Creative Summer Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Dental Practice

Summer can be a slower season for many dental practices, but with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to be. Kiera Dent of the Dental A Team shares quick, tactical, and creative summer marketing ideas to boost your new patient numbers, build your brand, and create lasting community impact. Whether you serve families, retirees, or young professionals, there's a strategy here for you.

1. Know Your Patient Base

Effective marketing starts with understanding who your ideal patient is and where they spend their time. For pediatric practices, moms are your target audience. For general practices, it might be new families or retirees. Once you know your audience, tailor your summer campaigns to meet them where they are.

2. Internal Marketing Ideas That Work

• Referral Contests with Targeted Giveaways: Give away prizes that your patients actually want. One practice gave away a KitchenAid mixer and gained dozens of referrals because their target audience was excited about the prize. Think gift cards, concert tickets, or branded items that resonate.
• Bring-a-Friend Cards: Create referral cards that team members can carry with them. Add a personal note or a special offer to make it more likely to be used.
• In-Office Displays: Highlight referral rewards with clear signage and QR codes. Make it easy for current patients to spread the word.

3. External Marketing: Think Local and Community-Based

• Partner with Retirement Communities: For practices with a geriatric focus, offer special membership plans, host wine and cheese nights, or provide lunch-and-learns.
• Sponsor Local Events: From county fairs to sports teams, show up where your community is gathering. Be visible, bring swag, and make your presence known.
• Support Local Schools: Provide mouthguards with your logo to local football teams or sponsor school events. This builds recognition and loyalty.
• Participate in New Housing Developments: Offer special welcome packages or in-house membership plans for new residents.

4. Grassroots Marketing Still Works

• Network with Local Specialists: Build relationships with orthodontists, sleep doctors, and other specialists. This can lead to strong referral pipelines.
• Donut Fridays or Block Parties: A memorable, fun way to engage your neighborhood. One practice handed out donuts every Friday with branded napkins, becoming a community staple.

5. Don’t Forget the Basics

• Track Your ROI: Always monitor what marketing efforts are bringing in new patients.
• Brand Awareness vs. Patient Acquisition: Understand the difference. Some efforts build visibility while others directly increase patient flow.
• Deliver an Outstanding Patient Experience: Marketing only works if patients love their experience. Make sure your team is aligned on providing exceptional service.

Make your Summer Marketing Count

Whether it’s referrals, community events, or strategic partnerships, summer is full of potential for dental practices. With a mix of internal and external tactics, plus a bit of creativity, your practice can thrive year-round.

Need help growing your dental practice? Email us at [email protected] or Schedule A Call. Let’s make this your most successful summer yet!

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