As a digital marketing specialist, part of my job is to help dental practices capitalize on current and future trends. Right now, we are witnessing a major shift in online behavior, and it spells opportunity for dentists seeking to grow their practices.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of My Dental Agency, and, naturally, a significant milestone like this has prompted me to reflect on the changes I’ve witnessed since starting my company. Dental marketing has evolved over the last decade, but, for those of us who have been in the industry longer, we know it goes far beyond that.
Online reviews are a goldmine of free marketing, yet most dental practices take them for granted. Yes, having a 5-star rating on Google and Facebook is an excellent goal. You want to show your pool of potential patients that your practice is the best. However, as some of the most recent data show, that star rating may not be as important as another factor: responses. Businesses that respond to their customers’ reviews win on all fronts.
Build trust through authenticity. That’s not a slogan or a strategy. It’s something I practice every day in my company. Why is authenticity important? Consumers today are more informed and have the means to compare brands at their fingertips, anywhere, at any time, making them less loyal than ever.
It’s true that marketing is essential if you want to grow your dental practice. But here’s the rub: no matter how strong your marketing strategy is, your dental practice will never see sustained growth if your front desk game isn’t just as strong. Think of marketing as the spark that ignites interest, but your front desk is the engine that drives it home.
Never have I been more grateful to be a business owner than when I recently caught up with a close friend and former colleague from my corporate days. This man is the definition of dependable. He’s hardworking, always prioritizing work and rarely complains or asks for anything.
It feels good to write a new patient’s name in the schedule. It’s validation that the practice’s marketing strategies are working, and it means the practice is growing. Dental practices target new patients to increase revenue, and I support this wholeheartedly. However, if after the first appointment a patient leaves for a competing practice, doesn’t use your practice for all their needs, or simply never returns, growth will be limited or may stagnate. I have a surefire way to prevent that from happening, and it involves marketing, of course.
There’s no single formula. But when your marketing investment is aligned with your goals, your patient base, and the stage of your practice, you’re in a much better position to grow with confidence.
By creating systems that support a smooth, thoughtful, and patient-centered experience from the very first touchpoint, your practice can build trust that lasts—and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
Patients today are savvier than ever. They’re asking better questions, doing their research, and making more intentional choices about their health. They want providers who think beyond quick fixes and who understand that what happens in one part of the body can impact the rest.
