“Dentist near me” is one of the biggest local searches in Canada, at about 246,000 searches a month and about US$16 per click, with “dentist” adding another 110,000. Yet most practices do not need more traffic as much as they need to convert and keep the patients they already reach. This guide covers where new patients come from in 2026, how to win local search, what the Canadian Dental Care Plan changes for marketing, how to fill the schedule from your own patient base and the advertising rules that apply.
Where new dental patients come from
| Source | What drives it |
|---|---|
| Local search and maps | Google Business Profile, reviews, location pages |
| Word of mouth | Patient experience and easy ways to refer family |
| Insurance and coverage | Direct billing, accepted plans and the CDCP |
| Google Ads | Emergency, implant, Invisalign and new patient searches |
| Moves and new developments | New residents in your area searching for a dentist |
We plan and run dental marketing across SEO, Google Ads and websites for Canadian practices.
Win the map pack
- Choose the right primary category, such as “Dentist” or “Dental clinic”, and list every service you provide.
- Show hours accurately, including evenings and Saturdays, which many patients look for.
- Upload real photos of the team, operatories and reception, and update them often.
- Add accessibility details, languages spoken and parking.
- Build reviews steadily and reply to every one without confirming that the reviewer is a patient.
Our posts on why dental practices struggle to rank locally and general versus dental specific SEO go deeper.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan
The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has brought many people who did not have dental coverage into the system. If your practice sees CDCP patients, say so clearly on your website and Business Profile, explain how it works at your clinic and keep the information current as eligibility changes. If you do not participate, avoid wording that could suggest you do.
Turn website visits into booked appointments
- Online booking for new patients, with clear appointment types.
- A new patient page: what to bring, what happens at the first visit and how billing works.
- Direct billing information and the plans you work with.
- Service pages for emergencies, children’s dentistry, implants, clear aligners, whitening and sedation, as you offer them.
- A click to call button for emergencies.
See online booking for clinics and our dental website design.
Fill the schedule from your own patients
Most practices have hundreds of patients overdue for hygiene. Recalls are the fastest growth lever:
- Automated recall reminders by email and text, sent with consent under CASL.
- A monthly overdue patient list worked by the front desk.
- Benefits reminders before year end.
- Pre booking the next hygiene visit before the patient leaves.
Our dental CRM and AI dental services help automate recalls and after hours enquiries.
Google Ads for dentists
With general clicks around US$16, target what the practice wants most: new patient exams, emergencies, implants or clear aligners in your area. Use call tracking, measure booked appointments and exclude dental school, jobs and supply searches. See dental Google Ads.
Advertising rules for dentists
Dental regulators set advertising rules for dentists. In Ontario, only dentists certified as specialists may call themselves specialists in a recognized specialty, and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario limits claims and testimonials in advertising. Avoid superlatives such as “best dentist”, outcome guarantees and before and after images that are not typical. Read healthcare advertising rules in Canada.
Want a full program? See our dental marketing, dental SEO and dental branding services.
Frequently asked questions
How can a dental practice get more new patients?
Win the local map pack, make booking easy, explain coverage including the CDCP if you participate and run focused Google Ads for the services you want most.
How many people search for dentists in Canada?
In our October 2026 data, dentist near me drew about 246,000 searches a month.
What does the CDCP mean for dental marketing?
If you see Canadian Dental Care Plan patients, say so clearly and explain how it works at your clinic. If you do not, avoid suggesting you do.
What is the fastest way to fill a dental schedule?
Recall overdue hygiene patients with consent based reminders and pre book the next visit before patients leave.
Are Google Ads worth it for dentists?
Yes when targeted at new patient exams, emergencies or high value treatments, with call tracking and booked appointment measurement.
Can a general dentist call themselves a specialist?
In Ontario, only certified specialists may use the specialist title for a recognized specialty.
Can dentists use before and after photos?
Check your regulator's rules. Images must be genuine and typical, and treatments using prescription drugs have extra limits.
What should a dental new patient page include?
What to bring, what happens at the first visit, billing and coverage, and online booking.
Should dental practices reply to reviews?
Yes, professionally and without confirming that the reviewer is a patient.
Do dental reminder texts need consent?
Marketing messages need CASL consent. Keep appointment reminders separate from promotional messages.
