$804,216,597​+
Revenue unlocked for Customers
Having an SEO emergency?We'll review your site free!
Book A Meeting

70 SEO Keywords for Dentists: Your Guide to Attracting and Converting New Patients

Picture of Connor Wilkins
Connor Wilkins

CMO, Direction.com

SEO keywords for dentists

SEO keywords for dentists are the bridge between your expertise and patients in need. By targeting the right keywords, you’re connecting with potential patients at every stage of their dental journey, from curious browsers to those ready to book an appointment.

Let’s face it, when potential patients are looking for a new dentist, they’re not flipping through the Yellow Pages anymore – they’re turning to Google.

As a dental practice owner, you’re probably no stranger to the challenges of attracting new patients and growing your business—this is where SEO keywords for dentists come into play.

In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about SEO keywords for dentists. We’ll cover the different types of keywords you should be targeting, from those that attract curious browsers to the ones that convert ready-to-book patients.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to create a keyword strategy that not only drives traffic to your site but also helps turn those visitors into loyal patients.

What are SEO Keywords for Dentists?

SEO keywords for dentists are specific words and phrases that potential patients use when searching online for dental services, information, or providers. These keywords help dental practices optimize their online content to improve visibility in search engine results, ultimately attracting more website visitors and potential patients.

SEO keywords for dentists typically fall into three categories:

  • Top of the funnel (ToFu) keywords: General, informational terms related to dental health and hygiene.
  • Middle of the funnel (MoFu) keywords: More specific terms related to dental services, treatments, and comparisons.
  • Bottom of the funnel (BoFu) keywords: Highly specific, location-based terms used by people ready to book an appointment or find a local dentist.

By strategically incorporating these keywords into their website content, blog posts, and online profiles, dentists can improve their search engine rankings, optimize their patient lead funnel, and grow their practice through a consistent stream of new appointment bookings.

Top of the Funnel (ToFu) Keywords: Casting a Wide Net

Let’s start at the beginning of the patient journey with top-of-the-funnel (TOFU) keywords. These are the search terms people use when they’re just starting to look for dental information or when they have general questions about oral health. Think of TOFU keywords as your chance to make a great first impression.

What are TOFU Keywords?

TOFU keywords are typically informational queries. They’re not necessarily from people looking to book an appointment right away, but rather from those seeking answers to dental health questions. These keywords help you attract a broader audience and establish your practice as a trustworthy source of dental information.

Why These Keywords Matter for Dentists

You might be wondering, “Why should I bother with keywords that don’t immediately lead to appointments?” Great question! Here’s the deal: by providing valuable information to people in the early stages of their search, you’re building trust and awareness. When these individuals do need dental services, guess who they’ll remember? That’s right – the helpful dentist who answered their questions.

35 Top of Funnel Keywords for Dentists:

Keyword
Volume
Estimated Traffic

what is a root canal

33,000

71,000

gingivitis symptoms

17,000

27,000

gum disease symptoms

15,000

52,000

how long does a root canal take

11,000

1,900

tooth infection symptoms

7,100

50,000

tooth infection symptoms

7,100

50,000

root canal pain

7,000

72,000

how to get rid of bad breath

5,300

16,000

best mouthwash for bad breath

4,700

4,300

best toothpaste for sensitive teeth

3,300

3,700

does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth

3,200

6,400

does a root canal hurt

3,000

71,000

how to relieve tooth pain

2,800

70,000

root canal vs extraction

2,400

3,300

root canal recovery time

2,300

39,000

root canal infection

2,100

1,500

symptoms of gum disease

2,100

52,000

how to whiten teeth naturally

1,900

19,000

how to whiten teeth naturally

1,900

19,000

wisdom tooth pain symptoms

1,800

36,000

how to fix bad breath

1,700

16,000

sinus infection tooth pain

1,200

11,000

diy teeth whitening

1,200

19,000

how to stop gums from bleeding

1,200

13,000

signs you need a root canal

1,100

38,000

bleeding gums during pregnancy

1,000

3,500

can tooth decay be reversed

900

20,00

early signs of gum disease

900

56,000

why do gums bleed

900

7,500

how to strengthen tooth enamel

700

3,200

probiotics for bad breath

700

250

foods that stain teeth

500

1,000

home remedies for bad breath

450

2,100

what causes tooth pain

450

2,100

how to heal bleeding gums

300

14,000

By creating content around these topics, you’re not just attracting potential patients – you’re also positioning your practice as an authority in dental health. It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that leads right to your dental chair.

Middle of the Funnel (MOFU) Keywords: Building Trust and Engagement

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to middle-of-the-funnel (MOFU) keywords. These are the search terms used by people who are a bit further along in their dental journey. They’re not just looking for general information anymore – they’re starting to consider specific treatments or services.

What are MOFU Keywords?

MOFU keywords typically focus on specific dental services or location-based searches. These are the terms people use when they’re comparing options or researching particular procedures. They’re getting closer to making a decision, but they’re not quite ready to book an appointment yet.

Why These Keywords Matter for Dentists

Here’s where things get exciting. MOFU keywords are your opportunity to showcase your expertise and set yourself apart from the competition. By targeting these keywords, you’re reaching people who are actively considering dental services – they just need a little more information to make their decision.

