If you are not ranking on Google Maps, you are invisible to most of your potential patients. That statement sounds dramatic until you understand the numbers.

Guido Tebano, who runs marketing at Market by Market and manages SEO for over 100 dental practices, joined Byte-Sized to break down exactly what dental practices need to focus on for local search dominance in 2026.

The answer is simpler than most marketing agencies want you to believe. And more uncomfortable.

In a post-COVID world, 30 to 40 percent of all patient searches find dental practices through Google Maps. That is the low estimate. For practices with strong profiles, the number climbs higher.

Most people do not trust paid ads anymore. They understand those positions are purchased. What they trust is the Google Business Profile because that is where patients leave unbiased opinions.

“Almost 80% of people look at reviews,” Guido said. “They trust reviews more than their own mother.”

That statistic alone should reshape how you think about dental practice automation and AI dental marketing strategies. Every marketing dollar you spend gets filtered through your review profile. Bad reviews? Your advertising budget evaporates.

Here is where the numbers get specific.

You need 33 reviews minimum to start gaining any traction on Google Maps. Below that threshold, the algorithm barely notices you exist.

You need 100 reviews to unlock the ranking benefits. This is where your Google Business Profile starts competing seriously in local search.

After 100, additional reviews do not significantly improve your ranking position. However, human behavior still matters. If competitors have 500 reviews and you have 100, conversions will favor them.

The strategy: Look at a radius around your practice that encompasses about 100,000 people. That is your market. Check competitor review counts. Your goal is matching or exceeding the top players in that zone.

Google recommends that dental practices maintain both a practice listing and a practitioner (doctor) listing. Most practices ignore this entirely.

Here is why it matters for dental practice marketing optimization:

Your practice listing captures general dentistry keywords. Dentist near me. Dental cleaning. Hygiene appointments.

Your practitioner listing can target a completely different category. If you are a GP who does implants, your practice stays in general dentist. Your doctor profile goes into cosmetic or restorative dentistry. You capture implant keywords, veneer keywords, and cosmetic dentistry searches.

Two listings. Two keyword sets. Double the visibility.

The rules matter though. You cannot claim specialist categories you do not hold credentials for. A GP cannot create a pediatric dentist listing without proper certification. Google flags fake category claims aggressively.

AI search engines like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are fundamentally changing how patients find dental practices.

Traditional SEO focused on optimizing pages for specific keywords. Answer-based search focuses on providing direct answers to questions embedded in your website content.

Someone asks ChatGPT: “How much is a dental implant near me?”

AI does not send them to a search results page. It pulls the answer directly from websites with authority and pricing transparency. It summarizes reviews. It makes a recommendation.

“Transparency is king in 2026,” Guido explained. “You don’t go to a restaurant today without looking at the number of dollar signs. Everything in life is based on a range. You need to play the game if you

AI Video Content for Dentists: How to Create Engaging Social Media with Sora and ChatGPT

AI in dentistry isn't just for diagnostics—it's revolutionizing how dental practices create social media content. In this episode of the Bite-Sized Podcast, we dive deep into AI video creation tools that can help dentists produce engaging short-form video content in minutes. Learn how to use ChatGPT for meta-prompting, leverage Sora 2 for AI-generated videos, and build a consistent social media presence that supports your practice's SEO and brand. Whether you're wondering how AI is changing dentistry marketing or looking for practical dental AI tools to streamline your content workflow, this conversation with content creation expert Megan Nelson delivers actionable strategies you can implement today.

ABOUT MEGAN NELSON

Megan Nelson is the Grand Master of Copywriting and SEO at My Social Practice. She specializes in AI content creation tools and has been on the front lines of emerging AI technologies since the launch of ChatGPT. Megan has extensive experience with AI image generators like Midjourney, music generators like Suno AI, and video creation tools including Sora 2 and Veo 3. As a content creator and SEO specialist, she develops workflows and processes that help dental practices leverage artificial intelligence in their marketing efforts. Megan writes all blog content for My Social Practice and manages the Dental AI Art Instagram account showcasing AI-generated dental content.

