Small Business SEO
SEO Keywords for Dentists
Ready to start connecting with customers online?
Learn which keywords to utilize in order to drive traffic to your website
Attract More Dental Patients with the Right SEO Strategy
Standing out in today’s competitive dental market requires more than just a polished website and a friendly smile. If you want to grow your practice, the right keywords can help place you at the top of Google search results. A well-targeted SEO strategy connects your dental services with the exact terms prospective patients are using to find care in your area.
Every month, millions of people across the United States search online for dental treatments and providers. From general checkups to cosmetic procedures, patients often rely on search engines to choose their next dentist. By combining highly searched phrases with location-specific keywords like “dentist in [City]” or “emergency dental care near me,” your practice can appear in front of the right audience at the right time.
In This SEO Guide for Dentists, You Will Learn:
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The Top 50 SEO Keywords for Dental Practices
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How to Select the Best Keywords for Your Services and Local Market
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Expert SEO Tactics to Improve Website Traffic, Local Search Rankings, and Conversion Rates
Whether you are a general dentist, a cosmetic specialist, or an emergency dental provider, knowing how your ideal patients search online can transform your visibility. The key to success is simple—it all starts with the right keywords.
How to Choose the Best Dental Keywords for Your Practice
Before you begin adding every dental-related phrase to your website, take a moment to ask yourself an important question:
Who Is Your Ideal Patient?
Are you focused on family dentistry, emergency dental care, cosmetic procedures, or pediatric services? Each type of patient uses different search terms, and understanding their intent is the key to connecting with them online.
For example:
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A parent might search “children’s dentist near me” when looking for a family-friendly provider
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A patient in pain could type in “emergency dental care in [City]”
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Someone researching appearance improvements might look for “teeth whitening specialist in [City]”
By identifying what your potential patients are really searching for, you can choose keywords that align with their needs and guide them to your services.
Start With Your Core Services
Think about the treatments and procedures that drive the most value to your practice. These high-demand services are often the most searched and can serve as the foundation for your homepage, service pages, and local advertising.
Examples include:
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Teeth cleaning in [City]
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Dental implants
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Tooth extraction services
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Invisalign treatment
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Root canal therapy
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Cosmetic dentistry options
Once you have a list of your top services, use keyword tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find related terms that offer solid traffic and lower competition.
Analyze Your Local Competitors
Take a look at the dental practices that are ranking on the first page in your area. What kinds of keywords are they using in their website titles, service headings, or blog content? By using SEO tools to analyze their traffic-driving keywords, you can find opportunities to stand out. Look for underserved phrases or variations that competitors may be missing, and create targeted pages to fill those gaps.
Focus on Long Form Search Phrases
More than 90 percent of Google searches include longer, more specific phrases. These are known as long-tail keywords, and while they may attract fewer visitors, they often lead to higher intent and better conversion rates.
Some examples might include:
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How much does a dental crown cost in [City]
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Best dentist for nervous patients
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What to expect during a root canal
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Should I choose veneers or bonding for front teeth
Long-form keywords are ideal for blog posts, frequently asked questions, and resource pages. They help you answer real questions, rank for more terms, and build trust with potential patients before they ever call your office.
Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!
Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.
The Best SEO Keywords for Dentists by Category
Organizing your dental keywords into categories will help you structure your website more efficiently and guide your content and advertising strategies. Whether you are building service pages, blog articles, or Google Ads campaigns, using focused keyword groups ensures you reach the right audience at the right time.
General Dental Keywords
These are broad, high-traffic keywords that apply to nearly any dental practice. They are ideal for your homepage, core service pages, and local search campaigns.
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dentist near me
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family dentist
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general dental care
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best dentist in [City]
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affordable dental services
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top rated dentist
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trusted dental office
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new patient dentist
Local SEO Keywords
Insert the city, neighborhood, or region you serve.
These keywords help your practice appear in searches made by patients in your local area. They are essential for city-specific pages, blog content, and Google Business Profile listings.
