Every year approximately 15-25% of the US population search for a new dentist.
Not a significant number of people.
However, this is where most dentists spend all of their marketing. Their messaging focuses on capturing individuals who are actively looking for a dentist.
A better way is to target the 75-85% of people who have a dentist and give them a solid reason to think about switching.
Make an offer that’s too good to say no to. (And from our experience it wins over those who are looking too.)
I know what you’re thinking, what’s an example of an offer that’s too good to say to no to.
Glad you asked.
Offers Too Good To Say No To
Free First Appointment + X-Rays + Cleaning
Offer a completely free comprehensive first visit, including a detailed cleaning and full-mouth X-rays. Highlight the value (e.g., “$300 Value – Absolutely Free”).
$1 New Patient Exam
A symbolic price for a high-value service to reduce friction for switching (exam, cleaning, and consultation).
Lifetime Whitening Membership for New Patients
Provide free teeth whitening for life as long as they stay with your practice for bi-annual cleanings.
$500 Off Invisalign (or Braces)
Huge discount on orthodontic treatments, with easy payment plans to further lower entry barriers.
24-Hour Emergency Guarantee
Promise same-day emergency dental care for all registered patients.
“Switch & Save” Insurance Match Offer
Offer to match out-of-pocket costs patients were paying at their previous practice, making switching risk-free.
Free Kids’ Dental Appointments
Include a free first visit for children (up to a certain age), encouraging parents to move the whole family.
$50 Referral Bonus for Friends and Family
Incentivize new patients to bring their network. Both the referrer and the referred person receive credits toward future visits. Or give them an Amazon gift card. (You’ll need to look into whether your state allows for this.)
“Smile Bundle” for First-Time Patients
Package high-value treatments into a one-time discounted offer (e.g., teeth whitening, fluoride treatment, and deep cleaning for $99).
$99 Same-Day Smile Makeover Consultation
Provide a discounted cosmetic consultation with a personalized smile design and mock-up (digital or physical).
VIP Patient Membership Program
Launch a membership program for a low monthly fee that covers cleanings, exams, X-rays, and discounts on treatments. Throw in a free quarterly teeth whitening session to push it over the top.
Family Bundle Discounts
Offer discounts for families who switch all their members to your practice, e.g., 15% off for every additional family member.
$200 Off Your First Procedure
Provide a credit toward any first-time procedure, whether it’s a filling, crown, or other treatment.
Complimentary Second Opinion
Offer free consultations for patients unsure about treatment plans from their current dentist.
Free Teeth Whitening with Routine Cleanings
Bundle a free whitening treatment with their first cleaning or after every 6-month visit.
No-Insurance “Smile Saver” Plan
Create a specific offer targeting patients without insurance (e.g., $299/year for 2 cleanings, X-rays, and 20% off all treatments).
Exclusive “Smile in a Day” Offer
Partner with labs to provide a limited-time promotion on same-day crowns or veneers.
Kids’ Cavity-Free Club
Reward children with a free gift or special discount on future visits if they stay cavity-free after a checkup.
New Patient Welcome Gift
Give new patients a welcome pack (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, whitening pen). And make the toothbrush exceptional like an electric toothbrush brand, anything other than a simple toothbrush they’d receive for free at a hotel.
“Fear-Free First Visit” Guarantee
Specifically target patients with dental anxiety by offering calming services like headphones, aromatherapy, or laughing gas free during their first visit.
Flexible Financing Options
Introduce 0% interest financing plans for treatments over $1,000.
How To Execute Them
We recommend creating a list and prioritizing the offer ideas.
Before we design and send out a mailer campaign, we test via Meta ads (Facebook and Instagram) with a low budget to test resonnance. If you can handle supporting multiple offers, we recommend testing 2-3 at a time.
Then after a week or two of testing, we’ll have enough data to go all in on one offer and can start iterating on the ad’s messaging and creative.
Once we have a solid offer we can increase our ad budget and prioritize a direct email campaign.
Need help executing them?
We only market for dentistries.
We do not have local restaurant clients. Or lawn care companies. Or software companies. We ONLY work with dentists.
And the above is just a sampling of what we can help with. We’re a full service marketing firm for dentistries.
Interested? Schedule time with us to see if we’re both a fit.