DENTAL AI AND TECH COMPANIES MENTIONED

Sora 2 (OpenAI Video Generator) - https://openai.com/sora

ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com

Midjourney (AI Image Generator) - https://www.midjourney.com

Suno AI (Music Generator) - https://suno.com

Veo 3 (Google Video Generator) - https://deepmind.google/technologies/veo/

TikTok Creative Center - https://ads.tiktok.com

Instagram Edits App - https://www.instagram.com

Annie AI - https://mysocialpractice.com/annie-ai/

My Social Practice - https://mysocialpractice.com

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION

1. Dental Marketing Social Media Ideas: https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/11/dental-marketing-social-media/
2. Dental Social Media and AI: https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/08/dental-social-media-and-ai/
3. Video SEO for Dentists: https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/05/video-seo-for-dentists-boost/

CONTACT INFO

Megan Nelson: My Social Practice - https://mysocialpractice.com

Adrian Lefler: Website: https://mysocialpractice.com - Phone: 877-316-7516

👍 Subscribe for more on dental marketing, AI in dentistry, and practice growth.

#DentalAI #AIinDentistry #DentalMarketing...

AI SEO for Dentists: How Zero-Click Search Is Changing Dental Marketing Forever

AI in dentistry isn't just about diagnostic tools anymore—it's completely transforming how patients find your practice. In this episode, we explore how AI SEO, voice search, and zero-click searches are revolutionizing dental marketing and what every dentist needs to know to stay visible in 2025 and beyond.

Is your dental practice invisible to AI search engines? With zero-click searches now dominating how patients find dentists, traditional SEO strategies are no longer enough. In this podcast, serial entrepreneur and dental marketing expert Ridgely Goldsborough breaks down exactly how artificial intelligence in dentistry is reshaping patient acquisition. Learn why patients are trusting AI recommendations over traditional search results, how voice search is creating longer conversational queries, and what your practice website needs to rank in ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. Discover why dental AI optimization isn't optional anymore—and how practices that adapt are capturing patients from competitors who don't even know they're losing them. If you're wondering how AI is changing dentistry from a marketing perspective, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

ABOUT RIDGELY GOLDSBOROUGH

RIDGELY GOLDSBOROUGH is a serial entrepreneur who has started 45 different companies and now focuses exclusively on helping elite dental practices dominate their markets through cutting-edge digital marketing and AI optimization strategies. After spending years in the speaking circuit delivering CEO-level presentations worldwide, Ridgely pivoted to dental marketing during the pandemic and has become a leading voice in AI-powered dental marketing solutions. He runs an AI mastermind to stay on the cutting edge of developments and founded Dental Market Dominator, working exclusively with practices generating $250,000+ per month.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS PODCAST:

• What zero-click searches are and why they're disrupting dental marketing

• How voice search is changing the way patients find dentists

• Why AI recommendations have 400-800% higher conversion rates than traditional search

• How to optimize your dental website for ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity

• The EEAT framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) for AI visibility

• Why FAQ content written as natural questions outperforms traditional SEO copy

• The future of agentic AI and automated appointment scheduling

DENTAL AI AND TECH COMPANIES MENTIONED

ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com

Google Gemini - https://gemini.google.com

Perplexity - https://www.perplexity.ai

Grok (xAI) - https://grok.x.ai

DeepSeek - https://www.deepseek.com

Dental Market Dominator - https://dentalmarketdominator.com

My Social Practice - https://mysocialpractice.com

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION

• AI Search Podcast: https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/11/ai-search-patient-discovery-podcast/

• Don’t Fall for AI SEO Gimmicks: https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/10/ai-seo-gimmicks/

• 16 SEO Strategies: https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/06/seo-for-dentists/

CONTACT...

Recent research shows that 31% of employees actively sabotage AI initiatives - and that number jumps to 41% with Gen Z team members.

Paul Murphy from Black Talon Security returns to Byte-Sized to break down why younger employees (the ones who should be embracing AI) are the most likely to undermine it. Spoiler: They understand how powerful AI really is, and they see the writing on the wall.

