9 Dental Marketing Trends to Sink Your Teeth Into (+Examples & Tips)

By Intelligent Relations Team

January 26, 2024

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The dental market is driven by increasing awareness about oral hygiene, advancements in dental technologies, and a growing aging population that requires more dental care.

That’s why marketing in dentistry doesn’t involve just one set of strategies.

It typically involves a combination of digital methods and technologies. And understanding and adapting to the latest dental marketing trends can pose challenges for many practices. 

If you’re in an area with a high concentration of dental practices, standing out in a local market can feel like pulling teeth. Plus, you’ll have to demonstrate quality of care, credibility, and authenticity to current and potential patients.

Because dentistry has made a digital shift in recent years, you’ll need a digital marketing overhaul to stay relevant and competitive.

If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t panic. 

There are plenty of ways to bring your dental practice to the forefront. We’ve outlined 9 marketing trends for dental practices in this article. Plus, we’ve included some examples and tips to sink your teeth into.

Our Top Dental Marketing Trends for 2024

• Public Relations
• Telehealth and Teledentistry
• Video Marketing
• AI-Driven Chatbots
• Search Engine Optimization
• Patient Reviews
• User-Friendly Website
• Social Media
• Patient-Centric Content

1. Public Relations Can Enhance Your Practice’s Reputation

Public relations (PR) is one of the top dental marketing trends because it builds and enhances a practice’s reputation. As a dentist, you can use PR to showcase your expertise, services, and commitment to patient care. 

But how do you get started on PR as one of your dental marketing trends?

Effective dental PR starts with engaging with the community and media. Press releases, community events, and social responsibility initiatives help create positive publicity. This approach attracts new patients and strengthens relationships with existing ones. 

Actively participate in community events and initiatives to build a positive local presence. Sponsor local sports teams, host educational seminars on oral health, or engage in community service. This establishes your practice as a caring and integral part of the community.

Develop relationships with local media outlets. Regularly send press releases about your dental practice’s latest news, advancements in dental technology, or new services offered. Also, consider offering to be a dental health expert for local news stories to position yourself as an authority in the field.

A robust PR strategy, including online presence management, is essential for distinguishing a dental practice in a competitive market, ultimately driving growth and success.

The newsroom section is a common place where dental practices post PR updates. Here is an example from Aspen Dental:

Pro Tip: Let an agency handle your PR efforts for you. Developing a PR strategy and carrying it out can take a lot of time and effort. There’s also a lot more to PR than simply sending press releases. An agency can help you develop interesting stories that will attract earned media.

Need to upgrade your current PR strategy? Not sure what’s trending? Check out this article for some up-to-date PR tips: 18 Top PR Trends Shaping the Industry in 2024

2. Telehealth and Teledentistry Provide Convenience to Patients

Telehealth and teledentistry have emerged as one of the top dental marketing trends due to their immense benefits. These benefits include an increase in accessibility and convenience for patients. In fact, more than half of American adults prefer the convenience of telemedicine.

These technologies allow dentists to consult with patients remotely. This helps break geographical barriers and make dental care more accessible, especially for those in remote or underserved areas. 

Virtual consultations and follow-ups are a great way to attract a broader patient base. It also enhances patient engagement and demonstrates your commitment to innovative, patient-centric care.

When using telehealth and teledentistry, highlight how these technologies offer patients convenience and safety. Emphasize the patient’s ability to receive consultations, follow-up care, and expert advice from the comfort of their homes.

Market telehealth as a complementary service to your in-office care. Use it as a preliminary step for diagnosing or as a follow-up tool to monitor treatment progress. This integration shows your commitment to comprehensive care and modern healthcare approaches.

Smile Virtual is one of the most commonly used teledentistry platforms. The video below provides an overview of how it works: 

Pro Tip: Ensure that your virtual consultations are as professional and informative as in-person visits. Invest in quality software for clear communication. Also, maintain a professional setting and train your staff to handle telehealth appointments efficiently.

Have you ever thought about positioning yourself or your dental brand as a healthcare thought leader? Learn more here: 8 Step Guide to Innovative Healthcare Thought Leadership [+ 6 Trends]

3. Video is a Preferred Content Medium for Dental Patients

Video marketing showcases dental procedures, staff, and patient testimonials. Its dynamic and engaging nature makes it one of the top dental marketing trends today. 

Videos offer a visual and personal touch. They create a sense of trust and familiarity before a patient even sets foot in the clinic. 

