Think about how patients actually find a dentist today. They don’t flip through flyers or ask around as much anymore. They grab their phone, open Google, and type something like “dentist near me.” Then they start scrolling—checking reviews, comparing websites, and deciding who feels most trustworthy.

If you don’t show up there, you’re invisible. Sure, you might still get some patients from referrals or ads, but you’ll lose the ones who are actively searching right now, and they’ll end up at the practice down the street.

That’s why your website isn’t just some digital business card. It’s the place where people decide: “Do I trust this dentist enough to book an appointment?”

Every page, every button, every review you showcase should move them one step closer to picking up the phone or clicking “Book Now.”

As a dentist, if you want to get a new dental website, a few options probably cross your mind. Maybe you think: “Well, I could just use a website builder like Wix or Squarespace. It’s cheap, quick, and at least I’ll have something online.”

Or maybe you know someone who builds websites as a freelancer. They could give you a decent price, design something custom, and get you set up.

Or you could take the dental website agency route—Google “dental website design agency,” look at a few results, and hire a team that specializes in this stuff.

Now, which of these actually works best? That’s the real question. Because here’s the thing: not every option gets you what you actually want: more patients. The biggest risk is ending up with a website that looks fine on the surface but doesn’t bring in phone calls or bookings.

That’s like having a shiny new clinic with the front door locked. People walk by, but nobody comes in.

Let’s talk about website builders like Wix or Squarespace. Maybe you’ve tried them before, or maybe you’ve at least thought about it. If you’re a little bit tech-savvy, sure, you can get something up and running. It’s cheap, it’s quick, and you’re in control.

But here’s the catch: when you use a website builder, everything falls on your shoulders. You’re the one designing the site, setting up the pages, and making sure the buttons work. For example, if you add a “Book Appointment” button, you have to connect it to a form, test it, and fix it if it breaks later.

That low price tag comes with hidden costs: your time and your energy.

And as a dentist, you already have enough on your plate. You’re not just competing with other small websites; you’re competing in Google searches where patients are ready to book right now.

Website DIY builders are fine for hobbies or side projects. But your dental practice isn’t a hobby. It’s your livelihood, and it needs a site that does more than just exist online, it has to actually bring in patients.

Now, let’s talk about freelancers. For many dentists, this feels like the “in-between” option. You’re not paying agency prices, but you’re also not stuck building everything yourself. A good freelancer can give your site a nice custom look, and usually at a price that feels fair.

But here’s the thing—most freelancers focus on making your site look good. And while clean visuals are great, they don’t guarantee new patients. What often gets left out is the stuff that really matters: clear dental service pages, patient-friendly content, and a layout that nudges someone to actually book an appointment.

And then there’s the question of support. Need to update office hours? Add a new service? Sometimes you’ll wait days for a response or get charged extra every time you want a change. That back-and-forth can slow you down, and in the meantime, potential patients slip away to your competition.

Then there’s the agency route, specifically, agencies that actually understand dental care. Yes, the price tag is higher up front, but here’s what you’re really paying for: a site built around how patients think, search, and decide. From day one, it’s designed to show up in Google for your city and to make someone feel confident enough to call you.

Imagine a new patient finding your dental website. They see clear answers to their questions, reassurance about their fears, and easy buttons to book right from their phone. Nothing feels confusing or hidden. That’s the difference.

And it’s not just the launch that matters; you also get ongoing support. Your site stays fast, secure, and updated as your practice grows. Over time, that investment pays itself back because you’re not just “online,” you’re getting a steady flow of patients.

So if your goal is growth, this is the option that builds it in. Remember: the cheap path often ends up being the expensive one if your phone isn’t ringing.

A lot of dentists picture their website like this: clean colors, a nice logo, maybe some before and after photos. And sure, looks matter.

But here’s the real job of your site: to help a patients who’s searching for a dentist feel confident enough to book with you. If the website doesn’t do that, it’s basically just a pretty brochure that no one acts on.

If your phone number or the ‘Book Appointment’ button are hard to find, patients will leave. If your site only talks about fancy equipment or shows before-and-after photos that dentists like but patients find uncomfortable, they won’t choose you.

That’s why design has to work for your patients. Here’s how to make it happen:

• Keep it simple everywhere. The site should be easy to use on both desktop and mobile. Menus, text, and buttons should be clear and effortless to follow.

