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.
Imagine you’re planning a luxury vacation. Would you search for the cheapest hotel—or look for one that reflects the experience you want? Patients go through a similar process when choosing a dentist. Those seeking cosmetic enhancements, full-mouth restorations, or a more personalized level of care aren’t focused on price—they’re focused on quality, trust, and results.
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.
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.
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.
A new year is always a good time for reflection. This year, my dental-focused marketing agency, My Dental Agency, is celebrating a big milestone: our 10th anniversary. Just as your dental practice has likely experienced significant shifts over the past decade, so has our agency—and our approach to marketing has evolved dramatically.
