In the latest episode of Beyond Bitewings, the team at Edwards & Associates sat down with Darren Tessitore, CEO of Thrive Reviews, to discuss how dental practices can optimize their online presence and attract more local patients—without spending a fortune on ads. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your practice to rank higher on Google, especially in local search results, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters More Than Your Website
Many dentists focus on optimizing their practice website for SEO, but Google’s “near me” search results prioritize Google Business Profiles over websites. When patients search for a “dentist near me”, Google displays a “three-pack” of businesses from Google Maps before showing website results.
If your Google Business Profile isn’t optimized, you’re missing out on potential new patients who are actively searching for a dentist in your area.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile for More Visibility
Darren shared key strategies for getting your dental practice to rank at the top of local search results:
Ensure Your Business Name & Category Are Correct
- Select precise categories that match your services (e.g., “Dentist” instead of just “Healthcare”).
- Add up to three relevant subcategories for better targeting.
Write a Strong, Keyword-Rich Description
- Google allows 750 characters—use them wisely!
- Include terms like “family dentist,” “cosmetic dentistry,” or “emergency dental care” to improve search relevance.
Keep Your Business Active Online
- Regularly post updates, offers, and photos to your profile.
- Respond to all reviews (both positive and negative) to show Google that your practice is engaged.
- Connect social media profiles to boost credibility.
Why Reviews Are Critical & How to Get More of Them
Reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors in local SEO. Google favors businesses with recent, frequent, and high-quality reviews over those with older or fewer reviews.
How often should you get reviews?
More than your competitors. If the dental office down the street has 500 reviews, and you have 50, you’re at a disadvantage.
The easiest way to collect reviews:
- Ask at checkout – Train front desk staff to politely request a review before patients leave.
- Use a QR code – Have a sign or card with a scannable Google review link.
- Automate requests – Send a text or email to patients after their visit with a direct link to leave a review.
Pro Tip: Some dental practices incentivize staff by offering a small bonus for each review they help generate. More reviews mean better rankings and more patients!
How to Stay on Top of Your Online Presence Without Adding to Your Workload
If you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for this,” you’re not alone. Keeping your Google Business Profile updated, responding to reviews, and staying active online takes consistent effort.
That’s why many practices outsource their local SEO management to experts like Thrive Reviews. Their team helps dental offices:
- Optimize and manage Google profiles
- Post updates & respond to reviews
- Ensure their practice ranks higher than competitors
- Increase patient bookings with minimal ad spend
If you want more new patients without spending thousands on ads, it’s time to prioritize your Google Business Profile and local SEO. For more expert tips, be sure to listen to the full episode of Beyond Bitewings and subscribe for more insights into running a thriving dental practice!
Listen Now!