• Highlight your phone number and booking button. Place them right at the top of every page, side by side, and keep them visible as people scroll.

• Use real photos. Skip generic stock images. Show your team, your office, and your patients (with permission). People want to see who they’ll actually meet.

• Write for patients, not dentists. Avoid medical terms or technical explanations. Instead of “endodontic treatment,” say “root canal.” Keep your language warm and easy to understand.

• Keep bios short and personal. Patients don’t need your full résumé. A few lines about your experience, plus something personal (like your hobbies or why you love dentistry), makes you relatable.

• Guide patients with clear next steps. Every page should have one simple call-to-action: “Book now,” “Call today,” or “Check insurance.” Don’t overwhelm them with choices.

• Address fears and needs. Focus on what matters most to patients: less pain, comfort, easy scheduling, flexible payment options. That’s what makes them pick up the phone.

When you review your design, ask yourself one simple question: “Would this help a nervous patient decide to contact us right now?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

Here’s the truth: patients give your website just a few seconds before deciding to stay or leave. If things feel clear and easy, they’ll keep moving toward booking. If menus are confusing, service details are missing, or they can’t quickly find how to contact you, they’re gone.

That’s why your site structure matters. Keep it simple and familiar, both on desktop and mobile. Here’s what that looks like:

• Home page – Start with a short, clear statement of value (“Family dental care in [your city]”) and give people an immediate way to call or book.
• About page – Show who you are. Add warm bios and real photos of you and your team so patients feel like they’re meeting people, not just a business.
• Services pages – Don’t lump everything into one list. Create a dedicated page for each key service: dental implants, Invisalign, whitening, emergencies, family dentistry. On each page, explain what problem it solves, what the visit is like, how long it takes, and what patients can expect after. Always end with a clear booking option.

• Patient Resources – Remove roadblocks. List accepted insurance, financing, payment plans, new patient forms, and post-treatment instructions.
• Testimonials – Collect reviews and, if possible, short patient videos. Keep them authentic and specific—they build trust instantly.
• Blog or Resources – Use this for education and search visibility. Answer common questions here just like you would if a patient asked you in the chair.
• Contact & Location – Add a map, hours, parking tips, directions, a quick contact form, and easy ways to call or book.

When everything has its place, patients don’t feel lost. They feel oriented, in control, and much more likely to take action.

Dentistry isn’t like buying a new pair of shoes. It’s personal. You’re using sharp tools in someone’s mouth, so of course patients worry about pain, recovery, and how they’ll feel after treatment. Patients won’t book with you unless they believe you’re skilled, trustworthy, and kind. Your dental website has to show that right away.

Start with social proof. Don’t hide testimonials on a buried page. Put a short, powerful review right near the top of your Home page, then link to a full Testimonials section for anyone who wants to read more.

Video is gold here because it shows warmth, tone, and emotion, not just words on a screen. And the more specific the story, the stronger the trust. For example, “I was so nervous about my extraction, but Dr. Smith explained everything and made me feel calm” is way more convincing than a vague five-star review.

Awards and memberships matter because they show patients you’re qualified and trusted. Keep it simple: display the logos people recognize and add a friendly photo of yourself.

And don’t forget photos. Show your real team, your real office. Help people imagine what it feels like to walk in the door. If you offer sedation, extended hours, or family-friendly perks, say it plainly. These little details chip away at anxiety and make the decision to call much easier.

At the end of the day, trust grows when your site looks and sounds like you, not like some cookie-cutter clinic down the street.

Patients almost always have a few questions before they book—Does this treatment hurt? How long will it take? Will my insurance cover it?

If they can’t find clear answers quickly, they’ll click away and keep searching.

That’s why every service page should include its own FAQ section. A short list of common questions, written in plain language, works wonders:

• Explains your services in terms patients can easily understand.

• Builds trust by showing you’re transparent and ready to help.

• Boosts visibility because when someone types or asks an AI assistant “Do dental implants hurt?” Google and AI tools can pull your answer and show it to them.

Want to take it a step further? Create video FAQs.

Record short clips where you explain common treatments, show your personality, and speak in a calm, friendly way. Video lets patients “meet” you before they book, which builds trust and helps them feel comfortable choosing your practice.

