How dental practices can get more patients from Google Maps

Get the basics of your profile right

Start by checking your practice name, address and phone number. They should match exactly what appears on your website and in directories such as NHS listings or Yell. Small differences, like an old phone number or a missing unit number, can make Google less confident about your details.

Choose "Dentist" as your primary category, then add secondary categories that genuinely describe what you offer, such as cosmetic dentist, emergency dental service or orthodontist. Only add categories you can back up with real services.

Fill in your opening hours, including bank holidays, and keep them up to date. Patients who turn up to a closed door rarely give you a second chance.

List your treatments as services

Google lets you add individual services to your profile. Add each treatment you want to be found for, from check-ups and hygiene appointments to Invisalign, implants and whitening. Write a short, plain description for each one.

This helps Google match your practice to more specific searches, and it helps patients see quickly whether you offer what they need.

Use real photos of your practice

Upload clear photos of your exterior, reception, treatment rooms and team. Patients who are nervous about the dentist often want to see where they are going and who they will meet.

Add new photos every few months. An active profile tends to look more trustworthy to patients, and it shows Google the listing is being looked after.

Ask for reviews, and reply to them

Reviews are one of the strongest signals for both patients and Google. Make asking part of your routine: a short text or email after an appointment with a direct link to your review form works well.

Reply to every review, positive or negative. Keep replies polite and never share clinical details. A calm, helpful reply to a complaint can reassure future patients more than a page of five-star ratings.

Support your profile with your website

Your website and your profile work together. Make sure each main treatment has its own page, your address and phone number appear on every page, and your site loads quickly on a phone.

If you serve several nearby areas, mention them naturally on relevant pages rather than stuffing town names into every sentence.

Post updates and answer questions

Google Business Profile posts are a simple way to share news, offers or seasonal reminders, such as booking a check-up before the holidays. Aim for something useful every couple of weeks.

Check the Questions and Answers area too. If patients ask about parking, wheelchair access or emergency appointments, answer clearly so the next person finds the answer straight away.

Track what changes

Your profile shows how many people called, asked for directions or visited your website. Check these figures monthly so you can see which changes are helping.

If you would like a second pair of eyes, our free audit includes a full review of your Google Business Profile and the three fixes we would prioritise first.