The Dental Marketing Mix

Are your Google reviews disappearing — and do you know why?

In this episode of the Dental Marketing Mix, DentalScapes co-founder Dan Brian breaks down one of the most urgent issues affecting dental practices right now. Starting in early 2026, practices across the country began losing reviews overnight — not suspicious one-star reviews, but legitimate five-star reviews they had worked hard to earn. Dan explains what's actually driving the removals, why Google's AI moderation is now retroactively re-evaluating reviews posted years ago, and what patterns are triggering the system without practice owners even realizing it.

He also walks thro...

Just opening a dental practice and not sure where to start with marketing?

In this episode of the Dental Marketing Mix, DentalScapes co-founders Dan Brian and Brian Craig break down the free and low-cost marketing moves that every new practice should prioritize — before spending a dime on ads or SEO. While most of their client work is with established practices, Dan and Brian have a lot to say about what actually moves the needle in the early days, and what startup practice owners should ignore entirely.

They cover setting up and optimizing your Google Business Pr...

Is your dental website quietly turning away new patients before they ever call?

In this episode of the Dental Marketing Mix, DentalScapes co-founder Dan Brian tackles one of the most overlooked problems in dental marketing: a website that looks fine on the surface but is actively costing you new patients every single month. While most practice owners are focused on getting more traffic, the hard truth is that traffic means nothing if your website loses people in the first thirty seconds.

Dan walks through the five most common dental website mistakes — slow load times, weak or...

Your marketing might be working perfectly — and you'd never know it, because the leads are slipping through the cracks before they ever make it onto your schedule.

In this episode of the Dental Marketing Mix, DentalScapes co-founder Dan Brian tackles one of the most underleveraged growth opportunities in dental practice marketing: your conversion rate. While most marketing conversations focus on traffic, rankings, and ad spend, the truth is that none of it matters if your front desk isn't converting qualified leads into booked appointments.

Dan breaks down what a healthy conversion rate looks like for a...

What actually happens before DentalScapes launches ads, adjusts SEO, or recommends a budget?

In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, Dan Brian takes listeners behind the scenes of the very first step DentalScapes takes with every potential client: a comprehensive 5-part marketing audit.

Before tactics, there’s structure.

And most dental practices don’t have a marketing problem — they have a visibility problem, a systems problem, or an alignment problem.

In this episode, Dan breaks down the five mission-critical areas DentalScapes evaluates first:

• Local search visibility — including search grid analy...

Google Local Services Ads can be one of the most cost-effective ways for dental practices to generate new patient leads — but they’re definitely not a “set it and forget it” ad product.

In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, Dan Brian and Brian Craig dig into what actually drives strong LSA performance and ROI for dental practices. They break down the behind-the-scenes management work that Google looks for, from call handling and response time to lead rating, booking feedback, and review signals.

You’ll learn:

What happens to dental marketing when ads don’t just sit next to search results, but start appearing inside the answers themselves?

In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, Dan Brian goes deeper into what’s actually been announced and tested around ads in AI-powered search. No speculation. No hype. Just what Google and OpenAI have publicly confirmed — and what it means for dental practices.

You’ll learn how Google’s AI Overviews are changing where ads appear, what OpenAI has said about ads inside ChatGPT, and why visibility in the AI era is no longer...

Are you spending money on dental ads without really knowing what’s working?

In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, Dan Brian is joined by DentalScapes co-founder Brian Craig to break down how dentists should think about online advertising in 2026 — and how to avoid lighting your marketing budget on fire.

They walk through the three primary advertising channels dental practices use today: Google Local Services Ads (LSAs), traditional Google pay-per-click (PPC), and social media advertising. Dan and Brian explain when each channel makes sense, how much practices should realistically budget, and why choosing the wron...

Online reviews are no longer optional for dental practices—they’re a critical driver of growth, visibility, and trust in 2026.