Your website isn’t just a dental marketing strategy, it’s part of healthcare. And healthcare should include everyone. Think about who visits your site: older adults, people with vision problems, patients using screen readers, or someone who can’t easily use a mouse.

If your site has tiny fonts, pale gray text, or forms that only work with a click, those people feel left out, and they leave.

Here’s how to make your site welcoming to everyone:

• Use large, clear fonts and strong color contrast so text is easy to read on any screen.
• Write alternative text for images so screen readers can describe what’s shown.
• Make sure forms work with just a keyboard, and add labels and error messages that explain what needs fixing.
• Add captions to videos—especially testimonials and welcome messages—so no one misses what’s being said.

Accessibility isn’t just about checking a box for compliance. It’s about showing care.

Most people aren’t sitting at a desk when they look for a dentist. They’re on their phones, scrolling during lunch, after work, or in a mild panic because of a sudden toothache.

If your site only looks great on a desktop, you’re losing patients.

Here’s how to make your site truly mobile-friendly:

• Design for small screens first. Make buttons big enough to tap with a thumb.
• Keep text short and scannable. Long paragraphs just get skipped.
• Put the important stuff up top. Phone number, booking button, directions, and repeat them at the bottom so no one has to scroll back.
• Make actions one-tap. Calling, booking, and finding directions should feel instant.
• Check your booking tool. It should load fast and remember simple details so patients don’t have to retype everything.

Think about how most contact forms work on dental websites. You type in your name, email, and phone number… and then wait for the office to call you back. That’s it. No context, no details, no sense that you’re any closer to actually booking an appointment.

For patients, that’s frustrating. They’re used to modern online experiences where things feel easy and personal.

That’s where interactive forms come in. Instead of one empty box, patients are guided step by step with simple questions:

• Are you a new or returning patient?

• What service are you interested in?

• How did you hear about us?

• Do you feel nervous about dental visits?

You can test a demo form below to see how it works:

Each answer shapes the next question, so the form feels more like a conversation than paperwork. Patients feel understood, and you get better information before they even walk through the door.

When we tested these against the old-school “Name, Email, Phone” forms, the results were clear: interactive forms converted more patients. Why? Because they show care right from the start.

Instead of feeling like their message went into a black hole, patients feel engaged and confident that the practice is paying attention to their needs.

It’s a simple change, but it makes your dental website stand out — and it gives patients a smoother, friendlier way to connect with you.

Your next patients probably live or work just a few miles from your office. When they search, they’re not typing “best dentist in the world.”

They’re typing things like dentist near me or Invisalign in [your city]. If your site isn’t optimized for local dental SEO, you won’t show up, and they’ll book with the practice that does.

Here’s how to fix that:

• Use local keywords naturally. Work phrases like “dental implants in Houston” or “family dentist in Chicago” into your page titles, headings, and first paragraphs.

• Answer local questions. Mention how long it takes to get to your office from a well-known landmark, what parking is like, or if public transit stops nearby. These details help both patients and search engines.

• Stay consistent. Make sure your name, address, and phone number appear the same everywhere on your site (and across online listings).

• Make location simple. On your Contact page, embed a Google map, add directions from main roads, explain parking, and list your hours clearly. Patients shouldn’t have to guess how to find you.

• Encourage Google reviews. More fresh, positive reviews boost both trust and rankings in local search.

When you include these local details, two things happen: people understand exactly where you are, and search engines reward you with better visibility.

Your website isn’t something you build once and forget about. Over time, pages slow down, plugins get outdated, and security can slip and Google notices. A slow or clunky site can hurt your rankings and make people click away.

The good news is, you don’t have to guess whether your site is up to standard. Google offers a free tool called Lighthouse that lets you test your website’s performance, speed, security, accessibility, and SEO in minutes.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Google Chrome, right-click on your website, and choose Inspect.

2. Go to the Lighthouse tab.

3. Run the test and review your scores for performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO.

If your scores are low, that’s a sign something needs fixing. Maybe images are too large, your site isn’t mobile-friendly, or your booking form takes too long to load.

Run this check regularly to keep your dental website fast, secure, and Google-friendly. A site that passes Lighthouse not only makes patients happy but also tells Google your practice deserves to rank higher.

