In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, Ash sits down with David Herman, founder of Web Marketing for Dentists, to dive into the nuances of dental marketing. The conversation explores how marketing can go beyond vanity metrics and instead focus on attracting the right patients, supporting practice goals, and generating a measurable return on investment.

David emphasizes that dental marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. While some providers cast a wide net using generic ads or basic websites, truly effective campaigns reflect a practice’s unique strengths, services, and patient base. For example, different messaging is needed for marketing emergency care versus implants or Invisalign. Patients are often driven by urgency or emotion and understanding that dynamic is key to designing outreach that resonates.

Another focus of the conversation is the importance of data. While many dental professionals view marketing as a necessary expense, David encourages practices to treat it like an investment, one that should deliver trackable results. He explains how to tie leads back to production, giving practice owners the information they need to make smarter decisions about their marketing budgets and strategy.

The episode also touches on the most common pitfalls that practices – particularly newer ones – tend to face. From slow-loading websites and underdeveloped content to inconsistent follow-up processes, these issues can derail even the best campaigns. David offers practical advice on how to audit and improve a practice’s digital presence, emphasizing that simple, foundational changes often yield the biggest returns.

Throughout the conversation, one theme stands out: good marketing starts with knowing who you are and what kind of patients you want to serve. Whether you provide general dental care, or specialize in cosmetic dentistry, full-arch restorations, or TMJ treatment, building a marketing plan that reflects your values and capabilities is what ultimately creates trust and drives results.