In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, host Dan Brian is joined by DentalScapes Content Manager Skylar Massengill to break down why Google reviews matter more than ever and, just as importantly, how dental practices can generate more 5-star reviews without feeling awkward or salesy.

The episode dives into how reviews influence patient decision-making, local SEO rankings in Google’s map pack, and even visibility in AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Dan and Sk...

Dental marketing is heading into 2026 with major changes already underway. In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, host Dan Brian breaks down three clear predictions that will reshape how dental practices get discovered, how they pay for visibility, and how they turn interest into booked appointments.

The episode dives into how AI-driven search is changing local visibility, why traditional SEO alone is no longer enough, and how AIO (AI Optimization) is becoming critical for getting recommended by AI platforms. Dan explains what “confidence signals” really mean in this new landscape, including the growing role of reviews, auth...

Blog posts aren’t dead—far from it. In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, Dan Brian sits down with DentalScapes Content Marketing Manager, Skylar Massengill, to break down why blogging is still one of the most underrated growth channels for dental practices as we shift into 2026.

The conversation digs into how patients actually search today, how AI platforms surface dental content, why long-form answers drive trust, and how practices can repurpose a single blog post into weeks of social, email, and video content. Skylar shares her behind-the-scenes workflow for crafting personalized, patient-friendly posts—and how to use...

In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, host Dan Brian breaks down the biggest dental marketing takeaways of 2025—and why this year represents one of the most significant shifts we’ve ever seen in how patients find and choose a dentist. Drawing on industry-leading research, including the latest Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Report, Dan explains the new rules shaping visibility, trust, and patient acquisition in 2025.

You’ll learn why Google reviews are more influential in SEO and AIO than ever, how Local Services Ads (LSAs) have emerged as the...

🚀 The 2025 Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Report is here — and Dan & Brian break down exactly what it means for dental practices.

In this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, Dan and Brian unpack the newest data shaping how dental practices show up in Google’s Map Pack, AI search platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, and everywhere patients are searching online.

You’ll learn why reviews hit their highest influence ever, why the Google Business Profile (GBP) remains the foundation of visibility, how AI platforms interpret review content, and why traffic from LLMs may already be more h...

In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, host Dan Brian breaks down one of the most overlooked growth levers in modern dental marketing — your Google reviews. As Google’s AI Overviews and AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization) continue to transform how patients discover and choose their dentist, reviews now play a pivotal role in shaping what AI says about your practice.

Dan explains how Google’s E-E-A-T framework — Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness — has evolved from an SEO guideline into a defining signal for AI-driven visibility. Learn why consistent, authentic...

It’s almost Halloween—and Dan Brian and Brian Craig are talking about the real “Hocus Pocus” haunting dental marketing today: agencies promising magic results through fully automated, AI-driven SEO.

In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, the DentalScapes co-founders pull back the curtain on the truth behind so-called “AI-powered” marketing solutions that claim to optimize your website automatically. From hallucinated metadata to cheap automation gimmicks, they reveal what really happens when you hand your SEO over COMPLETELY to the machines.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

The rules of online visibility are changing fast — and most dental practices aren’t ready. In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, DentalScapes co-founder Dan Brian breaks down AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization) — the next evolution of SEO — and what it means for your dental marketing strategy.

Patients are no longer just Googling; they’re asking AI systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google’s AI Mode and AI Overviews for answers. The question is: will your practice be one of the answers they see?

Listen as Dan explains:

✅ What AIO is and how it differs fro...

Your dental website shouldn’t just look good—it should fill your schedule. 💥

In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, DentalScapes co-founders Dan Brian and Brian Craig break down what separates “pretty” dental websites from profitable ones. Whether you’re a general dentist, pediatric dentist, or orthodontist, you’ll learn how to design a site that builds trust, ranks higher, and drives real new-patient growth.