Additionally, videos enhance online presence. They’re more likely to be shared on social media, which increases their reach and visibility of the dental practice. This visual approach aligns well with modern consumers’ preferences for fast, informative, and relatable content.

How can you get started on video as one of your dental marketing trends?

Be sure to create videos that offer a virtual tour of your dental office and introduce your team. Highlight the comfort, cleanliness, and advanced technology of your facilities. Also, include the friendliness and professionalism of your staff.

Plus, you should share stories of satisfied patients through testimonial videos. When potential patients see others speaking positively about their experiences, it can alleviate anxieties and encourage them to choose your services.

Here’s an example of how video marketing can appeal to potential patients: 

Pro Tip: Maintain a regular posting schedule and ensure high-quality video production. Invest in good lighting, clear audio, and professional editing to make your videos stand out.

Already have some video content? Think it could use an upgrade? Then you’ll want to check out the latest video marketing trends for 2024: Top 10 Video Marketing Trends for 2024 [+ Tips]

4. AI-Driven Chatbots Improve Patient Communications

AI-driven chatbots streamline patient communication, making them one of the most innovative dental marketing trends. Plus, studies show that many consumers today appreciate chatbots.

That’s because chatbots provide instant, 24/7 responses to patient inquiries. They can schedule appointments, answer frequently asked questions, and offer information about dental services. 

This efficiency improves patient satisfaction and frees up staff time. Dentists can integrate AI chatbots to elevate their practice’s accessibility and responsiveness.

When using AI-driven chatbots, customize them to greet patients by name and provide personalized recommendations. This personalized approach can make interactions feel more engaging and less automated. Also, make sure that it’s easy for patients to reach a real person with more complex queries.

Connect your chatbot with your appointment scheduling system. This allows patients to easily book, change, or cancel appointments through the chatbot interface. Streamline this process to help increase appointment bookings.

SmartBot360’s Dental Office Chatbot is an example of what AI-powered chatbots have to offer:

Pro Tip: You can either program a chatbot or get an out-of-box solution that instantly answers frequently asked questions. Your chatbot can answer questions about dental services, office hours, insurance policies, and basic oral health queries.

Interested in how to use AI to improve other areas of your marketing strategy? Then  you’ll want to check out our article: 8 AI Marketing Trends for 2024 and Beyond (+ Tips & Ideas)

5. SEO is a Must for Standing Out Online

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an absolute necessity when marketing your dental practice. That’s because it directly affects your practice’s visibility online. 

Successful SEO is one of the leading dental marketing trends because it increases the likelihood of your dental practice appearing at the top of search results when potential patients look for dental services. 

How can you implement SEO as one of your dental marketing trends?

Dental services are inherently local, so your SEO strategy should focus on local search optimization. That includes finding local, relevant keywords and creating quality content based on those keywords. You’ll also need to optimize your website structure.

Start by ensuring that your practice’s name, address, and phone number (NAP information) are consistent across all online platforms. That includes your website, social media profiles, and digital directories. 

Conduct thorough keyword research to identify terms your potential patients are using. Utilize local keywords, such as “dentist in [Your City]” or “dentist near me.” Use these keywords strategically in your website content, meta descriptions, and titles.

When you enter the search term “dentist near me,” this is an example of what comes up:

Pro Tip: Tap into the full potential of Google My Business (GMB) to boost your dental practice’s online presence. Regularly update your profile with accurate and detailed information. That includes business hours, contact details, and services offered. 

For more ideas on leveraging SEO, check out our article: 9 Essential Search Engine Marketing Trends for 2024 (+ Tips and Examples)

6. Patient Reviews Can Boost Your Reputation and Credibility

Patient reviews have become one of the top dental marketing trends due to their powerful impact on attracting new patients. 

Active and positive reviews significantly enhance a dental practice’s credibility and trustworthiness. Prospective patients often rely on these reviews to gauge the quality of care and patient experience before choosing a dentist. 

Additionally, regular patient feedback helps dentists identify areas for improvement. Plus, the visibility of these reviews on search engines and social media platforms further amplifies your influence.

Encourage satisfied patients to leave reviews on popular platforms. This can be on your Google, Yelp, or Facebook pages, as well as your website. Consider offering a small token of appreciation, such as a discount on future services or a dental care product.

Make it a practice to respond to all reviews, both positive and negative. This shows that you value patient feedback and are committed to improving your services. For negative reviews, offer a constructive and empathetic response, and try to resolve any issues.

