How to Get More Dental Patients and Win on Google with SEO

Learn how to turn your dental website into a new patient magnet and rank at the top of Google.

If your dental website isn’t consistently bringing in new patients, it’s not doing its job. The truth is simple: most people start their search for a dentist online — and if your practice doesn’t appear on page one of Google, those potential patients are finding someone else.

With the right SEO strategy, your website can attract more patients, earn trust before they ever call, and help you dominate your local market. Let’s break down exactly how to make that happen.

how to get more dental patients

Why SEO Is the Key to Getting More Dental Patients

Old-school marketing — postcards, coupons, and billboards — can’t compete with what SEO delivers.

Patients now start with Google and type:

  • “Best dentist near me”
  • “Cosmetic dentist with great reviews”
  • “How to get teeth whitening near me”

If your practice doesn’t show up first, you lose the click and the patient.

That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in — the process that helps your website appear at the top of Google and convert visitors into new patients.

Develop a Dental Marketing Plan That Wins on Google

Your digital marketing plan should combine brand awareness, trust, and visibility. But your SEO foundation is what drives consistent new patient growth.

Here’s what to include:

  • Optimize your Google Business Profile with updated hours, services, and photos.
  • Encourage reviews from happy patients and reply to every one.
  • Write blog posts that answer common dental questions.
  • Build backlinks from credible sites and local news.
  • Track analytics to see where patients are coming from.

Dentists who blend strategy with SEO see stronger, steadier growth — without constantly relying on paid ads.

The Three Layers of SEO That Get More Patients

1. Local SEO

Local SEO helps your practice show up when patients search “dentist near me.”

Local SEO gets your practice into the Google Map Pack, where most patients click first.

2. On-Page SEO

This is where you teach Google what your site is about.

  • Add location + service keywords (“Bellingham dentist for dental implants”).
  • Use fast, mobile-friendly website design.
  • Include clear title tags, meta descriptions, and internal links.

3. Off-Page SEO

This builds your authority online through backlinks and mentions from credible sources.

The more respected sites that link to you, the higher you’ll rank.

Craft a Website That Converts Visitors Into Patients

Once people find your site, you need to turn those visits into booked appointments.

Your dental website should:

  • Load quickly and look great on mobile.
  • Have a clear “Book Appointment” button.
  • Feature professional photos of your team.
  • Explain your services clearly and confidently.
  • Include patient testimonials and reviews.

BFF Tip: Add blog posts that answer questions like:

  • “How often should I see the dentist?”
  • “What’s the best whitening option?”

These posts build trust and improve your ranking for the very phrases patients search.

How to Win on Google with Consistent SEO

Winning on Google isn’t about one-time optimization — it’s about consistency.

Search engines reward websites that stay active, update regularly, and build authority over time.

Here’s how to maintain that momentum:

  • Publish monthly content optimized for “dental SEO” and “how to get more dental patients.”
  • Refresh your homepage copy every 6–12 months.
  • Add new service pages for trending treatments.
  • Monitor your keywords and rankings with analytics tools.

When you keep showing Google your website is active and valuable, you stay visible — and patients keep finding you first.

Leverage Analytics and AI Tools to Get More Dental Patients

Modern SEO tools show you exactly what works. They track your traffic, reveal which pages convert best, and help you understand what patients are actually searching for.

With the right analytics setup, you can see how many patients are coming from Google each month — and adjust your marketing for even better results.

How SEO Helps You Get Better (Not Just More) Patients

Strong SEO doesn’t just bring in anyone — it attracts the right patients.

People who trust your brand before they ever call, know your services, and are ready to commit.

SEO builds authority and confidence, which translates directly into more booked appointments and long-term patient relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental SEO

Dental SEO is the process of improving your website and online presence so it appears higher on Google when people search for local dental services.

You’ll start seeing movement in about 90–120 days, with major growth building after six months of consistent work.

Paid ads stop working the second you stop paying. Plus, SEO keeps bringing in patients month after month — even when you’re not running ads.

Because patients search within a few miles of home. And, if you’re not ranking in the Google Map Pack, your competitors are taking those calls.

You can handle basics, but a dental marketing company like Dental Marketing BFF can accelerate your results with strategy, analytics, and backlinks that most practices don’t have time for.

Ready to Get More Patients and Win on Google?

Your next patient is searching for you right now. And if your website isn’t showing up first, it’s time to fix that.

At Dental Marketing BFF, we help dentists dominate Google rankings and fill their schedules with ideal patients. Get a free SEO review today, and let’s turn your website into your number one source of new patients!

author avatar
TANA Founder of Your Marketing BFF & Owner of Dental Marketing BFF
She is the founder and owner of a 6-figure digital marketing brand that’s helped over 1,400 small businesses grow their online presence and get more customers & sales. She's been featured on CNBC, ABC, HGTV and numerous magazines and online national publications.