In this episode, you'll discover:

✅ Why AI sabotage happens - Bad data injection, non-participation, and fear-driven resistance

✅ The #1 implementation mistake - Surprising your team instead of communicating with them

✅ How to find your AI champion - The team member who can turn resistance into advocacy

✅ Critical vendor questions - The 2 questions that protect you from lawsuits (one major DSO didn't ask them)

✅ Real implementation strategies - How Paul uses AI to create training programs in minutes

If you're investing in AI for your dental practice - or thinking about it - this episode is required listening. The technology isn't your problem. Your team communication is.

[00:00] - Intro: Why we're talking about AI sabotage

[01:45] - The shocking 31% sabotage stat (41% for Gen Z)

[02:54] - How employees actually sabotage AI (bad data injection)

[04:16] - Why younger workers understand the real threat

[06:38] - The missed phone call problem in dental practices

[07:00] - Communication is mission critical for AI success

[09:02] - Finding your AI champion within your practice

[11:26] - The surprise implementation mistake dentists make

[13:48] - "This is not here to replace you" - The message you need to send

[16:14] - How Black Talon uses AI for instant training programs

[18:30] - Creating a complete onboarding program in minutes

[19:58] - Critical question #1: Third-party risk assessment

[21:11] - Major DSO facing class action over AI phone system

[22:54] - Where to get help with AI implementation

Paul Murphy

Founder & CEO, Black Talon Security

Cybersecurity & AI Implementation Specialist

Paul Murphy is a recognized expert in dental cybersecurity and AI implementation. Black Talon Security specializes in helping dental practices implement AI technology securely and compliantly, with a focus on team communication and change management.

🔗 Connect with Paul:

Website: Black Talon Security

Free Consultation: Available for dental practices evaluating AI implementation

🤖 AI Technologies Discussed:

• ChatGPT for training program creation
• AI phone assistants for dental practices
• AI insurance verification systems
• Digital avatar training platforms
• Pearl AI (diagnostic tools)
• Overjet (radiograph analysis)
• E-Assist (insurance automation)

📋 Implementation Resources:

• Third-party risk assessment templates
• GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance) documentation
• HIPAA compliance guidelines for AI
• Federal wiretapping laws considerations

Communicate Before You Implement

Don't surprise your team with AI. Explain what problem you're solving, why current workflows aren't working, and how AI...

Online dental scheduling is revolutionizing how practices attract and retain patients—and if you're not using it, you're losing appointments. In this episode of Bite Size Podcast, Colin Ambler, founder of TeamCare Dental and former dental practice manager, shares why frictionless online appointment booking is essential for modern dental practices. Learn how to implement patient scheduling software that eliminates friction, increases utilization, and puts more butts in seats.

In this conversation, Colin reveals strategies for maximizing your dental practice scheduling system, including smart overbooking techniques to achieve 100% hygiene utilization. Whether you're wondering how to set up online booking for dental appointments or looking for the best dental appointment booking software, this episode covers everything from overcoming staff resistance to using AI-powered scheduling tools. Discover why online scheduling software for dentists is no longer optional in 2025 and how it can transform your practice operations.

ABOUT COLIN AMBLER

Colin Ambler is the founder of TeamCare Dental, a practice management platform designed to streamline dental office workflows and staff incentivization. Colin has extensive experience as a dental practice manager, having scaled a startup dental practice from scratch to 14 locations with 7 doctors and 20-30 hygienists. His software background and hands-on practice management experience give him unique insight into the operational challenges dental practices face and the technology solutions that actually work.

DENTAL AI AND TECH COMPANIES MENTIONED

TeamCare Dental - https://teamcaredental.com/

My Social Practice - https://mysocialpractice.com/

Frictionless Online Scheduling eBook: https://info.mysocialpractice.com/frictionless-future-ebook

Annie AI - https://mysocialpractice.com/annie-ai/

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION

• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/10/online-scheduling-for-dentists/

• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/09/online-scheduler-for-dentists/

• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/09/dental-advertising-online-scheduler/

CONTACT INFO

Colin Ambler

Website: https://teamcaredental.com/

Free Trial: https://app.teamcaredental.com/signup

Adrian Lefler

Website: https://mysocialpractice.com

Phone: 877-316-7516

👍 Subscribe for more on dental marketing, AI in dentistry, and practice growth.