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dentist in [City Name]
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teeth cleaning in [City Name]
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dental clinic near [Neighborhood]
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emergency dentist in [City Name]
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best dentist in [Your Area]
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pediatric dentist in [City Name]
Service-Based Keywords
These keywords are aligned with your specific dental offerings. They work best on individual service pages or in ad copy that targets people searching for particular treatments.
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teeth whitening services
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dental implants consultation
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tooth extraction
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Invisalign provider
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root canal therapy
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cosmetic dentistry
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wisdom tooth removal
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porcelain veneers
Emergency and Urgent Care Keywords
These terms attract patients in need of immediate assistance and are perfect for pay-per-click campaigns, urgent care landing pages, and mobile searches.
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emergency dentist near me
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same day dental appointment
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urgent tooth pain relief
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chipped tooth repair in [City]
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weekend dental services
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after hours dental clinic
Dental Keywords for Specialized or Commercial Services
If your practice offers advanced procedures, works with local businesses, or specializes in specific patient groups, these terms will help you connect with the right audience.
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sedation dentistry for anxious patients
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dental care for seniors
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cosmetic smile makeover
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full mouth reconstruction
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dental office for children
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dental group in [City Name]
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corporate dental plans
Long Form Search Phrases for Blogs and FAQs
These keyword phrases are more detailed, often in the form of questions or common concerns. They are perfect for blog content, resource pages, or frequently asked questions.
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how much does a dental crown cost in [City]
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what to expect during a root canal
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is Invisalign better than braces
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how to care for dental implants
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what is the best age for braces
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can a chipped tooth be fixed without a crown
How to Use the Top 50 SEO Keywords for Dentists Effectively
Once you have selected the right keywords for your dental practice, the next step is putting them to work. Thoughtful placement across your website, content, and local listings will help you boost search visibility, attract more local patients, and convert visits into appointments.
1. Optimize Your Website with Dental Keywords
Begin by placing your most valuable keywords in high-impact locations where Google and your potential patients will notice them. Focus on areas such as:
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Page titles and meta descriptions
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Main and secondary headings (H1 and H2 tags)
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URLs for services and location pages
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Image file names and alt descriptions
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Internal links across service pages and blog posts
For example, if you offer dental implants, teeth whitening, or family dentistry, include those phrases naturally in your content. Avoid keyword stuffing and focus on helpful, easy-to-read copy that matches the way your patients search online.
2. Create Location-Based Pages
If your dental office serves multiple cities or neighborhoods, create separate service pages for each area. This helps search engines understand where you operate and improves your chances of appearing in local results.
For example:
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Teeth whitening in Atlanta
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Emergency dental care in Marietta
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Family dentist in Sandy Springs
Each page should include service descriptions, reference nearby landmarks, and highlight your experience in that specific area.
3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most important tools for local visibility. To ensure your dental practice appears in local map listings:
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Use accurate business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
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Choose categories like General Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, or Pediatric Dentist
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Upload high quality images of your office, staff, and treatment rooms
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Write a detailed business description that includes important keywords
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Encourage patient reviews and respond to each one with a personal touch
When you reply to reviews, include relevant keywords when appropriate, such as: “Thank you for visiting our cosmetic dentistry office in Orlando.”
4. Build a Content Strategy Focused on Long Form Keywords
Educational blog content and FAQ pages are ideal for targeting specific search phrases that your patients might use. These longer, more detailed keywords attract users who are actively researching or ready to book.
Examples include:
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How much does a dental crown cost in [City]
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What to expect during a teeth cleaning visit
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Is Invisalign better than traditional braces
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Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss
Publishing helpful, keyword-rich content on a regular basis will build trust with your audience and signal to Google that your site is relevant and worth ranking.
Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!
Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.