✅ What you’ll learn:

Google reviews are no longer just “nice to have”—they’re one of the biggest ranking factors for dental practices AND a major driver of AI search visibility. In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast from DentalScapes, Dan Brian sits down with co-founder Brian Craig to break down exactly how dentists can systematically generate more reviews, respond effectively, and leverage them to dominate local SEO, AIO (artificial intelligence optimization), and patient growth.

✅ Why Google reviews matter for SEO and AI search
 ✅ How to create a system to ask every patient, every time
 ✅ What makes a detailed revie...

Dentistry is rewarding—but it can also take a heavy toll on mental health. In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, Dan Brian sits down with Dr. Camden Brown, an orthodontist, mom, and coach for high-achieving professionals facing career or purpose crises.

Dr. Brown shares her powerful story of practice ownership, burnout, and how the COVID shutdown gave her the clarity to make a major life change. From selling her practice and spending time on a flower farm to returning to dentistry with a renewed sense of purpose, her journey offers hope and inspiration fo...

Artificial intelligence isn’t just hype—it’s already reshaping how modern dental practices run. In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, Dr. David Bryant of South Shore Dental in Denver shares exactly how he’s integrating AI into both clinical care and front office operations to save time, improve treatment acceptance, and deliver a better patient experience.

You’ll learn:

- How AI tools like Overjet and Dental B help dentists diagnose earlier, document faster, and improve perio charting
- Why AI-powered imaging boosts patient trust and case acceptance with clear visualizations and DMF sc...

Burnout is real — and it’s more common in dentistry than most are willing to admit. In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, host Dan Brian sits down with Dr. Ben Friberg, a successful dentist, consultant, and author of The Seven Figure Practice Blueprint, to explore how dentists can reclaim their energy, purpose, and profitability.

Dr. Friberg shares his own unconventional path to dentistry, how he scaled his startup practice to over $2 million in collections while working just 3.5 days a week, and why the key to long-term success lies in treating yourself like a professional athlete. You’...

What if dental continuing education could feel more like a vacation than a chore? In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, Dan Brian sits down with the energetic and inspirational Dr. Devin Geeson—aka The Pep Talk Doc—to talk about how she’s transforming live dental events into unforgettable experiences. From leading the cruise-based Smiles at Sea and the land-based Dental Festival to mentoring rising stars through Dentistry’s Got Talent and the Emerging Speaker Program, Dr. Geeson is on a mission to make CE fun, impactful, and community-driven.

We cover:

✅ Dr. Geeson’s journey fr...

🚨 Are you losing potential new patients every single day without even realizing it? In this episode of The Dental Domination Podcast, DentalScapes co-founders Dan Brian and Brian Craig reveal the #1 reason most dental practices struggle to grow: poor lead management and low conversion rates.

💥 Learn how to convert more leads into actual appointments, increase your patient base, and boost practice revenue using proven strategies and automation tools designed specifically for dental practices.

📈 Whether you're a general dentist, orthodontist, pediatric dentist, or specialty practice, you'll walk away with actionable tips to:

- Increase your new patie...

Host Dan Brian speaks with Dr. Shervin Molayem, a periodontist and dental tech entrepreneur, about the transformative impact of AI in dentistry. They discuss the evolution of dental technology, the role of AI in enhancing practice efficiency, and the importance of building trust with patients through accurate diagnostics and treatment planning. Dr. Molayem shares insights on the future of robotics in dentistry, the challenges of regulatory approval, and the significance of AI's impact on the oral-systemic connection. The conversation emphasizes that AI will enhance, not replace, the role of dentists, ultimately improving patient care and experience. Don't miss it...

Thinking of selling your dental practice in the next few years? 🦷💼 In Episode 35 of The Dental Domination Podcast, Dan Brian sits down with Derek Strong, a financial advisor at Hemingway Wealth Management, to break down everything practice owners need to know about transition planning, practice valuation, and protecting your legacy.

