Whether you’re a solo dentist or part of a DSO, attracting new patients is key to maintaining a healthy, thriving practice. But with more choices than ever, patients are doing their homework before they book. Here are three high-impact strategies that can help your practice stand out!
1. Improve Your Local SEO and Online Visibility
Most patients start their search for a dentist on Google. If your practice doesn’t appear near the top of search results, you’re missing out on valuable traffic.
Local SEO helps your practice appear when people search for dentists in your area. Combined with strong online reviews, it can drive consistent, high-quality leads.
Key actions to improve your visibility:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate info, photos, and services
- Encourage happy patients to leave positive Google and Yelp reviews
- Get your practice featured in online dental listings such as those offered by DenScore
- Use location-based keywords (e.g., “best dentist in Sacramento”) across your website
- 2. Accept the Right Insurance Plans and Offer an In-House Membership Option
2. Accept the Right Insurance Plans and Offer an In-House Membership Option
Patients make decisions based on convenience and cost. To capture more of your local market, you should offer options for both insured and uninsured patients in the following ways:
- Join dental insurance networks that are used by major local employers
- Review plan details like reimbursement rates, claim processing speed, and coverage limitations
- Offer a simple in-house membership plan for patients without insurance (ex. gig workers, retirees, or part-time employees)
- Partner with companies like DntlDirect that offer membership plans to local employers
At a minimum, in-house membership plans typically include:
- Preventive care like at least two cleanings, exams, and x-rays per year
- Transparent discounts on common procedures
- No claims, deductibles, or waiting periods
By offering both insurance and non-insurance options, your practice becomes more accessible and appealing to a broader patient base.
3. Educate Patients Through Social Media and Helpful Content
People don’t just want a good dentist – they want a dentist they trust. One of the best ways to build that trust is by educating your community with helpful, bite-sized content.
Use your social channels and website to:
- Share oral health tips and preventive care reminders
- Break down common dental treatments (ex. fillings, implants, whitening)
- Bust myths and misinformation circulating on TikTok or Instagram
- Answer frequently asked questions (like “Do I really need a deep cleaning?”)
Bonus Tip: Use tools like Canva to create quick, engaging TikTok or Instagram Reels that don’t require professional video production.
Final Thoughts
Attracting new patients is about being visible, trustworthy, and accessible:
- Improve your local SEO and online reputation
- Accept the right insurance plans and/or offer an attractive in-house membership that provides real value to patients
- Educate and connect with your audience through social media
By putting these strategies to work, you’ll build long-term trust and stay competitive in a crowded market. Visit our “Contact Us” page if you’d like to send any questions our way!
