There are a few clear warning signs. If you do not know your cost per lead, cannot see which campaigns are driving results, or you have not received proper reporting in weeks, it suggests your agency is not monitoring performance closely. A high bounce rate, low enquiry numbers or a lack of visibility on Google can also indicate weak strategy or poor optimisation. Another sign is slow communication; if it takes days to get answers or changes implemented, your growth will stall. A good agency should proactively guide you, show clear progress each month and give you full transparency over where your money is going.

SEO and Google Ads each serve different roles in the patient journey, and the strongest dental practices use both. SEO builds long-term authority and increases your visibility in organic search results, which helps attract consistent enquiries over time. Google Ads captures high-intent patients immediately, such as people searching emergency dentist near me or Invisalign consultation. Relying on only one channel creates gaps in your funnel. SEO delivers momentum and trust; Google Ads delivers speed and volume. Together, they create a balanced strategy that works for both immediate bookings and sustained growth.

Ask for detailed case studies showing cost per enquiry, lead volume and real patient outcomes not vague graphs or generic claims. Request examples of CRM integrations, tracking setups and reporting dashboards to make sure they can connect and measure your patient journey properly. Check their understanding of GDC and ASA compliance so you avoid risky marketing language. Clarify what deliverables you will receive each month and how results will be measured. Finally, ask how quickly they respond to clients and whether they offer regular check-ins, as communication quality directly affects your momentum.

Google Ads can begin generating enquiries within 7 to 14 days because you’re targeting people actively searching for specific treatments. SEO, however, takes longer, usually 60 to 90 days to show meaningful movement, as it relies on building trust and relevance in Google’s eyes. When both channels run together and are supported by a CRM, practices often see 20 to 40 new patient enquiries per month by month three. Results depend on your location, competition, budget and how quickly your team responds to leads, but a well-structured strategy should deliver steady improvements each month.

In 2025, yes. Video’s/ Reels are no longer optional. Patients want to see who they will be treated by, what the practice feels like and whether they can trust your team before they even enquire. Reels and short-form videos perform exceptionally well because they build familiarity quickly and create emotional connection. They also give social proof, demonstrate expertise and make your practice feel more human. High-quality video helps you stand out in crowded feeds, increases engagement and significantly improves conversion rates compared to static graphics.

Ranking well on Google is the result of multiple factors working together, not one quick fix. Practices that dominate local search typically have a technically strong website, a well-optimised Google Business Profile, consistent reviews, high-authority local signals, treatment-specific content and regular SEO improvements. Practices that do not appear often lack one or more of these critical elements. Google rewards relevance, authority and consistency, so if any part of your digital footprint is weak or outdated, your rankings will drop—even if your competitors are not significantly better clinically.

Dental marketing operates under strict GDC and ASA guidelines, which means messaging must be factual, compliant and ethically presented. You can’t make exaggerated claims, guarantee results or use insensitive language, which many non-dental agencies overlook. Additionally, patient behaviour in dentistry is more emotionally driven, trust, familiarity and social proof play a huge role in decision-making. Dental treatments also vary in urgency and value, so strategies must adapt to different intent levels (for example, emergency dentistry versus cosmetic treatments). A specialist dental agency understands these nuances and builds strategies around clinical accuracy, patient psychology and regulatory expectations.