Whether you're five years out or just starting to think about what's next, this episode will help you:

✅ Clarify your exit and retirement goals
✅ Avoid common financial pitfalls and burnout
✅ Understand how to get top value for your practice
✅ Protect your family, team, and futu...

In this episode of "The Dental Domination Podcast," host Dan Brian speaks with Dr. Mayer Levitt about the significance of bonus plans for dental teams. Dr. Levitt shares his journey from clinical practice to consulting, emphasizing the importance of a motivated team in achieving practice success. He discusses common pitfalls in existing bonus structures and presents an effective bonus plan model that encourages teamwork and accountability, ultimately leading to improved practice profitability. For more information, please check out the show notes. 

In this episode of "The Dental Domination Podcast," Dan Brian and Monica Capelli discuss the critical role of mindset in dental practices, particularly in relation to billing and collections. Monica shares her extensive experience in the dental industry and emphasizes the importance of leadership, financial awareness, and creating positive patient experiences. The conversation highlights how a dentist's mindset can influence their practice's success and the overall satisfaction of both the team and patients. The importance of cultivating a positive practice culture, empowering teams, and building strong patient relationships to enhance financial success in dental practices is also discussed. This...

In this episode of the "The Dental Domination Podcast," Dan Brian and Doug Gray, CEO of Dental Business Solutions, discuss the critical issue of staffing and retention in dental practices. They explore the foundational elements of effective communication, organizational design, and the importance of recognition in retaining employees. Doug shares insights on performance evaluations, compensation transparency, and strategies to combat burnout among dental teams. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive work environment and the implementation of structured processes to enhance team dynamics and overall practice success. This episode is a must-listen for dentist owners interested in building...

Dan Brian and Conner Ludlow, founder of Annie, an AI assistant for dental practice front desks, discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry. They explore the (possibly?) overhyped expectations surrounding AI, its practical applications in dental practices, and how tools like Annie can enhance efficiency without replacing human staff. Connor shares insights on the future of AI in the dental field and emphasizes the importance of viewing AI as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than a replacement. Don't miss this must-listen conversation for dentists who want to position their practices at the cutting edge of...

In Episode 30 of "The Dental Domination Podcast," Dan Brian and Dr. Amanda Wilson, founder and CEO of StraightSmile Solutions, discuss the integration of orthodontics into general and pediatric dental practices. They explore the business benefits of offering orthodontic services, including increased revenue and patient retention. Dr. Wilson shares insights on how to get started with orthodontics, emphasizing the importance of wellness scans and the use of technology. The conversation also covers strategies for success, including understanding patient needs and avoiding a sales-y approach. If you're considering adding ortho to your practice, you won't want to miss this one! Check...

In this must-listen episode of "The Dental Domination Podcast," Dan Brian and Jake Goates of GOAT CMO discuss the critical aspects of lead management in dental practices. They explore the importance of call handling, conversion rates, timely contact with leads, and the role of AI and CRM systems in enhancing lead management. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective training and coaching for dental teams to improve their handling of leads and ultimately increase patient acquisition.

Check out the show notes and connect with Dan and Jake: https://www.dentalscapes.com/lead-management-for-dental-practices-feat-jake-goates/

In this episode of "The Dental Domination Podcast," Dan Brian interviews Dr. Todd Snyder, a renowned cosmetic dentist and educator, about the critical role of patient communication in dental practices. They discuss the importance of text messaging as a tool for enhancing patient engagement, the need for effective communication strategies, and how technology can streamline operations. Dr. Snyder emphasizes the significance of attracting and converting patients, the value of automation, and the necessity of follow-up to maintain strong patient relationships. The conversation also touches on the resources available through Dr. Snyder's organization, Legion, and the benefits of using platforms...