25 Middle of the Funnel Keywords for Dentists:

Keyword
Volume
Estimated Traffic

emergency dentist near me

34,000

20,000

root canal procedure

22,000

29,000

professional teeth whitening

6,300

10,000

root canal treatment

6,500

2,500

teeth whitening service

4,700

1,000

emergency tooth extraction

3,800

15,000

dental cleaning near me

3,500

40

dental implant procedure

2,900

67,000

urgent dental care

2,700

24,000

laser teeth whitening

2,700

2,500

dental veneers cost

2,500

5,700

same day dental implants

2,300

3,900

dental implant surgery

1,900

57,000

emergency dental services

1,600

12,000

cosmetic dentistry services

1,300

4,000

emergency root canal

1,000

60

emergency pediatric dentist

800

300

invisible braces for adults

700

1,100

walk in dental clinic

600

15,000

kids dental specialist

400

1,100

cosmetic dental bonding

350

24,000

affordable dental crowns

300

150

after hours dentist

300

8,100

laser gum contouring

300

2,600

best teeth whitening near me

200

10

When you create content around these keywords, you’re not just informing potential patients – you’re guiding them towards choosing your practice. It’s like extending a helping hand to someone who’s almost ready to take the leap.

Bottom of the Funnel (BoFu) Keywords: Sealing the Deal

We’ve made it to the bottom of the funnel, folks! These are the keywords used by people who are ready to book an appointment or are looking for a specific dental service in their area. BOFU keywords are your golden ticket to converting visitors into patients.

What are BoFu Keywords?

BOFU keywords are all about action. These are the search terms used by people who know what they want and are ready to make it happen. They’re looking for a dentist in their area, trying to book an appointment, or searching for a specific service.

Why These Keywords Matter for Dentists

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. BOFU keywords are your direct line to people who are ready to become patients. By targeting these keywords, you’re putting your practice front and center for those high-intent searches.

10 Bottom of the Funnel Keywords for Dentists:

Keyword
Volume
Estimated Traffic

dental office near me

14,00

2,800

family dental care

5,100

1,700

affordable dentist

4,200

200

best dentist in [city]

~3,700

~

emergency dental services

1,600

12,000

find a dentist near me

1,300

5,200

dentist accepting new patients

900

35,000

book a dentist appointment

100

2,900

24-hour dentist near me

90

10,000

dental clinic in [city]

~20

~700

When you optimize for these keywords, you’re making it as easy as possible for potential patients to find you and book an appointment. It’s like rolling out the red carpet and saying, “Welcome to your new dental home!”

How to Implement These Keywords into Your Dental SEO Strategy

Now that we’ve covered the what and why of SEO keywords for dentists, let’s talk about the how.

Here are some tips to help you implement these keywords effectively:

  1. Optimize Your Meta Tags: Include relevant keywords in your page titles and meta descriptions. For example, a page title might be “Expert Dental Cleaning Services in [City] | [Your Practice Name]”.
  2. Use Keywords in Headings: Incorporate keywords naturally into your H1, H2, and H3 tags. This helps both search engines and users understand what your content is about.
  3. Create Service Pages: Develop dedicated pages for each of your main services, optimizing them for relevant keywords. For instance, a page about teeth whitening could target keywords like “professional teeth whitening [city]” and “best teeth whitening treatment”.
  4. Develop a Content Strategy: Balance your content creation between educational articles (targeting TOFU keywords) and service-focused pages (targeting MOFU and BOFU keywords).
  5. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords: Don’t forget about longer, more specific keyword phrases. These often have less competition and can help you target niche patient needs.

Remember, the key is to use these keywords naturally. Don’t just stuff them in wherever you can – that’s a sure way to turn off both search engines and potential patients.

Targeted Keyword Rankings are Your Roadmap to Dental SEO Success

We’ve covered a lot of ground in our journey through SEO keywords for dentists. From attracting curious browsers with top-of-the-funnel keywords to converting ready-to-book patients with bottom-of-the-funnel terms, you now have a comprehensive strategy to improve your online visibility.

Remember, SEO is not a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular attention and updates. Keep an eye on changing trends in dental care and adjust your keyword strategy accordingly. Stay up-to-date with algorithm changes and be ready to adapt your approach as needed.

Implementing a solid SEO keyword strategy might seem daunting at first, but think of it as a long-term investment in your practice’s growth. Just like you advise your patients to maintain regular dental check-ups for optimal oral health, your website needs consistent care to stay in top shape.

Take The Dental Team, for example. With the right SEO strategy, we’ve helped them achieve incredible results:

  • 29,500 keyword rankings
  • 1,200 rankings in the top 3 positions on Google
  • 40,300 website visitors each month.

The Dental Team Keyword Rankings

And here’s the kicker – we’ve only scratched the surface of keyword opportunities. While we’ve covered some essential SEO keywords for dentists in this article, there’s so much more potential to unlock with the right agency supporting your efforts. Remember, every great smile starts with a single step – and your journey to SEO success could start right here.

About The Author

Unlock Your Growth Today!
Find out how we can grow your business in ​2025.
(No credit card needed)
$804,216,597​

Revenue unlocked for clients

13,394,149+​

Leads unlocked for clients

Related Posts
More Posts
Article
Article
Article
Get a free
SEO keyword report
Where does your website appear on search engines?
Share this
Topics
Book a free
SEO consultation

We can’t wait to hear from you. You can pick a preferred time on the next page.

We respect your privacy and do not share your info with third parties