The search landscape has fundamentally changed. When prospective patients type “Is Invisalign worth the cost?” into Google, they’re increasingly getting answers before they ever click on a website. Welcome to the era of AI-powered search — and if your dental practice isn’t optimized for it, you’re essentially invisible.
AI Overviews now appear in over 13% of all searches—and that number continues to climb. For dental practices, this represents both a massive opportunity and a potential threat. At DentalScapes, we’re actively optimizing clients’ websites and local SEO for AI. Read on for the latest in AI-powered search and how to keep your practice ahead of the curve.
Understanding Google’s AI Revolution
AI Overviews: The New Featured Snippet
AI Overviews were triggered for 6.49% of queries in January… That climbed to 7.64% in February (an 18% increase)… And the number hit 13.14% by March (72% growth from the previous month). These AI-generated summaries appear at the top of search results, synthesizing information from multiple sources to provide comprehensive answers.
For dental practices, this means when someone searches for information about oral health, dental procedures, or potential costs, Google’s AI might answer their question without them visiting your website — unless you’re one of the sources being cited.
AI optimization, or AIO, is now the name of the game.
AI Mode: Conversational Search Revolution
Beyond AI Overviews in “traditional” Google search results, Google has also recently rolled out a brand-new “AI Mode.” AI Mode allows users to have extended conversations about dental topics (or anything else), asking follow-up questions like:
- “What’s the difference between porcelain and composite veneers?”
- “Which option would be better for someone with sensitive teeth?”
- “What’s the typical cost range in my area?”
In essence, AI mode introduces “conversational” search that will be intuitive and familiar to anyone who has used large language models (LLMs) and AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.
Expect to see AI Mode rolled out universally by Q3 2025.
What This Means for Your Practice
The Citation Advantage
Brands that create consistent and expert-level content power AI answers. In this new AI-powered SEO landscape, authority doesn’t just rank—you become the answer. Being cited in AI Overviews and AI Mode chat responses positions you as an authoritative expert in front of hundreds or even thousands of potential patients.
Quality Over Quantity Traffic
AI in search has reduced the number of clicks to websites, but we’ve also seen that when people click to a website from search results pages with AI Overviews, these clicks are higher quality. Simply put, these users are more likely to spend more time on your practice’s website. While you might see fewer total clicks, the patients who do visit are better informed and closer to making decisions on treatment.
Core AIO Strategies for Dental Practices
1. Own Your Niche Through Deep Expertise
The practices winning in AI search aren’t trying to be everything to everyone. They’re establishing deep expertise in specific areas.
Specialization Examples:
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Create comprehensive guides on veneers, teeth whitening, and smile makeovers.
- Orthodontics: Build authority around Invisalign, traditional braces, adult orthodontics.
- Implant Expertise: Develop in-depth resources on single implants, full-mouth reconstruction, All on 4, etc.
2. Master Google’s E-E-A-T Framework
Google’s E-E-A-T criteria (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) are particularly important for dental websites, as they fall under the “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) category.
Experience: Share Real Patient Stories
- Feature detailed case studies with before/after photos
- Include patient testimonials with specific procedure details
- Document your hands-on involvement in treatments
Expertise: Demonstrate Deep Knowledge
- Create comprehensive, technically accurate content
- Include detailed procedure explanations
- Cite current dental research and studies
Authoritativeness: Build Industry Recognition
- Publish research or contribute to dental journals
- Speak at dental conferences
- Get mentioned by other dental professionals or professional associations and study groups
Trustworthiness: Establish Credibility
- Include detailed doctor biographies with credentials
- Display certifications and continuing education
- Provide clear contact information
- Maintain consistent NAP (name, address, phone number, URL) citations across all platforms
3. Structure Content for AI Consumption
AI-powered search like Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode and LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini draw heavily from content that already appears in featured snippets or ranks in the top results. If your website isn’t already optimized for these, you’re unlikely to be referenced in AI summaries.
Create Comprehensive FAQ Sections
AI systems love FAQ formats because they match conversational search patterns:
- What is the success rate of dental implants?
- How long do dental implants last?
- What are the risks of dental implant surgery?
- How much do dental implants cost?
Implement Schema Markup
Schema is basically a technical set of instructions that helps Google and other AI-powered search platforms better understand different types of content. Help AI systems understand your content by implementing schema markup across your site:
- FAQ Schema for question-and-answer content
- Medical Business Schema for practice information
- Review Schema for patient testimonials\
Not sure how to implement schema markup yourself? No problem — talk with DentalScapes or your dental marketing company about how to make it happen.
4. Create Multi-Dimensional Content
AI pulls answers from multiple websites to generate these AI Overviews and other summaries.If your website content only answers one surface-level question? You’ll be skipped. But if your content answers several related questions at once, gives real value, and makes next steps easy? Boom. You’re in the game.
Comprehensive Service Pages
Instead of basic service descriptions, create resources covering:
- What the procedure involves
- Who is a good candidate
- Recovery expectations
- Costs and financing options
- Alternative treatments
- Real patient experiences
Remember, the goal is to position your dental practice as the authority on the services you offer. Now is not the time for fluff.
5. Optimize for Local AI Search
Focus on local SEO: use the name of your area in your content, titles, and meta descriptions. Think: ‘Invisalign in Islington’ or ‘Dental hygiene near Maida Vale’. If your practice serves multiple locations, make sure you have a geo-specific landing page for each.
Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization
Keep your Google Business Profile updated. It’s often where visual AI pulls info from:
- Complete all profile sections
- Regularly post updates and photos
- Encourage and respond to reviews
- Include Q&A sections
Advanced AIO Techniques
Video and Visual Content
Include clear, high-quality photos of your clinic, team, and treatments. Add short videos answering common patient questions. Doesn’t have to be Hollywood. Just helpful.
Real-Time Content Updates
Google and other AI-powered search platforms favor fresh, regularly updated information. Revisit your top-performing content regularly and update statistics, examples, and links.
Conversational Content Style
Write naturally, matching how people actually speak:
- Use contractions and transitional phrases
- Address the reader directly
- Anticipate follow-up questions
Remember, don’t overuse dental jargon or technical terms; rather, seek to communicate with potential patients in the language of familiar, everyday conversations.
Ready to Level Up Your AI Search Game?
In today’s rapidly evolving AI-powered search landscape, your dental practice can’t survive on yesterday’s SEO strategies. You need a marketing partner that’s one step ahead.
Your dental marketing company should:
- Track AI Overview and other AI search appearances and citations
- Understand technical requirements for AI inclusion
- Stay current with Google AI Mode and other LLMs’ evolving search features
At DentalScapes, we work only with dental practices. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all SEO. Instead, we look at what patients are really searching for and help practices build content that meets those needs and positions you for success in AI-powered search.
Ready to future-proof your practice’s online presence?
The practices that will thrive in 2025 are those that earn trust and show up as local authorities through helpful, high-quality content. At DentalScapes, our tailored strategies combine deep dental expertise with smart SEO and AIO solutions to help your practice stand out and grow. Schedule a free strategy call with a DentalScapes marketing specialist today and let’s take your practice to the next level!