One of the most challenging aspects of social media marketing is creativity, how to develop interesting content while balancing so many dental practice responsibilities. The growing list of social media posts below is designed to inspire creativity. Try some ideas and adapt them to fit your unique brand. Most importantly, think variety. Avoid falling into a mundane posting routine. Engaging social media has a lot of different posts—it’s imaginative, fun, and spontaneous.
Online Patient Reviews [MARKETING]
Today, more than ever before, consumers are directed by online reviews. Your practice is already working to secure positive comments and 5-star patient reviews—share this feedback on social media. It’s always best to ask permission first. Even though a patient posts a public review, it’s good practice to seek approval before amplifying it on your social media channels. In your post, be sure to thank your patient for writing the review and reinforce your commitment to extraordinary patient care.
Dental Treatment Reveals [MARKETING]
Recognizing dental treatment is an effective way to congratulate patients and also showcase your dental work.
- Have patients hold a photograph, plaster model, or x-ray that illustrates before and after dental treatment.
- Lay out a red carpet, like a fancy awards ceremony, and snap some good reveal pictures.
- Make a video of the patient seeing the final dental treatment for the first time. These types of videos are often emotional. Changes in dentition can dramatically improve appearance.
- Take pictures throughout treatment and showcase the transformation in a time-lapse video.
- Have a patient hold up a picture of her close-up smile before braces or cosmetic treatment. Then have the patient slowly rip the paper while revealing her new and improved smile.
Patient Success Stories [MARKETING]
Highlighting your extraordinary dentistry is always a great way to promote your dental practice. Often happy patients are eager and willing to share their new smiles. Patient success stories make engaging social media posts, and they allow you to showcase specific cases with more detail. You can provide all the relevant background, options, case progression, and final outcome. This type of post can use a slide show, video, or interview. Be creative. Testimonials like this are one of the most persuasive forms of marketing.
Before and After Dental Images [MARKETING]
Prospective patients expect to see your dental portfolio. Sharing before and after photos reinforces your commitment to quality dentistry and also promotes your services. Make sure your pictures are taken in similar lighting and consider providing free teeth whitening (especially after braces). People associate white teeth with quality, so you won’t get the desired response with straight discolored teeth.
Cavity Free Club [MARKETING]
Having a Cavity Free Club for kids is a great way to encourage positive oral care habits and demonstrate your commitment to prevention. Pick a nice background to photograph all the cavity-free smiles (You might even hang a sign or paint “Cavity Free Club.” Consider decorating a wall in your reception area with all the club members (Maybe you could find some molar picture frames or laminate pictures on molar cutouts?). Have fun and be creative. There are so many ways to encourage young brushers!
Contests [MARKETING]
People are attracted to competition, so creating various contests throughout the year is an excellent way to improve engagement. Consider some of the following ideas:
- Hold a drawing during various holidays (Christmas, 4th of July, Valentine’s Day, etc.). Fill a basket with holiday-appropriate items (be creative) and select a winner by drawing names.
- Have followers take pictures with your branded merch (mugs, hats, etc.) from different locations around the world. Have followers vote on the best picture.
- Have families submit pictures of their Halloween costumes to enter a drawing for movie tickets.
Challenge Posts [MARKETING]
A popular social media post is the challenge. Sometimes, this post comes in the form of a dance or stunt, but it can also be sharing a personal version of something. For example, in a dental practice, this might be sharing pictures of toothpaste tubes in the comments (with all their folds and dents), families brushing their teeth together, or children posing with baby teeth that fell out. Be creative—there are so many ways to encourage online engagement with your community!
Videos [MARKETING]
The research is clear—videos promote engagement and make excellent social media posts for dental offices. If your office isn’t creating videos, it’s time to invest in some gear and start rolling. Videos are the most effective way to drive traffic to your website, Google business page, and social media channels.
Appointment Openings [MARKETING]
Cancellations always make scheduling hectic. To be efficient, appointment openings should be filled. Social media is a great way to alert those patients looking for an earlier appointment. You might even consider an incentive, like a gift certificate, to keep the hygiene staff busy. A dental practice app is also a great way to provide appointment opening notifications.
Go Live [MARKETING]
It can feel a bit intimidating to livestream, but connecting with your patients in real time is a great way to build rapport. Livestreaming can be used to do a drawing, make an important announcement, promote special offers, highlight an event, etc.
Special Offers [MARKETING]
Social media is a great place to promote your special offers. Having a whitening special during prom season? Any discounted rates on implants? Creating promotional posts/ads makes it easy for viewers to forward your information to others.