#OnlineDentalScheduling #DentalPracticeManagement #DentalAppointmentBooking #DentistryTech #DentalMarketing #PatientScheduling #DentalPracticeGrowth

Dental cybersecurity in 2025 is more critical than ever—ransomware attacks are targeting dental practices at unprecedented rates. In this podcast, cybersecurity expert Paul Murphy from Black Talon Security reveals how dental practices can protect themselves from cyber attacks, what ransomware really looks like today, and the three essential questions every dentist must ask to safeguard their practice.

Cybersecurity threats facing dental practices have evolved dramatically, and dental offices are now prime targets for sophisticated ransomware attacks. Paul Murphy, a dental technology veteran with over 25 years of experience, explains the disturbing evolution of ransomware in dental practices—from simple data encryption to double and triple extortion tactics where hackers steal patient information, publish it on dark web auction sites, and threaten to contact patients directly. This conversation covers critical dental practice security topics including how cyber criminals infiltrate dental networks, why traditional backup solutions may not protect you, the real cost of a cyber attack on your dental practice, and the specific steps dentists can take today to prevent becoming a victim. Whether you're concerned about dental office data protection, wondering if your IT provider is really protecting you, or trying to understand dental cybersecurity insurance requirements, this episode delivers actionable insights every practice owner needs. Learn about vulnerability assessments for dental practices, employee cybersecurity awareness training, and how artificial intelligence in dentistry is creating new security challenges. Murphy also shares real-world war stories from dental ransomware incidents and explains why 100% of healthcare providers will be targeted by cyber criminals—it's not if, but when. Protecting your dental practice from cyber threats requires more than just hoping your IT company has you covered—it demands proof, data-driven decisions, and understanding how ransomware attacks on dental offices actually work in 2025.

ABOUT PAUL MURPHY

Paul Murphy is the co-founder of Black Talon Security, a cybersecurity firm specializing in protecting dental practices and healthcare organizations. With over 25 years of experience in dental technology, Paul began his career working with practice management software companies including Practice Works (now Carestream), transitioning through imaging technology before co-founding Black Talon Security 8-9 years ago. His company was born out of a critical need when dental practices began experiencing targeted ransomware attacks with no specialized security support available. Paul and his team combine deep dental technology expertise with elite cybersecurity specialists from Wall Street, Johnson & Johnson, and military backgrounds to provide tailored security solutions for the dental industry. Today, Black Talon Security serves primarily dental clients (80%+ of their business), with additional support for medical organizations, law firms, and financial institutions.

DENTAL AI AND TECH COMPANIES MENTIONED

Black Talon Security - https://blacktalonsecurity.com

My Social Practice - https://mysocialpractice.com

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION

https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/09/ai-and-hipaa-compliance-in-dentistry/

https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/09/ai-mistake-byte-sized/

https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/09/photo-release-form/

CONTACT INFO

Paul Murphy Website: https://blacktalonsecurity.com

Schedule a consultation with Blake Talon Security: https://www.blacktalonsecurity.com/schedule-a-meeting

Adrian Lefler Website: https://mysocialpractice.com Phone: 877-316-7516

👍 Subscribe for more on dental marketing, AI in dentistry, and practice growth.

#DentalCybersecurity #Ransomware #Dentistry #CyberSecurity #DentalPracticeManagement #DataSecurity #DentalTechnology

AI in dentistry is here—and it's transforming everything from patient acquisition to practice marketing strategies. In this podcast, we dive into generative engine optimization (GEO), the latest evolution in digital marketing that's changing how dental practices get discovered through AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT and Google's AI overviews.

Discover how artificial intelligence in dentistry is reshaping digital marketing as traditional SEO evolves into generative engine optimization. This comprehensive discussion reveals cutting-edge AI dental marketing strategies, practical implementation tips for dental practices in 2025, and essential insights into how AI is changing dentistry marketing forever. Learn why dental AI tools and software are becoming crucial for practice growth and patient acquisition.

