If your dental practice is relying solely on referrals or SEO to bring in new patients, you’re missing out on one of the fastest, most controllable ways to grow: Google Ads.
Done right, Google Ads can put your practice in front of local patients exactly when they’re searching for services you offer, whether that’s “emergency dentist near me,” “teeth whitening special,” or “new dentist in Wilmington.”
But what makes paid search so effective for attracting new dental patients? And how can your practice avoid wasting money on clicks that don’t convert? Let’s dive in.
1. Google Ads Reaches Patients With High Intent
When someone types “dentist accepting new patients near me” into Google, they’re not just browsing—they’re looking to book.
That’s the magic of Google Ads. Your dental office shows up at the very top of the results, right when local patients are actively seeking help.
The goal: Show up first, provide the solution, and make it easy to book.
Real Result: Practices we’ve worked with have seen a 2x to 5x return on ad spend within 60 days when campaigns are properly managed and conversion-focused.
2. Target the Right Searches With Laser Precision
One reason many dentists think Google Ads “doesn’t work” is simple: they’re targeting the wrong keywords.
Effective dental PPC campaigns focus on:
- High-converting intent terms like “dentist open now,” “pediatric dentist Wilmington,” or “emergency tooth extraction”
- Location-specific phrases (“family dentist Raleigh NC,” “dental implants Wilmington”)
- New patient offers (“free consultation dentist,” “new patient dental exam special”)
We leverage Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) to put your practice at the very top of search results—above traditional ads and organic listings. These ads show your star rating, hours, and “Google Guaranteed” badge, making it easier for potential patients to call or message you directly from the search page.
Using tools like negative keywords, geo-fencing, and device targeting, we narrow in on the exact people most likely to become new dental patients.
Need help defining the right keywords or setting up LSAs? Our team builds paid search strategies that focus on revenue, not just clicks.
3. Custom Landing Pages Convert More Visitors
Clicking on your ad should be the beginning of the patient experience, not the end.
That’s why our dental PPC campaigns are paired with custom landing pages built to:
- Reinforce your offer and location
- Show trust-building elements (reviews, credentials, real photos)
- Minimize friction with one-click booking or forms
- Focus entirely on one goal: convert the visitor into a patient
Sending ad traffic to your homepage? That’s a fast way to lose a lead.
4. Budget-Friendly, Scalable Results
You don’t need a massive ad budget to get started. One of the best things about Google Ads is that you control the spend and can adjust as your practice grows.
We typically recommend:
- At least $1,000–$2,500/month for a single-location general dental practice
- Starting with a focused campaign (e.g., new patients, emergency, cosmetic)
- Scaling up as your return proves out
- Taking advantage of Local Service Ads
It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending smarter and tracking the results with real data.
5. Track Every Call, Click, and Conversion
What makes Google Ads so powerful is the visibility. You’ll know:
- Which ads brought in actual appointments
- How much each lead cost
- Which services or offers are driving ROI
- When and where your ads perform best
With tools like call tracking, conversion tracking, and CRM integrations, your campaigns become smarter over time, and so do your results.
Need help getting this data into your workflow? Let’s connect and talk about analytics.
6. It Works With Your Other Marketing
Google Ads doesn’t have to stand alone. In fact, it works best when part of an integrated marketing strategy.
Here’s how:
- Use Google Ads to drive traffic now
- Use SEO to build long-term ranking
- Use email marketing to nurture leads who don’t book immediately
- Use retargeting ads to bring back interested visitors
This kind of strategy is what separates good campaigns from great ones. And it’s what we build every day at The Diamond Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a new dental patient from Google Ads?
Most practices see cost-per-lead between $20–$80 depending on service type, local competition, and landing page effectiveness.
Do Google Ads work for all dental services?
Yes, but some services (like cosmetic, Invisalign, or emergency care) tend to convert better and produce higher ROI.
Can I run ads myself?
You can, but be cautious. Google will happily spend your budget even if your campaign isn’t optimized. That’s why many practices choose to work with a Google-certified partner.
Google Ads Is the Shortcut to Smart Growth
If your dental website is ready to convert and your office is ready to grow, there’s no faster way to bring in new dental patients than a well-run Google Ads campaign.
At The Diamond Group, we specialize in building custom ad strategies that fit your budget, market, and patient goals. Whether you want to target emergency appointments, cosmetic dentistry, or everyday cleanings, we’ll help you get found—and get booked.
Book a strategy call to find out how Google Ads can drive real growth for your dental practice.