Patient Safety [DENTAL OFFICE]
There are many ways to correspond your commitment to safety. Does your office have a current first aid kit with a defibrillator? Is your staff certified in CPR? How else are you protecting your patients? Be sure to promote your efforts on social media.
Social Media Achievements [DENTAL OFFICE]
It takes time to build up a social media following. To recognize these efforts and engage with followers, highlight milestones with a celebratory post and giveaway drawing. For example, as you approach 1,000 followers, encourage your audience to enter a drawing by sharing their favorite toothpaste in the comments. Technology prizes (tablets, headphones, televisions, etc.) and entertainment packages (dinner and a movie) are always a hit.
Updated Office Hours [DENTAL OFFICE]
It’s always good practice to inform patients of any changes to your office hours. This not only includes global office hour changes but also seasonal/holiday hours. Informing your patients about such changes demonstrates courtesy and respect for their busy schedules.
Dental Office Upgrades [DENTAL OFFICE]
Modern consumers expect upgrades and change. Did you add a snack area? Maybe you renovated the waiting room. Posts about your office upgrades demonstrate a desire to improve and make effective social media posts for dental offices.
New Dental Equipment [DENTAL OFFICE]
Prospective patients are looking to see that your office has the latest technology. Even if they don’t understand the particulars, they equate new equipment with quality of care. Be sure to create content that showcases your new technology (cone beam scanner, dental laser, 3D dental imaging)—short videos are especially effective.
Mobile Technology [DENTAL OFFICE]
More dental offices are using technology for appointment reminders, scheduling, and new patient registration. If you offer these time-saving services, be sure to promote them on social media. Does your practice have an app? Be sure to let patients know how it provides dental emergency contacts, important notifications, special treatment offers, and convenient appointment scheduling.
Patient and Staff Pictures [STAFF]
One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your commitment to patient care is to share images of staff with patients. This type of organic content also reflects your desire to form relationships and trust.
Dental Team Gatherings [STAFF]
Sharing pictures of staff socializing helps to reinforce the strength of your dental team. Prospective patients intuitively understand that a happy and fulfilling workplace translates into quality service. In addition to staff lunches and dinners, there are many types of team-building activities like cooking/pottery classes, vision boards, escape rooms, bowling, corn hole competitions, bocce ball competitions, sporting events, boat tours, volunteering, 5K runs, barbeques, potlucks, wine tastings or breweries, laser tag…. There are so many fun, creative ways to encourage teamwork!
Creative Fun Posts [STAFF]
Effective social media is all about variety and spontaneity. With this in mind, consider mixing in some ulta-creative posts that are all about fun and entertainment—it’s time to explore your dental team talent! Remember, positive staff morale translates into positive patient perception; having fun is a great way to market your dental practice brand.
- Do you have any musicians or singers in your office? Maybe it’s time to showcase these special skills.
- Lighthearted skits are engaging. People always appreciate a good laugh. Ask your staff for ideas.
- Especially fun dental teams are even open to some coordinated dances! There are so many popular songs to work with.
- What viral (and safe) trends are going around on social media? Think your dental team can join in?
Theme Events [STAFF]
Consider hosting a themed event for fun. Some favorites are the 1920s, 50s, 60s, and 80s. You can also pick movie characters, celebrities, or superheroes. Use your imagination—the important thing is that staff members have fun and bond. Morale is a critical part of dental practice growth.
Staff Highlights [STAFF]
Showcasing your dental team is a great way to demonstrate staff camaraderie and also the general tone of the office. Prospective patients are attracted to offices that have positive, supportive energy. Of course, you’ll reveal some biographical information, but you should also reveal professional accomplishments that add value to the practice.
Work Anniversaries [STAFF]
Recognizing your dental team is a critical part of maintaining a positive tone in the office. Morale translates into extraordinary patient care. One of the best ways to highlight staff contributions is by posting work anniversary dates; this encourages your dental team and shows appreciation—it also shows the public that your office has a veteran team that enjoys working together. Subconsciously, people understand that staff retention translates into positive energy and excellent patient care.
Continuing Dental Education [STAFF]
Being current with all the latest dental methods and technology is a critical part of delivering the highest quality care. Continuing education says much about your commitment to excellence. Be sure to photograph your classes (the materials, training, promotional banners, other team members learning, etc.). Explain how the course will bring added value to patients. By sharing these educational experiences, you demonstrate a passion for dentistry and professional growth.
New Dental Team Members [STAFF]
Posts about new staff members should not only serve as a general welcome but also showcase credentials. You want the public to understand that your office has high standards and highly-qualified professionals.
