. According to recent statistics, more than 71% of patients look online before booking an appointment. That means your digital presence is no longer optional, it’s essential.

At Dr. Nate Schott’s practice, we’ve seen how the right marketing approach can turn challenges into opportunities. That’s why this guide lays out a clear, step-by-step roadmap on how to market a dental practice. These strategies will help dentists worldwide discover practical, proven ways to promote their services, attract new patients, and build a strong foundation for long-term growth.

Why Does Digital Marketing Matter for Dentists?

When you think of dental marketing strategies, you may imagine billboards, postcards, or even local magazine ads. But let’s be practical, when was the last time you actually booked a service because of a flyer in the mail?Patients today rely on search results, online reviews, and social media. If your practice doesn’t show up online, you’re invisible to potential patients.

Digital marketing is not just about visibility, it’s about building trust. A strong online presence tells people you are professional, approachable, and ready to help with the expertise they expect.

How to Market a Dental Practice?

Step 1: Build a Website That Works

Your website is your digital front door. When prospective patients land on it, they should feel welcomed and find answers fast. Don’t overwhelm them with clutter. Instead:

Use simple navigation.
Highlight services clearly, for instance talk about the expertise you have in specific service or the horizon of services you offer in depth.
Add easy and persuasive CTA buttons.
Use color tones which reflect your dental clinic identity and your personality as a practicing dentist.

A well-designed website builds credibility and helps with search rankings. Think of it as the foundation of your marketing plan.

Step 2: Optimize Your Google Business Profile

One of the most effective ways to grow a dental practice is to appear in local search results. When someone searches “dentist in Tennessee,” your Google Business Profile decides if you show up.

Add your correct contact info and update it regularly.
Upload professional photos of your office.
Encourage patient reviews. (Respond to them too, it shows you care.)

This is local SEO at its finest, and it’s free.

Step 3: Invest in SEO for Long-Term Growth

Go further with AEO and GEO

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) means making your website easier for Google to understand. The goal? Show up when people search phrases like “family dentist Murfreesboro.”

Use keywords naturally in blog posts.
Add city-specific content (like community involvement or local events).
Keep your website mobile-friendly.

SEO takes time, but it’s one of the best dental marketing strategies because the return on investment is high.

To go a step further, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) helps your practice appear in voice searches and Google’s featured snippets so when someone asks “Who’s the best dentist near me?” your name has a chance to be the answer. GEO (Geographic Optimization) complements this by strengthening your visibility on maps and making sure you connect with patients in the neighborhoods around your practice.

SEO takes time, but paired with AEO and GEO, it becomes one of the most powerful dental marketing strategies with a strong long-term return on investment.

Step 4: Run Targeted Google Ads

Google Ads deliver fast results. Imagine someone typing “emergency dentist near me.” If your ad shows up, that’s a potential patient ready to call you.

Set a clear budget.
Use location targeting to reach patients.
Track which keywords bring calls.
Try and test different content strategies to choose the best that suits you.

This kind of marketing campaign lets you control costs and measure results.

Step 5: Use Social Media to Connect, Not Just Advertise

Many dental offices make the mistake of only posting promotions. Patients want more than discounts,they want connection and service quality.

Share behind-the-scenes moments from your practice.
Post patient success stories (with permission).
Share dental tips in short, friendly videos.

This builds trust and helps existing patients feel closer to your team.

Step 6: Ask for Online Reviews

Did you know 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations? That’s powerful.

Ask happy patients to leave reviews right after their visit.
Use a simple text or email follow-up.
Showcase these reviews on your website and social media.

Good reviews not only improve search results but also attract new patients.

Step 7: Create Useful Content

Blog posts, videos, and guides help educate prospective patients while boosting your online presence. Think of this as internal marketing for your digital space.

Write blogs on practical topics like dental hygiene tips or common FAQs. These are the kinds of things people are already searching for.
Record short videos explaining treatments.
Share patient-friendly advice, not jargon.

Content makes you approachable and builds long-term trust. There may be cases when people might follow your advice and contact you for their needs.

Dental Office Marketing Ideas You May Not Hear Often

Most blogs stop at SEO and ads. Let’s go deeper into fresh dental marketing ideas:

Text Reminders With Personality – Instead of boring reminders, make them fun. Example: “Hi Sarah, your smile is due for a checkup this Friday. We can’t wait to see you!”
Local Partnerships – Team up with local gyms or health food stores in your area. Share referral cards and co-host community events.
Charity Drives – Organize free dental checkups for local schools or nonprofits. This shows genuine care and builds reputation.
Email Newsletters – Keep in touch with existing patients. Share updates, tips, and special promotions.
Video Introductions – A short “Meet the Dentist” video on your homepage helps prospective patients feel at ease.

These strategies go beyond the usual marketing tools and add a personal touch.

The Role of Data in Dental Marketing

It’s easy to throw money into ads, but the smartest practices track results. Look at:

How many people visit your website?
Which ads bring calls or bookings.
What kind of posts get the most engagement.

Tracking data helps you refine your marketing plan and make sure you’re attracting new patients effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Online Reviews – Not responding to reviews makes you look disconnected.
Using Stock Photos Only – Real photos of your team work much better.
Overcomplicating Content – Patients want clarity, not dental school lectures.
Not Following Up – A missed call without a follow-up can mean a lost patient.

Avoiding these mistakes can save money and frustration.

From Empty Chairs to a Flourishing Practice

If you’ve ever wondered how to market your dental practice without feeling overwhelmed, remember this: it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small. Update your website. Ask for reviews. Share one simple post on social media. Each step adds up.

Digital marketing is no longer optional for dentists. It’s the heartbeat of growing your practice, attracting new patients, and keeping your chairs full. At Dr. Nate Schott’s practice, we know firsthand how the right marketing campaign can transform not just a dental office, but the lives of patients it serves.

So here’s our advice: take action today. Don’t wait for the “perfect” plan. Start with one strategy, track your progress, and keep building. Marketing your practice is simply about telling your story in a way that helps people trust you and then giving them a reason to book an appointment.

And when you do it right, you’ll not only grow your business but also give more people the healthy, confident smiles they deserve.

So, start your success journey with Dr. Nate Schott today!