As a dentist, you’re probably reading this because you need a new dental website. Let’s get one thing straight from the start:

Just like no patient comes to you for fun, no dentists invests in a new website for fun.

Patients come to you because they have a pain, a problem they need solved. In the same way, you’re looking for a new website because you need more new patients. That’s the real goal — not to have something pretty to show off, but to have a well-designed website that fills your chairs.

In today’s competitive dental market, your website is more than a brochure, it’s your virtual dental office. For many potential patients, it’s the first and only impression they’ll have before deciding whether to book an appointment.

If your site looks outdated, loads slowly, or doesn’t answer basic questions like insurance, services, or location, they’ll simply click away, even if you’re the better clinician in the area.

So the real question isn’t “Do you need a website?” (you do). It’s “What kind of website will actually bring in new patients?”

Should you invest in a custom dental website designed from scratch, or choose a dental website template that’s proven to work and easier on your budget?

Before we dive in, it’s worth mentioning that we don’t just build dental websites — we analyze what makes a great dental website that actually books new patients.

We work with some of the top 10% of dental practices in North America, managing hundreds of sites and studying thousands of patient interactions every month.

Everything you’ll learn in this article is backed by real data from the dental industry, not just marketing buzzwords. We know which layouts, homepage elements, and features actually turn website visitors into patients and which ones waste your budget.

Your dental website isn’t just there to look nice, it needs to book patients. At minimum, every great dental website should do three things:

1. Build Trust Instantly
   Your homepage should immediately communicate professionalism and reassure potential patients that they’re in the right place. This includes real photos (not just stock photos), patient video testimonials and Google reviews.

2. Educate Potential Patients
   Modern dental websites must explain your services in plain English. When patients understand procedures like implants, Invisalign, or LANAP, they’re more likely to book and less likely to call competitors for “second opinions.”

3. Make It Easy to Book Appointments
   Clear calls to action, mobile-friendly buttons, and online scheduling options reduce friction and convert more visitors into actual patients helping your practice grow.

When it comes to designing or redesigning your dental website, you’ll need to choose between two main approaches — and the process, cost, and outcome are very different for each.

A custom dental website is built entirely from scratch around your practice’s brand, goals, and patient experience.

This process typically involves working closely with a web design team or agency to plan and design every element of the site, including:

• Custom layouts and navigation that fit your practice’s workflow
• Brand-matched visuals and colors that mirror your office’s look and feel
• Tailored content and messaging written specifically for your services and tone of voice
• Custom features or integrations (e.g., virtual consultations, payment portals, membership plans)

Because everything is built specifically for your dental practice, a custom-designed website gives you full control and uniqueness — but it also requires more time, collaboration, and money.

A dental website template starts with a pre-designed layout that’s already proven to work for dental practices.

 Instead of building everything from zero, you choose a template that matches the general structure you want, and then work with a designer to customize the key elements, such as:

• Adding your logo, colors, and branding
• Swapping out stock photos for real patient images (or high-quality dental stock if needed)
• Editing text to reflect your services, team, and location

Templates are often built on popular content management systems like WordPress, which makes them easy to update without needing advanced technical skills. This is especially helpful if you or someone on your team is comfortable making simple updates. For example, changing your hours of operation without having to contact your web developer every time.

However, not every part of the layout is customizable — you’re working within the framework of the chosen template, so some elements (like certain page layouts or animations) may stay the same.

Many dental practices choose to start with a dental website template because it solves a big problem: they need to get online fast, look professional, and start attracting patients without overspending.

Here’s what template offers that makes it so appealing:

1. Lower Cost
A template is a fraction of the price of a custom website. For practices looking to establish an online presence or manage startup costs, this is often the smartest route. The money saved can go into dental marketing, SEO, or Google Ads — things that actively bring in new patients.

2. Faster Turnaround
Template-based websites can launch in weeks instead of months. If you’ve recently opened your doors, changed locations, or rebranded, speed matters. The faster your website is live, the sooner you can start ranking in search engines and booking appointments.

3. Proven Performance
Most modern dental website templates are based on layouts already tested to convert website visitors into patients. They’re structured around what works in the dental industry — prominent calls to action, clear service breakdowns, and patient-friendly navigation.

