We know what you’re thinking—why is a dental accounting firm talking about marketing strategies for dentists? At Virjee Consulting, we usually stick to financial topics. But after decades of working with dentists, we’ve learned that one of your biggest concerns is getting more patients in the door.
Here’s the reality: a lot of dentists have been burned by marketing agencies. Maybe you’ve spent thousands of dollars on campaigns that didn’t work or paid for ads that got you zero results. It’s frustrating, and we get it.
That’s why we’re stepping in to share what we’ve seen work for our clients. These seven marketing strategies are worth a try in 2025.
They’re practical, proven, and can help you grow your practice without wasting money. Let’s dive in:
1. Focus on Local Search
First things first, unless your practice offers a highly specialized service (like full smile makeovers) that people are willing to travel for, your best bet is to focus on attracting local patients. Local search marketing ensures you show up when people nearby are searching for a dentist.
Here’s how to stand out in local search:
- Claim Your Google Business Profile: Make sure your Google listing is accurate, complete, and has photos of your practice. Include your hours, phone number, and services.
- Run Google Maps Ads: These ads make sure your practice shows up at the top when someone searches for “dentist near me.” Ads include “Get Directions” and “Call Now” buttons, making it easy for patients to reach you.
2. Build Social Proof with Reviews
Online reviews can make or break your practice. According to a 2023 survey, 83% of Americans rely on online reviews to pick their dental provider.
That means your next new patient could be just one glowing review away.
So, how do you get more reviews? The key is to make it easy and worthwhile for your patients. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Incentivize Reviews: Give patients a small reward, like $10 off their next cleaning or a free teeth whitening kit, for leaving a review. It’s a small cost that can lead to big returns.
- Respond to Reviews: Don’t leave reviews hanging. Thank patients for their kind words and address any negative comments professionally. A thoughtful response shows you care and can help turn things around with unhappy patients.
Another Tip: Don’t stop at Google reviews. Make sure your practice has a strong presence on platforms like Yelp and Facebook, where potential patients are also searching for dental care.
3. Remarketing to Website Visitors
Ever had someone visit your website, browse around, and then disappear? That’s where remarketing comes in. With tools like Google Ads and Facebook Pixel, you can re-engage these visitors and turn them into patients.
Here’s how:
- Target Browsers: If someone looks at your orthodontics page but doesn’t book an appointment, serve them ads promoting braces or Invisalign.
- Re-engage Past Patients: Use email lists to remind patients about annual cleanings, checkups, or special promotions.
- Highlight Abandoned Forms: If a visitor starts filling out an appointment form but doesn’t finish, follow up with an ad that says, “Still thinking about booking? Schedule your appointment today!”
Here’s an Example: A visitor checks out your teeth whitening page but doesn’t book. Two days later, they see an ad on Instagram offering a $50 discount on whitening treatments. They click, book, and you’ve got another appointment on the books.
4. Use Social Media to Build Trust
Let’s face it: most people don’t look forward to going to the dentist. Social media is a great way to show off your team’s personality, make your practice feel approachable, and help patients feel at ease.
Here’s what to share:
- Preventative Tips: Short videos on brushing techniques or flossing hacks.
- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Show your team’s friendly side with fun office moments.
- Patient Success Stories: Share before-and-after photos (with consent!) and testimonials.
Here’s an Example: Your team creates a TikTok or Instagram Reel showing what a patient can expect during a cleaning. It gets thousands of views, and several new patients book appointments because they feel more comfortable coming in.
5. Leverage Emergency Keywords
When people need emergency dental care, they’re searching for help right now. By targeting keywords like “emergency dentist near me” or “urgent tooth extraction,” you can connect with patients who need immediate care.
Here’s what to do:
- Bid on Emergency Keywords: Make sure your ads show up first when patients search for urgent dental care.
- Make Contact Easy: Ensure your ad has a “Call Now” button or a direct link to schedule an appointment.
Here’s an Example: A patient searches “emergency root canal” at 8 PM. Your ad appears, and they click “Call Now.” They leave a voicemail, and you’re the first to follow up in the morning. Problem solved, and they’re likely to return for future care.
6. Offer Referral Bonuses
Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most effective ways to grow your practice. In fact, a whopping 93% of people trust recommendations from their friends, according to the Pride Institute, so why wouldn’t you encourage them?
Referral bonuses not only help you attract new patients but also show your current patients you appreciate them.
Here’s how to make referral bonuses work for your practice:
- Offer Incentives: Give $10 off a future visit for every referral that books an appointment. It’s a small cost that goes a long way toward keeping both the referrer and the new patient happy.
- Make It Easy: Hand out referral cards at checkout or include them in follow-up emails and mailings. The easier it is for patients to share your info, the more likely they are to do it.
- Track Your Success: Keep a simple system for tracking who refers whom so you can make sure everyone gets their bonus.
What to Try: A patient refers their coworker, who schedules a cleaning. Both the referrer and the new patient get $10 off their next appointments. It’s an easy way to keep your current patients happy while bringing in new ones.
7. Get Listed on ZocDoc
Let’s face it—many millennials (and younger patients) hate making phone calls, especially to book medical appointments. That’s where ZocDoc comes in. It’s like OpenTable for doctors, allowing patients to book online based on specialty, location, and availability.
Why It Works:
- ZocDoc is widely used in major cities and smaller towns alike.
- Patients can filter by insurance, making it easy for them to choose your practice.
Pro Tip: Keep your availability on ZocDoc updated. Practices with open slots and great reviews tend to attract more patients.
Need More Help Getting Dental Patients in the Door?
At Virjee Consulting, we’re all about helping dentists succeed—whether that’s through smart financial strategies or proven marketing tips. These six strategies have worked for our clients and can help you attract more patients in 2025.
Not sure where to start? Pick one or two strategies to focus on and track your results. And if you need help creating a budget for your marketing efforts, let us know. We’re here to support your practice every step of the way.
Here’s to a full schedule and a successful year ahead!
Until next time.
