You can have the best technology, the friendliest team, and years of experience, but if your online reputation doesn’t reflect that, prospective patients may never make it through your door. The American Dental Association reports that 84% of patients trust online reviews as much as recommendations from friends and family. It might be hard to believe, but in today’s digital-first world, your online presence may matter as much as your in-office experience.
The brackets are set, the excitement is building, and fans everywhere are gearing up for the highs, lows, and buzzer-beaters that make March Madness unforgettable. But beyond the upsets and Cinderella stories, there’s a bigger takeaway for those paying attention: the teams that go the distance aren’t always the highest-ranked; they’re the ones that adjust their game plan, capitalize on opportunities, and make smart plays under pressure.
Most dental practices measure success by one thing: how many new patients they bring in each month. And while attracting new patients is important, it’s not the only—or even the most reliable—way to grow.
Two practices—one in the Midwest and one in the Northeast—made a small but important shift in their approach. Instead of running traditional ads that simply asked patients to book a consultation, they used an implant survey to pre-qualify leads. The result? More predictable conversions, stronger patient engagement, and over $150,000 in treatment plans accepted—all within a few months.
Connecting with patients is always important, and while we often think about that in terms of personal relationships, it’s just as crucial in patient care. When someone reaches out to schedule an appointment or inquire about services, they’re looking for reassurance, guidance, and a reason to choose your practice. A delayed or impersonal response can leave them feeling overlooked—and more likely to book elsewhere.
Imagine this: a busy professional has been dreaming of a smile makeover for years and finally has the budget and motivation to make it happen. They hop online, type “cosmetic dentist in [city]” or “dental implants near me,” and scan the first few results. Does your practice appear at the top, or is it buried behind competitors? And if they do find your name, are they greeted with an impressive collection of glowing reviews—or a slow-loading website with minimal information and clunky navigation?
February is a time for love and connection, but in dental marketing, the strongest bonds don’t come from roses or heart-shaped chocolates—they come from trust. Patients searching for a dentist, especially for life-changing cosmetic treatments, aren’t just looking for technical expertise. Equally important is having confidence in their decision and knowing they’ve chosen a provider who understands their concerns and cares about their results.
Think about the last time a recommendation helped you make a decision—whether it was for a product, a restaurant, or a service. Now imagine seeing and hearing that recommendation directly from the person who shared it. That’s the unique power of video testimonials: they bring authenticity to the forefront by turning a simple review into a compelling story.
By staying ahead of the curve and adopting strategies that focus on patient needs, you’ll position your practice for long-term success.