4. Easy Customization
Templates come with flexible customization options — you can add your own logo, colors, and images (preferably real photos of your team or patients rather than stock photos) to make it feel unique without reinventing the wheel.

5. Built-in Features
Many dental templates include essential features from the start: appointment booking forms, service pages, mobile-responsive design, and SEO optimization. These features are standard in most pre-designed frameworks and save you from having to pay extra for basic functionality.

While template-based dental websites are cost-effective and fast to launch, there are trade-offs you should understand before committing.

These limitations aren’t deal-breakers for every practice, but they can become issues as you grow:

1. Limited Customization
Templates give you a pre-set framework to work within. While you can customize colors, images, and text, you usually can’t rearrange every element of the layout or add advanced features without paying extra for development. If your practice has very specific branding or functional requirements, this might feel restrictive.

2. Less Unique Branding
Because templates are designed to work for many practices, there’s a chance other dentists in your area might use something similar. While customization can help make it your own, it won’t have the same “one-of-a-kind” feel as a custom-designed website built entirely around your brand.

3. Practice Growth Constraints
Templates work great for practices looking to establish an online presence quickly — but as your practice grows, you may outgrow the template’s capabilities. For example, adding advanced features like virtual consults, multi-location scheduling, or membership plans might require moving to a custom site down the road.

A lot of dentists assume that templated websites are low quality, “cookie cutter,” or bad for SEO. You might think only a fully custom site built from scratch by a designer can rank on Google or impress patients — but that’s not  true.

Modern dental website templates, including some of the best dental website templates you’ll find on platforms like ThemeForest  are professionally designed, mobile-responsive, and built to meet real website needs for dental practices.

Many of these website templates offer features like drag-and-drop editing, responsive design, and SEO optimization out of the box.

When paired with a solid content strategy from dental experts or an SEO expert, even a template for your dental practice can perform exceptionally well.

The key is using templates wisely customizing them with real photos, unique copy, and the right calls to action so they convert website visitors into patients.

For most dentists — realistically about 90% of practices — a templated website is the smarter choice. You don’t need a custom website to beat competitors online. In fact, many practices using templates outperform competitors with expensive custom sites because what really matters is how the site is built, optimized, and marketed — not whether it’s custom or template.

A well-done template works for almost every situation:

• New practices that need a professional website up quickly.
• Established practices looking to replace an outdated site without overspending.
• Clinics focused on growing patient numbers rather than chasing design awards.

Templates are fast to launch, cost-effective, and still capable of looking unique when customized with your own branding and photos. This frees up more of your budget for marketing efforts that directly drive new patient growth.

A custom dental website is built from scratch around your brand and goals. Unlike a template, where you adapt to a pre-made layout, a custom site gives you complete control over every detail — from your color palette to the way patients navigate services.

Here are the key advantages:

1. Total Control Over Design and Features

Custom websites allow you to shape every element of the user experience. Want a custom color scheme to match your office interiors? Need a homepage that highlights advanced technology or luxury amenities? With custom design, everything can be tailored to your exact vision.

2. Built for Long-Term Growth

If you plan to grow your practice — adding new services, locations, or online features like virtual consultations or membership plans — a custom site can scale with you. It’s easier to add advanced functionality later without being limited by a pre-set framework.

3. Strong Brand Differentiation

Custom sites are ideal for practices with a premium or highly specialized identity, such as cosmetic dentistry, implants, or orthodontics. A unique design helps you stand out from competitors and signals quality to high-value patients looking for more than “just another dentist.”

4. Advanced SEO Flexibility

Custom websites are built with SEO optimization in mind from day one. You can structure your pages, content, and technical elements exactly how an SEO expert recommends giving you an advantage in competitive search markets.

While a custom dental website can give your practice total control and long-term flexibility, it’s not without trade-offs. Here are the key challenges dentists should be aware of:

1. Higher Cost
A custom site often costs two to five times more than a template-based website. This isn’t just the design fee — it includes strategy sessions, brand development, custom coding, and additional rounds of feedback.

For many dentists, this means weighing whether the extra cost could be better invested in dental marketing campaigns or other practice upgrades.

2. Longer Timelines
Custom design requires a full design and development process. Between initial strategy, wireframes, revisions, and building the final site, it can take 3–6 months or more to launch.

