SEO for dentists

Your Google Business Profile when several clinicians work there

Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing a patient sees. A few details make a big difference to whether you appear at all.

• Practice profile first. Individual dentists and hygienists may also have practitioner profiles, sometimes created automatically or left over from a clinician who has moved on. These can outrank or confuse the main listing. Check what exists and keep it tidy.
• Categories. Choose a primary category such as "Dentist", then add secondary categories only where the practice genuinely provides that service, for example an emergency dental service if you offer urgent appointments.
• Opening hours. Patients rely on them. Keep bank holiday and holiday closures updated with special hours. If there is an out-of-hours arrangement, state it accurately on your site.
• Online booking. Use the booking link field if the practice uses online booking.

Shopfront, always

Dental practices see patients at their premises, so the address shows. Accessibility information such as step-free access and parking is worth adding in the profile attributes and on the site, because patients ask about it.

Multi-site groups need one profile per real site, each with its own page on the website. Do not create profiles for addresses where patients are not seen.

NHS and private: say it clearly

Searchers often want to know whether the practice is taking new NHS patients, private only, or both. State your current position plainly on your site and keep it up to date. SearchSure does the search work; the practice stays responsible for how it describes its own NHS and private arrangements.

Reviews in a healthcare setting

• Reviews heavily influence choice of dentist. Ask consistently, for example with a follow-up message after an appointment, without incentives.
• When you reply, never confirm that the reviewer is a patient or mention any treatment or clinical detail. Keep replies general and move complaints offline.
• Patients may also leave reviews on other sites. Keep details consistent everywhere they appear.
• Do not offer incentives for reviews, and do not write or post reviews for patients. Both break Google's rules.

Treatment pages that match how people search

Separate pages for the main treatments the practice offers help it match what patients search for, for example check-ups, hygiene, whitening, clear aligners or implants, if you offer them. Use generic treatment names unless the practice is entitled to use a brand name.

The content of those treatment pages, prices and clinical claims are the practice's responsibility. SearchSure works on structure, titles, internal links and technical health, not clinical wording.

Trust signals searchers look for

• Clear contact details, who the team are, where the practice is and how to get started.
• A plain answer about new patients and whether you are NHS, private or both.
• Accessibility information and how booking works.