Here’s an example of patient reviews displayed on Aspen Dental’s website:

Pro Tip: Use positive reviews in your marketing materials. Post them on your website, social media, or ad content. Highlighting real patient experiences builds credibility and trust with potential patients.

7. User-Friendly Websites Reduce Bounce Rates

Why are user-friendly websites among the top dental marketing trends? They impact patient acquisition and retention.

A website often serves as the first point of contact between a dentist and potential patients. A well-designed site that is easy to navigate ensures a positive first impression. It enables visitors to quickly find information, understand services, and schedule appointments. 

This accessibility and convenience enhance the patient experience. It encourages them to choose and remain with your practice. Additionally, a user-friendly website improves search engine rankings, which increases visibility and attracts more traffic.

Ensure your dental website is mobile-friendly. Many users access websites via smartphones, so a responsive design that adapts to various screen sizes is a must.

Structure your website with clear, logical navigation. Menus should be straightforward and guide visitors effortlessly to key sections. Simplifying the user journey helps visitors find what they’re looking for quickly. This reduces frustration and bounce rates.

Here’s an example of a user-friendly website from Heartland Dental: 

Pro Tip: Make sure your website contains content that educates and engages. This includes detailed descriptions of dental procedures, blog posts on oral health tips, FAQs, and patient testimonials.

Not sure how to market for mobile devices? We’ve got you covered! Check out the latest trends here: 8 Mobile Marketing Trends to Upgrade Your Strategy in 2024

8. Social Media Offers Vast Reach Opportunities

Social media stands as one of the most important dental marketing trends because of its widespread reach and engagement potential. 

Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X) allow dentists to showcase their services. This helps build trust and rapport with existing and prospective patients. 

Social media is also a great place to use interactive posts to engage with audiences directly. This helps keep your practice at the forefront of your followers’ minds.

Additionally, social media advertising enables targeted marketing. You can reach specific demographics, and increase the visibility of your dental services cost-effectively.

When using social media, post regularly and make sure the content is relevant and authentic. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your practice, introduce your team, and post before-and-after photos of treatments (with patient consent). 

Also, engage with your audience through comments, polls, or Q&A sessions. Share tips for oral hygiene, information about common dental procedures, and advice on preventive care. This provides value to your followers.

Below, you’ll find a glimpse of Aspen Dental’s Facebook page. It contains their contact information and engaging posts that demonstrate their values: 

Pro Tip: Encourage patients to share their experiences. User-generated content, such as reviews or smile transformations, can serve as powerful endorsements for your practice.

Need some ideas for upgrading your social media strategy? Look no further: 9 Top Social Media Marketing Trends Taking the World by Storm

9. Creating Patient-Centric Content

What makes patient-centric content one of the leading dental marketing trends? It focuses on addressing the specific needs and concerns of patients. 

By creating content that resonates with patients’ experiences and questions, you establish trust and rapport. This approach involves providing informative material on dental health, procedures, and care tips, tailored to the patient’s perspective. 

Such content educates patients and eases anxieties. This makes your dental services more approachable and relatable. Plus, it enhances patient loyalty and attracts new clients through relatable, empathetic communication.

Start by researching and understanding the common questions, concerns, and interests of your patient demographic. 

Use surveys, feedback forms, and social media interactions to gather insights. Tailor your content to address these specific topics.

Many practices have blogs with educational articles. Here’s an example from Aspen Dental’s website: 

Pro Tip: Create educational content that’s easy to understand. Use a variety of formats such as blog posts, infographics, videos, and interactive quizzes. Topics could range from preventive dental care tips to explanations of common procedures.

Find out how to amplify your content marketing efforts by reading our article: 7 Top Content Marketing Trends 2024 [+ Tips and Tricks]

Key Takeaways on the Latest Dental Marketing Trends

So, you’ve learned what’s happening in the world of dental marketing. What you do with these trends for dental marketing can make a difference in your marketing efforts.

Dental marketing is all about catering to the interests of current and potential patients. They prefer convenience, trustworthiness, and credibility when looking for practices. That’s where the power of forward-thinking content, technology, and marketing strategies come in. 

But don’t bite off more than you can chew. Give these trends a try and consider harnessing the ones that best suit your practice’s marketing needs. 

Not sure how to get started on integrating these trends into your PR and marketing mix? Let us help! Simply book a free consultation and we’ll see where your strategy could use an upgrade.