If your practice urgently needs to establish an online presence or start ranking on Google, this slower timeline might be a drawback.

3. Risk of Overbuilding
Without clear goals, custom projects can spiral into adding features that sound exciting but don’t actually increase patient engagement or help get new patients.

For example, animated sliders or flashy design elements might look nice but do little to improve conversions. Dentists need a team that can break down the differences between what’s “nice to have” and what directly drives ROI.

4. Ongoing Maintenance Needs
Custom websites often require periodic updates — whether that’s fixing bugs, updating plugins, or refreshing layouts as technology changes. Unlike using templates with drag-and-drop editors, maintaining a custom site may require a web developer or agency for every change, adding to long-term costs.

5. Not Always More Cost-Effective
There’s a misconception that “custom” automatically means “better.” But in many cases, modern dental website templates already include responsive design, user-friendly and SEO-friendly structures plus proven layouts. For general practices or those on a budget, a custom build may offer less cost-effectiveness compared to a well-optimized template.

Custom dental websites make sense when a dental practice has very specific and unique needs. If you have invested heavily in a unique brand identity or offer highly specialized services, a custom dental website allows you to showcase your unique value proposition effectively.

Understanding what goes into the cost of a new website helps dentists make decisions based on value, not just price. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what templated and custom dental websites typically cost:

Template websites are the more budget-friendly option because you’re starting with a pre-designed framework rather than building everything from scratch. These frameworks can come from premium marketplaces (like ThemeForest) for as little as $20 to $350, but keep in mind — that low price only covers the design file.

You still need someone to set it up, customize it for your brand, add content, optimize it for SEO, and make it fully functional. By the time you factor in professional implementation and content creation, most dentists end up spending between $1,000 and $3,500 for a high-quality templated website.

Custom websites are built from the ground up to reflect your brand, services, and goals. Instead of adapting a template, every element — from colors and layout to advanced features like patient portals or multi-location scheduling — is designed specifically for you.

That level of customization requires more time to design and develop, which drives up costs. A simple custom website may start around $4,000 to $6,000, while a premium site with advanced features and branding can reach $10,000 or more.

This investment can be worth it for practices that have specialized services, multiple locations, or a premium brand image where differentiation really matters.

One of the biggest mistakes dentists make when choosing a website is focusing on what they like — not what patients need. Many dental web design companies play into this by pitching flashy features, endless customization, and “unique” designs that look impressive to the dentist signing the check… but do nothing to attract new patients.

The truth is simple: your website isn’t for you — it’s for your patients. Patients don’t care about fancy animations, trendy fonts, or how “different” your homepage looks. They care about trust, clarity, and convenience:

• Does this dentist look credible?
• Can I quickly find the service I need?
• How do I book an appointment?

If a website doesn’t answer those questions in seconds, it fails. No matter how “custom” it is.

• Focus on function, not flash – Make sure every design choice improves patient experience and conversion.
• Ask for data – Does the digital marketing have proof their websites generate leads, or just screenshots of pretty designs?
• Remember the goal – A dental website’s job is to get new patients and grow your practice, not win design awards.

Ask these questions before deciding:

• What are your growth goals? (Steady general practice vs. aggressive expansion into high-value services)
• How unique is your brand? (Standard family dentistry vs. luxury cosmetic practice)
• What’s your timeline? (Do you need a new site in 4 weeks or can you wait 4 months?)
• What’s your budget? (Do you want affordable and proven, or highly customized and premium?)

Choosing between a dental website template and a custom dental website isn’t about which is “better”. It’s about which fits your practice’s stage, goals, and resources.

Whether you’re still weighing your options or you’ve already decided what your practice needs, the next step is getting a website that actually books new patients, not just looks good.

Our team specializes in dental website design — both custom builds and optimized templates — tailored to your practice’s goals, budget, and growth plans.

The best dental websites don’t just look modern, they attract new patients. For most people, your dental website is the first impression they’ll ever have of your practice. It’s the digital front door to your office, and when it’s done right, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for building trust, showcasing your services, and turning visitors into booked appointments.

So, what separates an average site from the best dental websites? It all comes down to creating a user-friendly experience that gives patients the information they’re searching for, makes them feel confident in your care, and makes it effortless to get in touch.

