Link Building for Dental Practices: How to Climb to the Top of Google
In today’s digital age, having a website for your dental practice is only the beginning. If you want to consistently attract new patients online, your site needs to rank high in local search results. That’s where link building comes in—a core component of dental SEO that’s often overlooked but incredibly powerful.
Whether you’re a solo dentist or managing a group practice, this guide will walk you through the best strategies for link building for dental practices in 2025 and beyond.
What Is Link Building?
Link building is the process of getting other websites to link back to yours. These are called backlinks, and they act like votes of confidence in the eyes of search engines like Google. The more high-quality, relevant backlinks your dental website earns, the more likely you are to appear on page one for searches like:
“dentist near me”
“teeth whitening [your city]”
“pediatric dentist in [your area]”
Why Link Building Matters for Dentists
✅ Improves Local Search Rankings
✅ Increases Domain Authority
✅ Drives Referral Traffic
✅ Builds Trust and Visibility
In other words, link building helps your practice appear more trustworthy online—leading to more clicks, calls, and appointments.
Top Link Building Strategies for Dental Practices
Let’s explore actionable link building methods tailored specifically for dental professionals:
1. Local Business Directories
Start with the basics. Claim your listings on:
Google Business Profile
Yelp
Bing Places
Healthgrades
Zocdoc
Vitals
Local Chamber of Commerce websites
Tip: Ensure all your listings have consistent business information (NAP: Name, Address, Phone) to help boost local SEO.
2. Get Featured in Dental-Specific Directories
There are several authoritative dental platforms that allow you to list your practice and earn backlinks:
American Dental Association (ADA)
State dental associations
Niche dental directories with high domain authority
3. Write Guest Articles or Dental Advice Columns
Pitch articles to:
Local blogs (e.g., health, parenting, lifestyle)
Online magazines in your community
Dental industry publications
Write about topics like:
“What to Do if Your Child Chips a Tooth”
“The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health”
“Is Invisalign Right for Adults Over 40?”
Include a short bio with a link to your website.
4. Sponsor Local Events and Organizations
Offer to sponsor:
School sports teams
Health fairs
Charity events
Community newsletters
In return, your practice is often featured on their website with a backlink—plus, it boosts your reputation locally.
5. Leverage Testimonials and Partnerships
Leave positive reviews or testimonials for vendors, suppliers, or local businesses. Many will showcase your review along with a link back to your website.
Also, ask for backlinks from:
Labs and dental supply companies you work with
Local businesses you refer patients to
6. Publish Shareable, Link-Worthy Content
Create helpful blog content, guides, or videos that others will naturally link to, such as:
Oral hygiene guides for kids and teens
Before-and-after smile transformations
FAQs about dental procedures
Infographics or downloadable checklists
Tip: Make your content genuinely useful and include visuals—people are more likely to share and link to it.
7. Reach Out to Local News and Media
If your practice is doing something unique—offering free dental days, using cutting-edge technology, or hosting community events—send a press release to local media outlets.
Getting covered in the local news or featured in an article often comes with a valuable backlink.
8. Join Industry Forums and Communities
While not always a direct link-building tool, engaging in dental forums or LinkedIn groups allows you to share your content, network with peers, and find opportunities for collaboration or guest posting.
Link Building Do’s and Don’ts for Dentists
✅ Do❌ Don’tFocus on quality over quantityBuy backlinks from spammy sourcesKeep your NAP consistent across listingsUse the same anchor text repeatedlyBuild relationships for natural linksEngage in link exchange schemesMonitor your backlink profileIgnore toxic or broken links
Use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or Google Search Console to keep an eye on your backlink health.
Final Thoughts: Start Building Authority One Link at a Time
Link building for dental practices isn’t about overnight success—it’s a long-term strategy that gradually boosts your online presence. By earning links from reputable, relevant, and local sources, you’ll improve your SEO, attract more qualified traffic, and ultimately grow your patient base.