Running a successful dental practice isn’t just about fixing teeth. (If only it were that simple!) These days, getting new patients through the door – and keeping them – requires smart marketing. But where should you focus your efforts? Should you put all your energy into attracting new patients, or is keeping your existing ones happy the real secret sauce?
The truth? You need both. But they’re not the same thing, and they don’t work the same way. So, let’s break it down – patient acquisition vs. patient retention – and figure out which dental marketing strategies will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Patient Acquisition: How to Get More Smiles in Your Chair
New patients are the lifeblood of a growing practice. If you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this is where you need to focus. The trick is standing out in a sea of competitors and making sure potential patients find you before they find the practice down the street.
Be Google’s Best Friend (SEO Matters!)
Using local keywords like “family dentist in [your city]” can help boost your search visibility. Keeping your Google Business Profile updated with reviews, photos, and accurate information makes a big difference. Writing blog posts that answer common patient questions builds trust before they even call you.
Get Clicks with Google & Social Media Ads
SEO is great, but paid ads can give you a fast track to the top of search results. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram let you target exactly the kind of patients you want. Running Google Ads for high-intent searches like “emergency dentist near me” can help you reach people who need immediate care. Creating eye-catching Facebook and Instagram ads showcasing your practice’s personality will engage potential patients. Offering promotions like free consultations or new patient specials can also encourage people to book an appointment.
Online Reviews: Your Digital Word-of-Mouth
Ever picked a restaurant based on its Google reviews? Your future patients do the same thing with dentists. Asking happy patients to leave reviews makes a significant impact, and making it super easy with a text or email link can increase participation. Responding to all reviews—yes, even the negative ones—shows that you care. Showcasing glowing testimonials on your website and social media builds credibility and trust.
Get Involved in Your Community
Patients like to visit dentists they trust—and what better way to build trust than by being active in your community? Sponsoring a local school’s sports team or setting up a booth at health fairs and community events makes your practice more visible. Partnering with local businesses to cross-promote services can also help you reach new potential patients.
Referral Programs: Let Your Patients Do the Talking
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to get new patients. Offering incentives like discounts, gift cards, or free whitening for referrals encourages existing patients to spread the word. Making it easy by giving patients referral cards or digital links they can share increases participation. Thanking every patient who sends someone your way helps foster a strong relationship.
Patient Retention: Keeping Your Patients Happy & Loyal
Okay, so you got them in the door. But here’s the deal—if you’re not keeping them happy, they won’t stick around. Patient retention is about making sure people don’t just visit you once but keep coming back year after year.
Make Every Visit an Amazing Experience
Nobody loves going to the dentist, but you can make it way better than they expect with an optimized patient experience. A warm, welcoming staff and a friendly atmosphere set the tone. Comfortable amenities like TVs, blankets, or even stress-relief gadgets can make a big difference. And, maybe most importantly, keeping your schedule running efficiently ensures that patients don’t feel like they’re waiting forever and you’re wasting their valuable time.
Stay in Touch (Without Being Annoying)
Your patients shouldn’t only hear from you when they’re overdue for a cleaning. Keeping in touch in ways that add value to their lives keeps your practice top of mind. Sending appointment reminders via text or email helps prevent missed visits. Sharing helpful dental tips in an email newsletter keeps patients informed. Posting engaging content on social media, such as fun facts, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes looks at your team, keeps patients connected to your practice. But keep in mind there can be too much of a good thing. The last thing you want is for them to start opting out of your communications because they feel bombarded.
Reward Loyalty with Membership Plans
Not all patients have dental insurance and even those who do appreciate a good deal. A membership plan can keep patients coming back for regular visits. Offering discounts on cleanings and treatments for members makes preventive care more accessible. Creating tiers like basic and premium plans caters to different patient needs. Keeping the plan simple and affordable ensures that patients see the value instantly.
Educate Patients on Preventative Care
A lot of patients only think about the dentist when something hurts. Helping them see the bigger picture by teaching them the value of regular care can improve retention. Offering free oral health workshops educates patients on the importance of preventive care. Sending reminder emails about the benefits of check-ups reinforces the need for regular visits. Using social media to bust dental myths and share preventative tips keeps patients engaged.
Ask for Feedback (Then Actually Use It!)
Want to know how to keep your patients happy? Ask them. Sending post-appointment surveys that are short and sweet encourages participation. Encouraging patients to share what they love—and what could be better—helps identify areas for improvement. Showing you listen by making changes based on their feedback builds patient loyalty.
So, What Should You Focus On?
If you’re a new or growing practice, prioritize acquisition. You need that patient flow to get off the ground. If you already have a solid patient base, shift focus to retention. Keeping patients happy is way cheaper than constantly trying to find new ones. For long-term success, strike a balance. Bring in new patients while keeping your current ones engaged and satisfied.
Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all, but one thing’s for sure—consistency is key whether you’re focused on acquisition or retention. Keep showing up, keep building relationships, and keep providing top-notch care. Do that, and your practice will thrive for years to come.
If you’re ready to take the next step, Golden Proportions Marketing can help. Our proven DNA Process helps uncover the unique Direction, Needs, and Attributes (DNA) of your practice to create a tailored marketing approach that aligns perfectly with your mission, values, and personality. By understanding what sets your practice apart, we develop a marketing plan that attracts the patients you want.
Find out right now if your Dental Marketing DNA is properly aligned by taking our quick and easy DNA Test!