In this episode of "The Dental Domination Podcast," Dan Brian interviews Deborah Englehardt-Nash, a seasoned consultant in the dental field. They discuss the critical importance of team building and workplace culture in dental practices, emphasizing how these elements directly impact patient experience and practice success. Deborah shares her insights on creating a culture of growth and satisfaction, the role of communication in fostering team success, and the significance of training and autonomy for team members. She also introduces her Dental Business School program, designed to help dental practices thrive. Don't miss an opportunity to connect with Debra and other...

In this episode of "The Dental Domination Podcast," DentalScapes co-founders Dan Brian and Brian Craig discuss the intricacies of online advertising specifically for orthodontic practices. They explore various advertising options, including Google Local Services Ads (LSAs), traditional Google Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ads, and social media advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. In this wide-ranging conversation, Dan and Brian discuss the importance of understanding each product's unique features and benefits in developing the right advertising mix for your ortho practice. The conversation also highlights the significance of front desk call handling and the necessity of data-driven decision-making in developing...

In this episode of "The Dental Domination Podcast," host Dan Brian of DentalScapes speaks with Jessica Martin, founder and CEO of Martin Management, about the critical role of patient experience in dental practices — and how it all starts with handling the first phone call. Digging into psychology and "non-salesy" sales strategies, Dan and Jessica discuss common issues in call handling, such as having the wrong person answer the phone and the need for confidence in communication. The conversation highlights the significance of listening and building relationships with patients to ensure a positive experience. For more information, please check out th...

In Episode 24 of "The Dental Domination Podcast," DentalScapes co-founder Dan Brian interviews Katherine Eitel Belt, founder of LionSpeak, a communications coaching company focused on helping dental practices thrive. They discuss the importance of communication for dental practice owners and dentists, focusing on "courageous conversations." Katherine explains that courageous conversations create clarity and inspiration, which are essential for successful communication. They also discuss the common pain points in dental practices, such as the difficulty of holding high standards without damaging relationships, and the misconception that younger generations have lower work ethics. Katherine provides insights on how to improve communication with...

Dr. Dipesh Patel, founder and CEO of Blueprint Smiles, joins the "Dental Domination Podcast" to discuss what he calls "People Service Organizations (PSOs)" and how they differ from traditional Dental Support Organizations (DSOs). He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work culture and environment where work doesn't feel like work for both the dental team and the patients. Dr. Patel also highlights the shift in what associates are looking for today, including work-life balance and flexibility. In this wide-ranging conversation with host Dan Brian of DentalScapes, he shares how Blueprint Smiles focuses on hiring for personality and training...

In this episode of "The Dental Domination Podcast," DentalScapes co-founder Dan Brian talks with Kevin Henry, editor-in-chief of Dr. Bicuspid and founder of Dental Assistant Nation. They discuss the state of dental assisting in America today, challenges related to workforce shortages, and the importance of retaining dental assistants. Kevin shares his thoughts on the need for dentists to create a supportive culture and provide opportunities for professional development for their dental assistants, and the crucial role that dental assistants play in building trust with patients and improving the overall patient experience. For more information, check out the show notes.<...

In Episode 21 of "The Dental Domination Podcast," host Dan Brian interviews Dr. Charles Moser, executive coach and founder of the Dental Science Alliance, on how younger dentists can compete with larger dental service organizations (DSOs) and build successful private practices. They discuss the challenges that new dentists face, including lack of business training and increasing student debt. In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Moser emphasizes the importance of leadership, accountability, and systems in running a successful practice. He also introduces the Dental Science Alliance, a coaching platform that provides one-on-one coaching and support for dental teams. For more information, check...

Monica Capelli, founder and CEO of Rev Systems, discusses revenue cycle management for dental practices in Episode 20 of "The Dental Domination Podcast." From the importance of claim filing best practices to pursuing outstanding claims, implementing pre-payment systems, and everything in between, Monica provides a roadmap you can implement in your dental practice to get paid faster — and get the money you deserve! Don't miss this episode — a must-listen for any dentist owner looking to improve revenue cycle management and build a more profitable practice.

Key Takeaways