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:
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:
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:
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:
- 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]”.
- 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.
- 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”.
- Develop a Content Strategy: Balance your content creation between educational articles (targeting TOFU keywords) and service-focused pages (targeting MOFU and BOFU keywords).
- 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.
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.