18 Jun Pre-Launch Marketing Strategies for a New Dental Practice

Opening a dental clinic is an exciting step, but it often comes with the worry of not having enough patients when the doors first open. To lay strong roots in your chosen area, it’s crucial to begin marketing well ahead of your launch—ideally between three to six months before your official opening.

Establish Your Online Presence Early

• Launch a Professional Website

Create a polished, easy-to-navigate website that highlights your services, team bios, and contact details. Make sure it’s fully optimised for local SEO so nearby patients can easily find you when searching online.

• Set Up Google My Business

Register your practice with Google My Business so it appears on Google Maps and in local search results. Include high-resolution photos, accurate business hours, and a strong call-to-action—such as a link to pre-book an appointment or join your waiting list.

• Get Active on Social Media

Build your presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. Introduce your team, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your clinic build, and keep the local community engaged. TikTok, in particular, is great for short, informative videos on dental hygiene tips, team intros, or quick clinic tours to connect with a younger, digitally active audience.

• Launch a Google Ads Campaign

Set up a “coming soon” pay-per-click (PPC) campaign targeting local searches for dental services. This helps to generate early awareness, build your brand, and attract prospective patients even before you open your doors.

Get Involved in the Local Community

• Attend Local Events

Participate in or sponsor local happenings like school fairs, charity fundraisers or health-focused community days. These are great opportunities to connect with potential patients face-to-face and spread the word about your upcoming practice.

• Partner with Nearby Businesses

Form collaborations with health-related businesses—such as gyms, pharmacies or wellness centres—for cross-promotion. It’s a smart way to tap into an already health-conscious audience.

Offer Pre-Opening Incentives

• Early Booking Offers

Encourage early sign-ups with special discounts or value-added services for those who book before your official opening date.

• Referral Rewards

Launch a referral scheme to motivate early bookings. Offer rewards or discounts to those who refer friends and family members to your practice.

• Free First Consultations

Attract new patients—especially those thinking about switching practices—by offering complimentary or reduced-rate initial consultations.

Create a Buzz Before Opening

• Grow Your Email List

Invite website visitors and social media followers to subscribe to a newsletter with exclusive updates, launch announcements and promotional offers.

• Build Anticipation Online

Use your social channels to run an opening day countdown. Post sneak previews of your facilities, introduce your team, and showcase the treatments on offer to keep prospective patients excited and engaged.

• Share a Press Release

Send a press release to local newspapers, magazines and community websites. Highlight your practice’s unique features, such as specialist treatments, a family-friendly ethos, or eco-conscious initiatives.

Enable Early Bookings

• Add Online Booking Tools

Include a booking feature on your website so potential patients can schedule appointments or register their interest ahead of time, helping to fill your calendar from day one.

• Offer VIP Booking Access

Reward your early supporters—like email subscribers and social media followers—with exclusive access to appointment slots before general bookings open