The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Dentists – 2025
| Keyword | Avg. Monthly Searches | Competition |
| dentist near me | 2,240,000 | Low |
| dentist | 1,220,000 | Low |
| delta dentist | 673,000 | Low |
| dental implates | 246,000 | Low |
| orthodontist | 246,000 | Low |
| emergency dentist near me | 201,000 | Low |
| pediatric dentist near me | 201,000 | Low |
| dental office near me | 165,000 | Medium |
| pediatric dentist | 165,000 | Low |
| tooth bleaching | 165,000 | High |
| kids dentist near me | 135,000 | Low |
| kids dentist near me | 135,000 | Low |
| endodontist | 135,000 | Low |
| emergency dentist | 110,000 | Low |
| dental clinic near me | 110,000 | Low |
| dental clinic | 110,000 | Low |
| crown dental | 110,000 | Low |
| dental implants near me | 90,500 | Low |
| cigna dental | 90,500 | Low |
| family dentistry | 90,500 | Low |
| periodontist | 90,500 | Low |
| smile dental | 74,000 | Low |
| cosmetic dentistry | 74,000 | Low |
| dentist office | 74,000 | Low |
| dental offices | 74,000 | Low |
| dental bridge cost | 74,000 | Low |
| gentle dentists | 74,000 | Low |
| aetna dental | 60,500 | Low |
| endodontist near me | 60,500 | Low |
| mint dentistry | 60,500 | Low |
| cosmetic dentistry near me | 60,500 | Low |
| teeth whitening near me | 49,500 | Low |
| affordable dentures and implants | 49,500 | Medium |
| aspen dental near me | 49,500 | Low |
| children’s dentist near me | 49,500 | Low |
| kids dental | 49,500 | Low |
| children’s dental | 49,500 | Low |
| unitedconcordia | 49,500 | Low |
| dentures near me | 40,500 | Medium |
| best dentist near me | 40,500 | Medium |
| periodontist near me | 40,500 | Low |
| dentist that accept medicaid | 40,500 | Low |
| dentist that accept medicaid | 40,500 | Low |
| walk in dentist near me | 33,100 | Medium |
| Medicaid dentist near me | 33,100 | Medium |
| ameritas dental | 33,100 | Low |
| family dentist near me | 33,100 | Low |
| blue corss blue shield dental | 33,100 | Low |
| dentistry for children | 33,100 | Low |
| prosthodontist | 33,100 | Low |
| bone graft dental | 33,100 | Low |
The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Dentists – 2023
| Keyword | Avg. Monthly Searches | Competition |
| dentist | 1,830,000 | Low |
| dentist near me | 1,830,000 | Low |
| dental clinic near me | 40,500 | Low |
| metlife dental | 135,000 | Low |
| emergency dentist near me | 201,000 | Medium |
| dental implants | 201,000 | Low |
| pediatric dentist near me | 165,000 | Low |
| orthodontist near me | 90,500 | Low |
| endodontist | 165,000 | Low |
| emergency dentist | 135,000 | Low |
| periodontist | 135,000 | Low |
| cigna dental | 74,000 | Medium |
| dental clinic | 246,000 | Low |
| best dentist near me | 49,500 | Low |
| kids dentist near me | 110,000 | Low |
| my dentist | 12,100 | Low |
| smile dental | 90,500 | Low |
| dental bridge | 60,500 | Low |
| aspen dental near me | 40,500 | Low |
| family dentistry | 110,000 | Low |
| dentistry for children | 110,000 | Low |
| dental care | 22,200 | Low |
| dental office near me | 135,000 | Low |
| cosmetic dentistry | 90,500 | Low |
| prosthodontist | 40,500 | Low |
| dental implants near me | 49,500 | Medium |
| dental implant cost | 49,500 | Medium |
| ameritias dental | 27,100 | Low |
| dental crown | 60,500 | Low |
| tooth filling | 40,500 | High |
| endodontist near me | 40,500 | Low |
| the dentist | 18,100 | Low |
| dental bonding | 22,200 | Low |
| dental plaque | 9,900 | Low |
| smile dental clinic | 2,400 | Low |
| dental probiotics | 3,600 | High |
| periodontist near me | 27,100 | Low |
| tricare dental | 18,100 | Low |
| private dentist near me | 720 | Low |
| cheap dentist near me | 18,100 | Medium |
| dental associates | 33,100 | Low |
| childrens dentist near me | 60,500 | Low |
| dentist appointment | 18,100 | Low |
| affordable dental | 22,200 | Medium |
| family dental care | 18,100 | Low |
| western dental near me | 14,800 | Low |
| geha dental | 12,100 | Low |
| dental office | 49,500 | Low |
