The Difference Between Local SEO and Dental SEO
Ever wondered what is the difference between “Local SEO” and “Dental SEO”?
They sound similar — and they overlap a lot — but understanding their differences is key if you want your dental practice to dominate Google in 2026 and beyond.
Local SEO helps your practice show up in map-based searches and nearby results. Dental SEO helps your entire website and brand rank higher across Google — both in and outside the Map Pack.
In other words, Local SEO gets you found by nearby patients, while Dental SEO keeps you visible everywhere your audience searches.
Let’s break down the difference, how they work together, and which one should be your main focus.
Key Takeaways
- Dental SEO improves your overall visibility on Google, your website, and in AI Overviews.
- Local SEO focuses on location-based visibility — especially in the Google Map Pack.
- Both work hand-in-hand to attract patients in your city or region.
- You need both to dominate search results and grow your practice sustainably.
- Dental Marketing BFF helps dentists win with data-backed SEO strategies.
See How Our Agency Can Help You Attract More Patients
- SEO — dominate Google and Local Map searches.
- Website Design — convert traffic into booked appointments.
- Content Marketing — we create content that gets traffic.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Many dentists invest in SEO without knowing which type they’re really getting.
That’s a problem — because focusing on the wrong kind of optimization means wasting time and money on tactics that don’t move the needle.
If you’re a dentist serving a specific city or neighborhood, you need Local SEO to capture people searching nearby.
If you want to build long-term visibility and authority (so Google recognizes you as a trusted brand), you need Dental SEO to strengthen your website and content.
Knowing where each fits in your strategy ensures you’re attracting patients now and building authority for the future.
What Is Dental SEO?
Dental SEO is a comprehensive strategy that helps dentists rank higher on Google through on-page optimization, content creation, technical SEO, backlinks, and analytics.
It focuses on your entire online presence — not just your location.
Key components include:
- Keyword research for services like Invisalign, dental implants, pediatric dentistry
- Optimizing meta titles, headers, and on-page content
- Building backlinks from trusted healthcare or local sources
- Writing blog posts that answer patient questions
- Tracking results with Google Analytics and Search Console
Dental SEO tells Google: “This practice is an authority on dentistry.”
When done right, it earns your website top spots in both search results and AI Overviews.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO, on the other hand, zeroes in on your geographic visibility. It’s all about helping nearby patients find your practice when they search “dentist near me.”
The goal is to rank in the Google Map Pack and local results, where most mobile searches happen.
Key elements include:
- Optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Building local citations (directories with consistent NAP info)
- Gathering and managing reviews
- Embedding Google Maps on your site
- Creating location pages for each city or office
When patients search from their phone, Local SEO ensures you appear first.
Local SEO vs. Dental SEO: The Core Differences
| Factor | Dental SEO | Local SEO |
| Goal | Build long-term authority & visibility | Capture nearby patient searches |
| Primary Focus | Website optimization, content, backlinks | Google Business Profile & Map Pack |
| Keywords Targeted | “Pediatric Dentist Tips,” “Cosmetic Dentistry Guide” | “Dentist Near Me,” “Best Dentist in Gilbert” |
| Ranking Area | National or regional | Local (city, county, neighborhood) |
| Core Tools | Google Analytics, Search Console, Ahrefs | Google Maps, GBP Insights, BrightLocal |
| Result Type | Organic search & AI Overviews | Local Map Pack |
Both overlap — your local rankings help your website, and your website boosts your local rankings.
Think of it like this: Dental SEO builds your brand’s foundation, and Local SEO turns that foundation into local visibility and patient calls.
How Dental SEO and Local SEO Work Together
They’re two sides of the same coin.
- A strong Dental SEO strategy supports your local presence by improving your domain authority and E-E-A-T (experience, expertise, authority, trust).
- A well-optimized Local SEO presence helps reinforce your brand signals, reviews, and visibility in the Map Pack.
For example:
If your Google Business Profile lists “cosmetic dentistry” and your website has a detailed service page optimized for “cosmetic dentist in [your city],” Google sees that as confirmation — and boosts both listings.
That’s why combining both strategies gives you the best possible ranking power.
The Mistake Most Dentists Make
Too many dental offices only focus on one.
They either:
- Hire a web company that does general SEO (but ignores local map rankings), or
- Rely only on Local SEO (reviews, GBP updates) without improving their site’s content.
Either way, they miss out on traffic and patients.
The winning strategy? A hybrid approach that blends Dental SEO + Local SEO into one cohesive plan.
That’s exactly what we do at Dental Marketing BFF — building a system that ranks your site, your map listing, and your brand all at once.
10 Tips to Combine Dental SEO and Local SEO for Maximum Results
- Claim and Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Include categories, photos, business hours, and service areas. - Create Dedicated Location Pages
One for each city or office, optimized for “Dentist in [City].” - Add Local Schema Markup
Tell Google exactly where your practice is located. - Publish Blog Posts with Local Relevance
Example: “5 Tips for Whiter Smiles in Gilbert’s Summer Heat.” - Target Both Service and Location Keywords
Example: “Cosmetic Dentist in Queen Creek” (Local + Service). - Encourage Google Reviews Regularly
Ask patients for feedback — Google rewards consistent activity. - Build Local Backlinks
Sponsor a community event or join a local chamber of commerce. - Optimize Website Speed and Mobile UX
A fast, mobile-friendly site improves both Dental and Local SEO. - Embed a Google Map on Your Contact Page
Simple, effective, and boosts local signals. - Track SEO Results Monthly
Measure your map views, calls, and organic traffic separately.
FAQs
Conclusion: You Need Both to Win
Local SEO gets you found, but Dental SEO makes you trusted.
One brings in nearby patients today. The other builds authority that keeps your phone ringing tomorrow.
Ready to dominate both organic and local rankings? Book a Free Dental SEO Strategy Call →
