Dental practices · United States and Canada

SEO for dentists

New patients search for a dentist nearby, read the reviews, and book. We help your practice show up first and make the right impression, on Google Maps, in search results and in AI answers.

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Why dentists need a different approach

Most of the work is local, and much of it touches patient privacy and professional rules.

Patient privacy

A review reply can break HIPAA

A Dallas dental practice paid $10,000 to settle with federal regulators after replying to Yelp reviews with patient details. We set up review replies that don't confirm anyone is a patient.

Advertising rules

Be careful with "specialist"

The ADA's code of ethics bars false or misleading advertising, and general dentists must avoid implying a specialty. State dental boards add rules of their own, including on advertised fees.

Treatments

One clear page per treatment

People search for implants, emergency care, or a dentist who takes their plan. Each treatment needs a page that explains the procedure, the cost range, insurance and what happens at a first visit.

Trust

Show who treats the patient

Google says it gives extra weight to trustworthy content on health topics, and that it should be clear who created it. Real dentist bios and accurate pages help Google and patients alike.

Reviews and profiles, done properly

Recent reviews do a lot of the selling. In BrightLocal's 2026 survey, 74% of U.S. consumers looked for reviews from the last three months, and 89% expected owners to respond. We help you ask every patient the same way, and reply without revealing anything about their care.

Google's guidelines say a practice's location needs its own Business Profile, separate from individual dentists, and that a dentist shouldn't have several profiles for different specializations. Running a physical therapy or chiropractic practice instead? See our guide for U.S. paramedical practices.

You approve what we publish, because you answer to your dental board. This page is general marketing information, not legal advice.

How it works

  1. See who wins your area

    We check who appears for "dentist near me" and your main treatments around your practice, and review your Business Profile and site.

  2. Fix the foundation

    We correct your profile and dental directory listings, make your details the same everywhere, and add Dentist structured data.

  3. Build and report

    We add location pages, set up a privacy-safe review process, and report on your progress every month.

What's included

Google Business Profile and Maps

  • Google Business Profile set up and managed
  • Work to rank in the map results (the Local Pack)
  • Local search set up for people searching on their phones

Listings and reviews

  • Listings on local directories and citation sites
  • The same name, address and phone number everywhere
  • Review requests and replies to reviews

Local content and links

  • Local keyword targeting
  • Pages for each location or service area
  • Links from local organizations and media

Reporting

  • Monthly local search report

Price

Local SEO costs $398/mo on a 12-month term, or $598/mo month-to-month (USD).

Prices in Canadian dollars are on the pricing page. Local SEO covers Google Maps, listings, reviews and location pages. Our SEO services add a dedicated writer and technical work, which suits a practice that publishes regularly.

Questions about SEO for dentists

How much does SEO cost for a dental practice?

It depends on how many dentists compete near you and how many locations you have. A single practice usually starts with local work, and our Local SEO plan is priced on this page.

How long does SEO take for dentists?

There is no fixed timeline. As a planning rule, expect early movement in three to six months. Dense urban markets can take longer.

Can a dental practice reply to Google reviews under HIPAA?

Yes, but the reply can't confirm the reviewer is a patient or mention anything about their care, even to defend the practice. Use a neutral reply that thanks them and invites them to contact the office.

Can a general dentist advertise as a specialist?

Under the ADA's code of ethics, a dentist announces as a specialist only in ADA-recognized specialties, with the required training. A general dentist can advertise services but must avoid implying a specialty. State law also applies, so check with your board.

Does each dentist need a Google Business Profile?

A dentist can have a profile if they work in a public-facing role and can be contacted at the location during stated hours. The practice should have its own profile for the location, and a dentist shouldn't have several profiles for different specializations.

Are analytics tools safe on a dental website?

Be careful. Tracking tools on appointment forms and patient portals can send health-related information to third parties, and federal guidance on this is still evolving. Have your privacy advisor review your setup.

Do you work with Canadian dental clinics?

Yes. We work with practices across the United States and Canada. HIPAA is a U.S. law, so Canadian clinics follow their own privacy laws and provincial regulators.

Want to be the practice new patients find first?

Tell us about your practice and the area you serve, and we'll show you where to start.