| caivty filling | 22,200 | Medium |
| walk in dentist near me | 22,200 | Medium |
The 50 Best SEO Keywords for Dentists – 2022
| Keyword | Avg. Monthly Searches | Competition |
| dentist | 823,000 | Low |
| dentist near me | 1,000,000 | Medium |
| orthodontist | 301,000 | Low |
| pediatric dentist | 165,000 | Low |
| emergency dentist | 90,500 | Medium |
| periodontist | 90,500 | Low |
| dental clinic | 33,100 | Low |
| pediatric dentist near me | 60,500 | Medium |
| emergency dentist near me | 49,500 | Medium |
| family dentistry | 60,500 | Low |
| smile dental | 49,500 | Low |
| dentist office near me | 90,500 | Medium |
| cosmetic dentistry | 40,500 | Medium |
| dental implant cost | 49,500 | High |
| kids dentist | 49,500 | Low |
| dental office | 40,500 | Low |
| dental clinic near me | 18,100 | Medium |
| dentistry for children | 74,00 | Low |
| dental bridge | 27,100 | Low |
| dental crown | 33,100 | Low |
| best dentist near me | 27,100 | Medium |
| kids dentist near me | 40,500 | Medium |
| endodontist near me | 22,200 | Low |
| tooth filling | 22,200 | High |
| dental care | 14,800 | Medium |
| dental associates | 18,100 | Low |
| teeth whitening near me | 14,800 | Medium |
| periodontist near me | 18,100 | Low |
| sedation dentistry | 18,100 | Medium |
| dental works | 18,100 | Low |
| aspen dental near me | 14,800 | Medium |
| kids dental | 18,100 | Low |
| main street dental | 14,800 | Low |
| cavity filling | 14,800 | Medium |
| emergency dental care | 12,100 | Medium |
| modern dentistry | 14,800 | Medium |
| holistic dentist | 12,100 | Low |
| advanced dental | 14,800 | Low |
| childrens dentist near me | 22,200 | Medium |
| 24 hour dentist | 12,100 | Medium |
| all smiles dental | 12,100 | Low |
| family dental care | 8,100 | Medium |
| cheap dentist near me | 9,900 | High |
| urgent dental care | 14,800 | Medium |
| general dentistry | 12,100 | Low |
| dentist appointment | 9,900 | Medium |
| cheap dentist | 9,900 | High |
| dental cleaning | 8,100 | Medium |
| hairmasters | 8,100 | Low |
| women’s haircut near me | 18,100 | Low |
Ready to Improve Your Search Visibility Online? Get Your Free SEO Report!
Each report is hand-crafted by a team member at MarketKeep and comes with a customized video that walks you through your report visually. That way we can help you understand how your business is performing online, and what you can do better in order to connect with your customers in the moments that matter to them.
Utilizing the Top SEO Keywords for Dentists
Ranking at the top of search results takes more than just guesswork. It begins with targeting the right keywords and applying them across your digital presence. To help your dental practice stand out online, focus on the following seven core components of effective search engine optimization.
1. Make Sure Your Website is Mobile Friendly, Fast, and Secure
A website that loads quickly, works well on all devices, and uses secure browsing (HTTPS) gives both Google and your visitors a positive experience. Search engines prioritize sites that offer speed and usability, especially on mobile.
2. Use Keywords in Relevant Search Results
Incorporate your target keywords where patients are already searching. Whether someone is looking for a general dentist, emergency appointment, or cosmetic dental work, you want your practice to show up when they enter those search phrases.
3. Optimize Titles, Descriptions, and Headings
Add your most important dental keywords to page titles, meta descriptions, and heading tags. Use natural language that clearly describes your services and location. This helps both users and search engines understand what your pages are about.
4. Claim and Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Google Business is one of the most valuable tools for attracting local patients. Make sure your listing is complete with accurate business details, categories such as General Dentistry or Pediatric Dentist, and a description that includes your target keywords.
