Google Search vs ChatGPT: The Future of Dental Marketing

Are you ready for a world where patients talk to AI instead of Googling you?

Because it’s already happening. Google handles 5 trillion search queries every year…

But 61% of Gen Z and 53% of Millennials say they actually prefer using AI tools to find answers instead of Googling it.

With voice search, ChatGPT, and other AI tools gaining traction fast…

I can honestly say, in 15+ years of doing SEO, I’ve never seen a shift like this in how patients are searching.

But one thing is clear…

If your marketing is still stuck in ‘search engine mode,’ you’re already falling behind.

In this video, I’m breaking down what this shift means for your practice — and how to adapt so future patients can actually find you.

What’s changing in patient search behavior

You see, Google isn’t disappearing—and it’s not going anywhere. But it’s also no longer the only way patients are finding dental practices.

Today’s patients are asking conversational questions.

• They’re using AI tools.
• They’re using smart speakers.
• They’re using their smartphones.

In fact, voice search is gaining major momentum—especially for local services like dental practices.

What’s changing is that AI tools will start pulling answers from trusted, structured content, rather than simply relying on who ranks first in Google’s organic search results.

For example, instead of typing a search, a patient might just ask:

“Hey Siri, who’s the best dentist near me who takes Cigna and sees children?”

The way patients search is evolving fast—and if your content isn’t optimized for these new behaviors, you risk getting left behind.

The problem with traditional SEO thinking

The problem with traditional SEO thinking is that it was all about ranking for specific phrases—simple keywords like “cosmetic dentist near me.”

But today’s reality is very different.

AI and voice search aren’t just looking for keywords anymore. They’re looking for full, conversational answers.

When we take a closer look at most dental websites, there’s a clear issue:

They were built for Google bots, not for real human questions—the kind patients actually ask out loud.

Sure, local SEO is still essential.

But now, it has to be supported by human-first, helpful content if you want to win.

You can’t “game” the system anymore.

You need to be:

• Helpful
• Trustworthy
• And most importantly—real

That’s the new standard for successful dental marketing in today’s AI-driven world.

How to stay visible in the voice search + AI era

So, how do you stay visible in today’s world of voice search and AI-driven patient discovery?

It’s actually simple:

Focus on human-first content.

Create content that truly meets the needs of your patients.

That means:

• Answering real patient FAQs
• Sharing your personal story
• Showcasing authentic patient testimonials
• Using natural language—think like a patient, not like a dentist

The goal is to develop content that sounds like how real people talk, not clinical textbook explanations.

Quick wins to boost your visibility fast

Here are a few fast actions you can take to start seeing results:

1. Optimize your Google Business profile

Make sure your Google Business Profile is clear, detailed, and up to date.

AI tools often pull information directly from these listings—so make it count.

2. Adopt an omnichannel approach

Don’t just rely on one tactic.

Use a combination of:

• Voice search optimization
• Video snippets
• Structured local listings
• Social media
• Email marketing
• Updated website information

Keep a central message across all your marketing channels.

3. Incorporate schema markup

Schema markup helps AI and search engines better understand your website content.

(Your SEO team will know what this means!)

Adding it makes your content easier to find and easier to trust.

Final tip: Don’t rely on just one channel

Google is still important—but if you rely only on it, you’re leaving serious opportunities (and revenue) on the table.

Today’s patients are everywhere—and your marketing needs to be too.

Stay ahead with a marketing strategy

Don’t ignore Google – just make sure you’re not solely relying on a one-channel strategy…

Or else you’re leaving money on the table.

If you want a step-by-step marketing framework that helps you…

• Attract high-paying patients
• Make ROI predictable and profitable
• Scale your practice effortlessly

Check out this video.This link leads to a blog post about dental marketing strategy

Our CEO and CMO break it down into a 4-step strategy we use to help dental groups grow fast — without wasting time or money.

Tell me your thoughts

What do you think of how AI is affecting how people search? Let me know in the comments below.