TJ ROBERTSON - Digital marketing expert and SEO specialist who has been revolutionizing search engine optimization since 2009. TJ recently launched his own agency focused on helping businesses adapt to the AI-driven future of digital marketing. He was invited to share his expertise on generative engine optimization (GEO) and how artificial intelligence in dental practices is transforming patient acquisition strategies.

This episode explores how generative engine optimization is fundamentally different from traditional SEO, why Reddit and social proof are becoming critical ranking factors, and practical steps dental practices can take to optimize for AI-powered search engines. Learn about the tools and strategies that are essential for staying competitive in the evolving landscape of dental practice AI marketing.

• Peak.ai (GEO tracking software) - https://peek.ai/
• ChatGPT (OpenAI) - https://openai.com/
• Google AI Overview - https://ai.google.com/
• Perplexity AI - https://perplexity.ai/
• Reddit - https://reddit.com/
• ZocDoc - https://zocdoc.com/
• Profound (GEO tracking) - https://profound.ai/
• SEMrush - https://semrush.com/
• Annie AI - https://mysocialpractice.com/annie-ai/

• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/05/chatgpt-dominates-ai-search-for-dentists/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/09/seo-vs-geo-for-dentists/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/09/teaching-ai-for-dental-seo/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/06/ai-search-for-dentists-investigated/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/06/ai-traffic-trends-for-dentists/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/06/google-ai-mode/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/06/ai-and-dental-seo-strategies/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/06/generative-engine-optimization-for-dentists/

The Number #1 Dental Marketing Strategy Revealed

AI in Dentistry is transforming how dental practices attract new patients—and Google reviews are at the center of it all. In this podcast, we explore dental AI tools for reputation management, local SEO strategies, and how Google Business Profile optimization drives patient acquisition in 2025.

Dental practices are losing thousands of potential patients every month by neglecting their Google Business Profile and review generation strategies. In this episode of the Bite-Sized Podcast, host Adrian Lefler sits down with DR. LEN TAU, the founder of iSocial Reviews (acquired by Birdeye) and a pioneer in dental reputation management for over a decade. Dr. Tau has helped more than 10,000 dental practices leverage AI in dentistry and review automation to dominate local search results. As the Director of Dental at Birdeye and creator of the Raving Patients brand, he's considered the leading authority on dental AI tools for reputation management and local SEO.

Local SEO & Google Reviews: The Ultimate Guide for Dentists

Discover how artificial intelligence in dentistry is revolutionizing patient acquisition through automated review generation and Google Business Profile optimization. Learn the exact ranking factors that determine whether your practice appears in the Google Maps pack, including review velocity, primary categories, citation consistency, and proximity to city centers. Dr. Tau breaks down the difference between local SEO (Google Maps rankings) and organic SEO (website rankings), revealing why dental AI tools and software for review management are essential for 2025. Get actionable strategies for responding to reviews without HIPAA violations, optimizing secondary categories, avoiding tracking number mistakes, and maintaining consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) citations across the web. Whether you're implementing dental practice AI for the first time or looking to improve your existing reputation management system, this episode provides the dental hygiene technology insights you need to increase patient flow.

Dental AI and Tech Companies Mentioned:

• Birdeye: https://birdeye.com
• My Social Practice: https://mysocialpractice.com
• BrightLocal: https://www.brightlocal.com

• https://info.mysocialpractice.com/your-practices-fastest-path-to-500-google-reviews
• https://info.mysocialpractice.com/how-to-get-500-google-reviews-ebook
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2025/04/get-google-reviews-for-dentists/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2024/08/google-reviews-for-dentists/
• https://mysocialpractice.com/2023/10/responding-to-dental-google-reviews/

Contact Info: Dr. Len Tau - Website: https://reviewsdoctor.com - Email: drlentau@birdeye.com - Phone: 215-292-2100

Adrian Lefler - Website: https://mysocialpractice.com - Phone: 877-316-7516

👍 Subscribe for more on dental marketing, AI in dentistry, and practice growth.

#DentalAI #LocalSEO #GoogleReviews...