5. Ensure Consistency Across Online Listings
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Your business information should be identical everywhere it appears online—from local directories and maps to review platforms and social media. Consistency builds trust and supports local search rankings.
6. Maintain a Blog That Uses Strategic Keywords
Create content that answers common dental questions or highlights your services. For example, blog posts about the benefits of teeth whitening, what to expect during a root canal, or how to choose the right toothbrush can target valuable long-form search phrases.
7. Optimize Your Visual Content
Use photos and videos throughout your website, especially on service pages and blog posts. Make sure your file names and alt descriptions include relevant keywords like “dental cleaning in Miami” or “smile makeover consultation.” This boosts visibility in image search and improves accessibility.
Local SEO for Dentists
Get discovered by patients in your neighborhood
Most people looking for a dentist start their search locally—usually from their phone. That is why local search engine optimization is so important. When someone types in “dentist near me” or “toothache treatment in [City],” your goal is to appear in the top results, including Google’s local map listings.
How to Strengthen Local Visibility
Optimize Your Google Business Listing
Make sure your business profile is filled out completely:
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Use your exact name, address, and phone number
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Choose appropriate categories like Cosmetic Dentist or Emergency Dental Service
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Upload high-quality images of your office, staff, and treatment areas
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Write a detailed business description using location-specific keywords
Post Regular Updates
Show Google and potential patients that your practice is active. Post about seasonal services like back-to-school dental exams or holiday whitening specials. Share photos from your office, highlight staff spotlights, or announce new technology.
Request and Respond to Patient Reviews
Encourage happy patients to leave reviews. Reply to each one with gratitude and use relevant keywords where appropriate. For example:
“Thank you for your kind words! We are glad you had a great experience at our family dental clinic in Scottsdale.”
Get Listed in Local Directories
Make sure your practice is included in trusted directories like:
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Healthgrades
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Zocdoc
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Yelp
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Bing Places
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Apple Maps
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Better Business Bureau
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Your local Chamber of Commerce
Create Location Specific Pages for Each Service Area
If you serve multiple towns or cities, build individual service pages for each one. These pages should include:
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Keywords such as Family Dentist in [City]
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References to local neighborhoods or landmarks
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Testimonials or photos from patients in that area
Example Pages:
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Teeth Whitening in Charlotte
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Emergency Dentist in Raleigh
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Pediatric Dental Care in Cary
These types of pages not only help with search rankings but also give patients confidence that you serve their area directly.
On-Page SEO for Dentists
Make your website easy for Google to understand and impossible for potential patients to overlook
On-page SEO refers to the strategies you apply directly to your website to improve its visibility in search results and create a better experience for visitors. When your dental website is fast, mobile friendly, and full of relevant content, both search engines and patients are more likely to trust and engage with your practice.
Where to Use Dental Keywords for Maximum Impact
To get the best results from your SEO efforts, you need to place your keywords where they matter most:
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Page Titles: Use clear, location-based phrases like Family Dentist in [City] or Cosmetic Dentistry at [Practice Name]
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Meta Descriptions: Craft concise, engaging summaries that include keywords such as Looking for a gentle dentist in [City]? Schedule your appointment today.
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Headings (H1, H2): Add keywords naturally in headings like Teeth Whitening for a Brighter Smile in [City] or Pediatric Dental Care for Families Near You
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Body Content: Incorporate keywords where they make sense within your text. Focus on clarity, value, and readability rather than stuffing keywords
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URLs: Keep URLs clean and relevant, such as
/dental-cleaning-servicesor/emergency-dental-care
Create Dedicated Pages for Each Dental Service
Rather than placing all services on a single page, build individual service pages that go in-depth. This helps search engines understand your offerings and gives each service the chance to rank on its own.
Examples include:
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Preventive Dental Care
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Emergency Dentist Appointments
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Dental Implants for Missing Teeth
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Invisalign and Clear Aligner Consultations
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Cosmetic Dentistry for Smile Makeovers
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Tooth Extractions and Oral Surgery
Each page should include relevant keywords, details about the procedure, benefits, FAQs, and calls to action such as Book a Consultation Today or Call for Same Day Appointments.