Birthdays [STAFF]
By celebrating birthdays and working anniversaries, you illustrate your team’s camaraderie and cohesion. This type of positivity and concern attracts new patients and lifts morale.
Important Life Moments [STAFF]
Important life moments make great social media posts. Celebrate weddings, births, graduations, awards, etc.—all of these events shape our lives in many ways, and by sharing, you demonstrate the value of your team.
Sporting Events [STAFF]
Important sporting events can be a good time to bring your staff together for some fun pictures. Encourage your dental team to wear jerseys, shirts, and hats. Ask followers to express their team support in the comments.
Dental Education [ORAL HYGIENE]
Educating the public about dentistry not only promotes oral health, but it reflects your commitment to learning. Short video tutorials about oral hygiene and dental procedures are especially engaging social media posts for dental offices.
Dentist/Hygienist Quotes [ORAL HYGIENE]
Quotes from dentists and hygienists can make great social media posts. Focus on statements that speak generally about specific dental topics like oral care, dental trivia, or your personal dental treatment philosophy. Include a picture of the dentist or hygienist with the quote. You can also use a speech bubble. These quote posts can be an engaging series throughout the month and might even follow an established monthly theme. Consider having multiple dental team members contribute. It’s always best to have your entire staff represented online.
Oral Care [ORAL HYGIENE]
Educating your patients about proper oral care helps serves as a helpful reminder. It also shows prospective patients that you’re serious about patient care and preventative dentistry.
Oral Care Product Reviews [ORAL HYGIENE]
There are so many choices when it comes to oral care. Creating posts that reveal the best choices in toothbrushes (manual and electric), toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash can be helpful. Patients count on your expertise to lead them to the best choices. These review posts can be videos or text. Be sure to include plenty of visuals, and keep it entertaining!
Blog Posts [ORAL HYGIENE]
Maintaining a dental blog is a great way to demonstrate your mastery and passion for dentistry. It’s also an effective way to improve your online presence and SEO. Be sure to promote your efforts on social media!
Employment Opportunities [OUTREACH]
One of the most challenging aspects of dental practice operations is staffing, keeping all the positions filled in order to deliver the highest quality dental care. Publicizing open jobs on social media is a great way to engage with the public and to demonstrate community partnership.
Thanksgiving Food Drive [OUTREACH]
The first part of October is a good time to organize a food drive. Collect non-perishable items for a local food pantry and post updates on social media. This type of effort demonstrates your commitment to the community.
Thank Local Government [OUTREACH]
Many times throughout the year, you have opportunities to thank your local government for serving the community. For example, municipal workers work continuously after a big snowstorm to keep the roads clear and business functioning. Recognizing and supporting their efforts is a great way to demonstrate integrity and appreciation. Be sure to tag local accounts in your social media posts.
Local Business Support [OUTREACH]
Your dental practice is a local small business. Whenever possible, support other local small businesses. Frequent local restaurants with your team and purchase raffle gift certificates locally. Be sure to tag these businesses in your social posts to build their brand awareness.
Sponsor a Dental Scholarship [OUTREACH]
Creating a scholarship for the next generation of dental professionals is an excellent way to give back to the community and telegraph your professionalism. Contact local high school counselors to ensure that your scholarship opportunity is available to students interested in dentistry.
Support Local Youth Groups [OUTREACH]
One of the best ways to demonstrate support in the community is to fund local youth groups like Boy/Girl Scouts. There are also academic school groups and athletic teams. The public will appreciate your investment in the next generation.
Promote Local Events [OUTREACH]
Engaging with your local population is key to establishing and building a dental practice. One of the best ways to demonstrate your commitment to the community is by promoting and supporting local events. Not only can you promote these events, but your dental team can also sponsor participants and fund various aspects of the event (food, drinks, shelter, transportation, etc.). In exchange, event organizers are happy to display your brand on promotional materials and signs.
Important Weather Alerts [OUTREACH]
Another good way to connect with your local community is by posting important information about extreme weather. Share guidelines that will help keep your followers safe.
Inspirational Quotes [MISCELLANEOUS]
Variety is key when it comes to social media. Consider weaving in some inspirational quotes from time to time. These positive messages lift spirits and say much about your practice values.
Mouth Trivia [MISCELLANEOUS]
Interesting facts about the mouth, teeth, and tongue always make engaging social media posts. By including some oral trivia or mouth facts, you’ll entertain and also illustrate how a healthy mouth contributes to overall wellness. Moreover, not only are human mouths intricate and amazing—but animal mouths provide a lot of great mouth trivia as well!
Social Media Post Ideas