15 Dental Marketing Strategies That Actually Work in 2026

Marketing a dental practice in 2026 looks very different from even five years ago. Patient behaviour has shifted — people research extensively before choosing a dentist, compare reviews across platforms, and expect digital convenience.

This guide covers 15 strategies that UK dental practices are using successfully right now. We've focused on practical, implementable tactics rather than theoretical advice — each strategy includes specific actions you can take this month.

1. Optimise your Google Business Profile

The single highest-ROI marketing activity for any dental practice. Your GBP appears when patients search "dentist near me" — which happens thousands of times daily in every UK area.

This month: Ensure every field is complete, add 10 new photos, write your first GBP post, and respond to all pending reviews.

Read our detailed dental practice SEO guide for step-by-step instructions.

2. Build a systematic review collection process

Reviews drive both search rankings and patient trust. The practices that grow fastest are the ones that ask consistently — not occasionally.

This month: Set up an automated post-appointment text or email with a direct Google review link. Train reception staff to mention reviews to satisfied patients.

See our complete guide to getting more dental practice reviews.

3. Show your prices

This is the easiest competitive advantage most practices ignore. Patients actively searching for dental costs are motivated buyers. If they can't find your pricing, they'll choose the practice that shows theirs.

This month: Add starting-from prices for your top 5 treatments to your website. Include monthly finance examples (e.g., "From £146/month on 0% finance").

4. Create treatment-specific landing pages

Your homepage can't rank for every treatment keyword. Dedicated pages for your key services — each targeting local search terms — multiply your visibility.

This month: Create one page targeting your most profitable treatment + your area (e.g., "Dental Implants in [Your Area]"). Include 500+ words, pricing, FAQs, before-and-after photos, and a booking CTA.

5. Invest in professional photography

Stock photos communicate "generic". Real photos of your practice, team and patients communicate trust. Practices with authentic imagery convert at significantly higher rates.

This month: Hire a photographer for a half-day shoot. Get exterior shots, reception, treatment rooms, team portraits (natural, not posed), and equipment close-ups.

6. Use short-form video

Video is the most engaging content format across all platforms. Short videos (30–90 seconds) work particularly well for dental practices:

• Practice tours — show the environment patients will experience
• Treatment explainers — "What happens during a dental implant consultation"
• Team introductions — patients want to "meet" the dentist before booking
• Day-in-the-life content — humanises your team
• Before-and-after reveals — with patient consent

This month: Film three 60-second videos on a smartphone. Post to Instagram Reels, TikTok and your website. You don't need professional production — authenticity matters more than polish.

7. Launch a patient referral programme

Word-of-mouth is the highest-converting acquisition channel in dentistry. A structured programme amplifies what already happens naturally.

This month: Create a simple referral offer — £50 credit for the referrer and a welcome discount for the new patient. Print referral cards and brief your team.

8. Implement online booking

Patients increasingly expect to book online without calling. A 2025 survey found that 67% of patients prefer online booking for dental appointments.

This month: If you don't offer online booking, add a form-based enquiry system at minimum. Services like Dentally, Software of Excellence, and Setmore integrate with dental practice management systems.

9. Run targeted Google Ads

For immediate patient flow, Google Ads targeting high-intent keywords delivers fast results. The key is targeting patients who are ready to book, not just browsing.

High-intent keywords to target:

• "Emergency dentist [area]"
• "Invisalign [area]"
• "Dental implants near me"
• "Dentist accepting new patients [area]"

This month: Start with a £30/day budget targeting 3–5 high-intent keywords. Send traffic to treatment-specific landing pages, not your homepage. Track cost per enquiry, not just cost per click.

10. Email your patient list

Your existing patient database is your most underused marketing asset. Regular, helpful emails keep your practice top of mind:

• Recall reminders — automated reminders for check-ups and hygienist appointments
• Treatment education — explain available treatments patients may not know about
• Practice news — new team members, new equipment, awards
• Seasonal content — "New year, new smile" offers, back-to-school check-up reminders

This month: Send one email to patients who haven't visited in 12+ months with a re-engagement offer.

11. Partner with local businesses

Cross-referral partnerships with complementary local businesses extend your reach:

• Gyms and fitness studios — health-conscious audiences
• Wedding planners — brides and grooms seeking cosmetic dentistry
• Corporate offices — employee wellness programmes
• Schools and nurseries — children's dental education

This month: Identify 3 local businesses with overlapping audiences. Propose a mutual referral arrangement or offer a workplace dental talk.

12. Use social media strategically

Social media for dental practices works best when it's consistent, authentic and focused on education rather than selling.

What works:

• Before-and-after posts (with consent)
• Team and culture content
• Educational posts answering common questions
• Patient testimonials (video or written)
• Behind-the-scenes content

What doesn't work:

• Posting only when you remember
• Only promotional content
• Stock photos with generic dental tips
• Ignoring comments and messages

This month: Commit to posting 3 times per week on Instagram. Mix educational, team and social proof content.

13. Collect and showcase patient testimonials

Written and video testimonials are powerful conversion tools. Feature them prominently on:

• Your homepage
• Treatment-specific pages
• Google Business Profile
• Social media
• Waiting room displays

This month: Ask your 5 most loyal patients to provide a written testimonial or 60-second video about their experience. Offer to do the filming at their next appointment.

14. Join a patient matching platform

Patient matching platforms like Pearlie connect patients who have already identified their needs, budget and preferences with clinics that are a good fit. Unlike directories where patients browse and contact many practices, matching platforms send pre-qualified enquiries.

Benefits for clinics:

• Patients arrive with clarified expectations
• Higher consultation-to-treatment conversion
• Less time spent on price-shopping enquiries
• Data on patient intent and demand in your area

This month: Apply to join Pearlie's early clinic network — founding clinics receive priority positioning and direct input on platform development.

15. Focus on the patient experience

The most powerful marketing strategy isn't digital — it's the experience patients have in your practice. An exceptional experience generates reviews, referrals and loyalty:

• First impressions — clean, welcoming reception with minimal wait times
• Communication — explain everything clearly, check understanding, address anxiety
• Follow-up — call or text after major procedures to check on the patient
• Small touches — complimentary refreshments, Netflix on ceiling screens, warm blankets
• Feedback loops — ask how you can improve after every visit

Patients who feel genuinely cared for become your most effective marketing channel.

Putting it all together

You don't need all 15 strategies running simultaneously. Start with the ones that match your current situation:

If you're just starting marketing:

1. Google Business Profile optimisation
2. Review collection
3. Pricing on website
4. One treatment landing page

If you're already doing the basics: 5. Referral programme 6. Short-form video content 7. Google Ads for high-intent keywords 8. Email re-engagement campaigns

If you want to accelerate growth: 9. Professional photography 10. Social media consistency 11. Local business partnerships 12. Patient matching platforms

The practices that grow most consistently are the ones that build sustainable systems rather than relying on one-off campaigns.

Pearlie helps dental clinics attract better-matched patients. Learn about joining the early clinic network.