Improve Your Site Speed and Mobile Experience
Most dental patients search from their phones—often when they are in pain or looking for an urgent appointment. Your site should be fast, easy to use, and designed for mobile users.
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check performance and improve load time. Your website should:
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Load within a few seconds on all devices
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Be easy to navigate with clear menus and contact information
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Display important buttons like Request an Appointment or Call Now prominently on every page
Use Schema Markup to Help Google Understand Your Practice
Schema markup is a type of code that tells search engines more about your business. By adding structured data, you increase your chances of appearing in rich search results.
Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to include details such as:
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Business name and location
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Office hours
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Services offered (e.g., teeth cleaning, root canal therapy, cosmetic fillings)
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Accepted insurance plans and payment options
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Patient reviews
Optimize Your Images for Better Performance
Photos play a major role in building trust with new patients. High-quality images of your dental office, friendly staff, and satisfied patients create familiarity and boost conversions. They also contribute to SEO when optimized correctly.
For every image:
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Compress the file to ensure quick load times
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Use descriptive filenames like dentist-office-waiting-room.jpg
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Add alt text with useful keywords, such as Welcoming dental office in downtown Atlanta
This not only improves your site’s speed and search visibility but also enhances accessibility and helps your images appear in Google Images search.
Off-Page SEO for Dentists
Build trust, boost visibility, and enhance your dental practice’s reputation online
Off-page SEO refers to all the actions you take outside of your own website to improve how well you rank in search results. The more reputable websites that link back to your site—and the more often your dental practice is mentioned online—the more credibility you gain in the eyes of Google and potential patients.
Proven Ways to Strengthen Your Off-Page SEO
Earn High Quality Backlinks
Think of backlinks as digital referrals. When other trusted websites link to your practice, it sends a strong signal to search engines that your site is worth recommending.
Here are some ways to earn them:
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Submit your business to dental directories like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, WebMD, and the American Dental Association’s member listings
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Reach out to local parenting blogs, wellness websites, or health publications and offer to contribute articles or expert dental tips
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Get listed on niche platforms such as oral health forums, medical practitioner networks, or insurance provider directories
Share Valuable Content on Social Media
Social platforms are excellent for increasing exposure and driving traffic to your website. Regular, engaging posts can also lead to shares and organic backlinks.
Ideas for what to post:
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Behind the scenes photos of your team and office
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Educational videos explaining dental procedures
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Tips for improving oral hygiene at home
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Promotions for seasonal cleanings or whitening specials
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Testimonials or before and after photos (with patient consent)
Use relevant local hashtags like #ChicagoDentist or #SmileMakeoverBoston to expand your reach in your service area.
Connect with the Local Community
Building strong relationships with businesses and organizations in your community often results in valuable backlinks and word-of-mouth exposure.
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Sponsor local school events, sports teams, or charity runs and request a link from the event website
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Join neighborhood business associations or chambers of commerce that maintain online directories
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Network with pediatricians, orthodontists, or cosmetic surgeons and ask to be listed on their recommended provider pages
Encourage Mentions and Links from Happy Patients
Positive feedback from real patients builds trust. Take it a step further by asking satisfied clients to mention your practice online.
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If a patient blogs or posts about their experience, kindly request a link to your website
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Ask local influencers or health content creators to visit your office and write about it
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Consider collaborating on oral health campaigns or social posts with community figures
Monitor and Maintain a Healthy Backlink Profile
Tracking who links to your site—and the quality of those links—is essential for long term SEO success.
Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz to:
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Identify new backlinks from blogs, directories, or articles
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Watch for spammy or irrelevant links that could lower your site’s trustworthiness
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Disavow harmful links through Google Search Console if needed
Pro Tip: Tie It All Together With Google Analytics
Track your performance by monitoring:
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Which keywords are bringing traffic
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Which pages get the most visitors
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What search terms trigger your Google Business Profile
By tying in tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Business Profile Insights, you can refine your SEO strategy over time and continue climbing the ranks.
