What new patients look for
- Whether you take their insurance, stated plainly on the site.
- The treatment they need: implants, cleanings, emergency visits, orthodontics, pediatric care.
- Hours that fit their schedule, including early or Saturday appointments if you offer them.
- How to book: a phone number that works on a phone, and online booking if you have it.
Google profiles for the practice and the dentists
Google allows a Business Profile for the practice and, separately, for individual dentists who see patients there. Pick the most specific category that fits each: Dentist, Cosmetic dentist, Pediatric dentist, Orthodontist. Keep the practice's hours, phone and address identical across all of them.
Review replies and patient privacy
This is where dental practices get into trouble. Under HIPAA, a reply that confirms someone is your patient, or mentions their treatment, can be a disclosure, and HHS has fined a dental practice over its review replies. Reply in general terms: thank them, and invite them to call the office.
Your website
Dental website design matters less than what the site says. One page per treatment, written the way patients search ("dental implants in Stow"), real photos of the office and team, and new-patient forms that work on a phone will do more than a redesign.
Questions
Can I reply to a negative review from a patient?
Yes, but don't confirm they're a patient or mention their care. Thank them and invite them to contact the office directly.
Should each dentist have their own Google profile?
If they see patients at the practice, Google allows it. Keep their details consistent with the practice profile.
Do AI assistants recommend dentists?
People ask them, and the answers draw on your site, your profile and reviews. Check what ChatGPT and Perplexity say about your practice.