One of the biggest challenges we see when building dental websites is the disconnect between what dentists think patients want and what actually drives patients to book appointments.

Many dentists assume features like before-and-after photos or detailed technical explanations of procedures are what drive new patients, but the data tells a different story.

Because we work with some of the top dental practices in North America, we’ve analyzed thousands of patient interactions online and we know exactly what separates average sites from the best dental websites that consistently attract new patients.

Our focus isn’t on creating a website that makes the dentist happy, it’s on building a site that gets results and brings in new patients. Many other dental marketing companies design websites based on the dentist’s preferences, since they’re the ones signing the check, which often leads to something that looks nice but doesn’t convert.

When people visit a dental website, they’re usually looking for two things: trust and answers. They want to feel confident that your practice delivers great results, and they want quick, reliable information about the treatments they’re considering.

That’s why the best-performing dental websites almost always feature two key elements: patient testimonials and FAQs.

If there is one thing you must include on your website, it’s social proof. Patients expect to see real testimonials and reviews from others before trusting a dental practice.

Ideally, these should be video testimonials, as nothing builds trust faster for potential patients than seeing other people praising your services.

Testimonials and reviews from satisfied patients are incredibly powerful tools for attracting new patients. Positive feedback not only builds trust but also sets you apart from other dental practices in your area, showcasing the quality of care you provide.

According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey, 49% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and businesses that showcase reviews on their website see conversion rates increase by up to 35%.

To make the most of them, consider the following actions:

• Prominently display testimonials on your dental website, especially on your homepage or key service pages.
• Embed reviews from platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook to enhance your online presence and credibility.
• Encourage patients to leave reviews after their appointments. If you’re looking for tips on how to get more Google reviews, check out this step-by-step guide we’ve put together:

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is an important feature of any modern dental website. It provides essential information that answers the most common questions prospective patients on your dental website might have, saving them the time and effort of calling your office directly.

Including an FAQ section can also boost your visibility in search results. Websites that provide helpful, high-quality answers benefit from improved search engine rankings, making it easier for potential patients to find your practice online.

Clear and concise answers to dental related questions not only build trust but also improve the user experience by easing concerns and helping visitors feel informed before booking an appointment. A well-designed FAQ page should be easy to navigate, allowing patients to quickly find what they need.

When done right, this simple feature can increase traffic to your website and help convert curious visitors into new patients for your dental practice.

Too many dental websites make the same mistake: they fail to properly showcase each service they offer. A lot of dentists will simply list their services on one page or write a vague paragraph about something like dental implants — but how is a potential patient supposed to know what you actually offer or why they should trust you?

Today’s patients do their research before picking up the phone. If they can’t find detailed information about a specific procedure on your site, they’re far more likely to keep searching until they find a dentist who provides it.

That’s why it’s crucial to have a dedicated landing page for every service you offer — from cleanings and whitening to implants and orthodontics. But simply having a page isn’t enough.

Each service page needs to be detailed, helpful, and persuasive. Here’s what every high‑converting service page should include:

• Detailed descriptions of the procedure, benefits, and what patients can expect during the appointment.

• Pre‑ and post‑treatment instructions to reassure patients and set expectations.

• Real patient testimonials from people who had the procedure.

• Pricing information (even a range is better than nothing).

• An FAQ section answering common patient questions about the procedure.

• A request‑an‑appointment form right on the page.

• Contact information for easy next steps.

Optimize each page with relevant keywords to improve your ranking in search engine results, including AI search. This helps potential patients find your website when they’re searching for dental services. The more detailed and informative your service pages are, the more likely you are to attract new patients and build trust.

Now imagine you are a patient looking for dental implants and you see our client’s landing page vs this one where there is just a very basic paragraph talking about dental implants.

As a patient, who would you chose? Which dentist seems more trustworthy?

People buy from people — and dental patients are no different. Before they trust you with their smile, they want to feel like they know you. Seeing your face, hearing your voice, and getting a sense of your personality online instantly improves the perception of your practice and creates an emotional connection that no stock photo or written copy can match.

As a dentist, you might feel shy about being on camera. That’s normal. But the reality is that the dental industry is more competitive than ever. If you don’t put yourself out there, your competitors will and they’ll gain the trust (and the patients) that could have been yours.

Think about it: a few years ago, very few dental practices had professional team photos. Now, almost everyone does. The next big shift? Educational videos and personal introductions from dentists themselves.

By starting now, you can set your practice apart and position yourself ahead of the competition before this becomes the standard.

Educational videos are one of the most powerful ways to connect with patients online. They do more than explain treatments. They build trust,  explain dental services, and make it easier for patients to understand dental procedures.

Today’s patients research extensively before choosing a dentist. They want to know what procedures involve, what results they can expect, and even details like available payment options.

Videos let them hear directly from you, which helps create a personal connection and improves the overall perception of your practice.

If you’re unsure about what topics to cover, you can utilize the valuable resource of AnswerThePublic.com. It’s a straightforward process, just enter the name of the service you’re interested in, such as “Invisalign” or “Dental Implants,” and specify your preferred country and language.

After hitting the search button, you’ll be presented with a comprehensive list of the most frequently asked questions related to these services, making it a breeze to pinpoint relevant topics for your FAQ videos.

To create a successful FAQ video, focus on being natural and engaging:

• Remember to smile; it helps you connect with viewers.
• If you’re feeling nervous, have your team pose questions to you before recording; practice makes perfect.
• Rest assured that any awkward moments, lengthy pauses, or mistakes can be edited out.

Check out some examples from our clients:

An introductory video works hand-in-hand with your educational videos — both help patients feel like they already know you before stepping into your office. While educational videos focus on explaining procedures or answering questions, an introductory video is more personal. Think of it as a warm virtual handshake: short, friendly, and inviting.

It’s your chance to greet potential patients, share who you are as a dentist, and talk about what makes your dental office unique.

This type of video lets visitors see your personality, hear your voice, and get a first impression of your approach to patient care. For someone who’s nervous about visiting a dentist, this personal introduction can instantly ease anxiety and make them feel more comfortable choosing your practice.

 You can film it right in your office, mention your team, and briefly explain what patients can expect during their visit. Combined with educational videos, it creates a strong emotional connection and helps patients feel informed and confident about booking an appointment.

Just like videos, photos of you and your team play a huge role in shaping the perception of your practice. Stock images can make your website look generic, but real photos instantly set your practice apart and show patients exactly who they’ll meet when they walk through your doors.

A Meet the Team page gives potential patients a chance to see the people behind the dental office — dentists, hygienists, assistants, and front desk staff. These photos add a personal touch, help reduce anxiety, and make it easier for patients to picture themselves in your care.

You can go beyond simple headshots:

• Include friendly group photos to highlight your practice culture.
• Add short bios under each photo to share credentials or fun facts.
• Show candid moments around the office so patients feel at home before they visit.

When potential patients see real smiles from your team, they’re more likely to trust you — and more likely to book an appointment.

Como Park Dentistry

One of the most overlooked parts of a dental website is the booking experience. Too many practices still rely on outdated contact forms that ask for nothing more than a name, email, and phone number.

And then expect the patient to wait for someone to call them back. This approach not only feels old-fashioned but also creates friction, especially for younger patients who prefer handling everything online without having to pick up the phone.

They want to book appointments directly through the website, without unnecessary back-and-forth. And if your site doesn’t offer that, there’s a good chance they’ll look for a competitor that does.

At RevUp Dental, we’ve analyzed thousands of interactions across our clients’ websites, and the results are clear: interactive booking forms convert better than standard contact forms.

When we first started implementing these forms, the biggest objection we heard from dentists was: “It’s too long. Nobody’s going to fill it out. Patients want something short and easy.” 

We thought that objection might be valid, so we tested it. We ran an experiment comparing traditional short forms to these interactive ones and the results were clear:

Practices using the interactive form booked more new patients.

It’s that simple. It creates a nicer experience, patients actually enjoy filling it out, and it sets you apart from every other practice with the same boring “Name, Email, Phone Number” form.

We’ve set up a demo “Request an Appointment” form that you can test yourself — play around with it and see exactly how it feels from the patient’s perspective.

This approach makes the form feel personal and guided — almost like talking to a real person — while also gathering valuable information for the practice.

The result? A smoother experience for patients and more confirmed bookings for the dental office.

When you make it easier for patients to book, you not only create a positive first impression but also remove barriers that stop people from becoming new patients in the first place.