Google Ads is one of the most powerful tools to grow your dental practice—but only if you use the right campaign type. From showing up in search results to capturing attention with visual ads, each campaign type serves a specific purpose.
In this post, we’ll break down the main Google Ads campaign types for dentists, how each works, and when to use them to drive patient appointments, increase visibility, and grow your revenue.
1. Search Campaigns: Show Up When Patients Are Actively Searching
What It Is:
Text ads that appear on Google when someone searches for relevant keywords (e.g., “dentist near me”, “emergency dental care”).
Why It’s Perfect for Dentists:
Search campaigns capture high-intent users—people actively looking for dental services.
Best For:
- Local patient acquisition
- Emergency dental services
- Cosmetic dentistry (e.g., “Invisalign Boston”)
Pro Tip: Use location and call extensions to make it easy for patients to call or find you.
2. Display Campaigns: Boost Visibility with Image Ads
What It Is:
Image or banner ads that appear on websites, apps, and YouTube channels in Google’s Display Network.
Why Dentists Use It:
Display campaigns are great for brand awareness and retargeting site visitors who didn’t convert the first time.
Best For:
- Retargeting website visitors
- Promoting special offers or new services
- Keeping your brand top-of-mind
Pro Tip: Use eye-catching visuals and highlight offers like “$99 Cleaning for New Patients.”
3. Local Campaigns: Maximize Walk-In Traffic
What It Is:
These campaigns automatically optimize across Google Maps, Search, YouTube, and Display to drive offline visits to your practice.
Why It’s Effective:
Local campaigns are designed to bring foot traffic by promoting your physical location across Google platforms.
Best For:
- Practices with walk-in availability
- Promoting directions, business hours, or local promotions
Pro Tip: Keep your Google Business Profile updated to improve ad performance.
4. Performance Max Campaigns: AI-Driven Patient Acquisition
What It Is:
Performance Max campaigns use Google’s AI to deliver ads across all Google channels using one campaign: Search, Display, YouTube, Maps, Gmail, and Discover.
Why It Works:
Google’s machine learning finds the best audiences and placements to drive conversions like appointment bookings.
Best For:
- Clinics with multiple services
- Dentists who want an all-in-one smart solution
- Campaigns focused on conversions, not just traffic
Pro Tip: Provide high-quality creative assets (images, headlines, videos) for better performance.
5. Video Campaigns: Tell Your Story on YouTube
What It Is:
Short video ads that appear on YouTube before or during videos.
Why Dentists Use It:
Video helps build trust and credibility—key factors when choosing a healthcare provider.
Best For:
- Showcasing testimonials
- Introducing your team or clinic
- Explaining advanced procedures (e.g., implants or sedation dentistry)
Pro Tip: Use YouTube targeting to reach users in your area or who’ve searched for dental services recently.
6. Remarketing Campaigns: Bring Back Lost Leads
What It Is:
Targets people who visited your website but didn’t take action.
Why It Works:
Most visitors don’t convert right away. Remarketing helps keep your practice visible until they’re ready to book.
Best For:
- Increasing conversion rate
- Promoting limited-time offers to previous site visitors
Pro Tip: Use custom audiences and tailored messaging (“Still need a check-up?”).
Bonus: Call-Only Campaigns
What It Is:
Ads designed to generate phone calls instead of website visits.
Why It’s Great for Dentists:
Patients often prefer calling directly for appointments or emergencies.
Best For:
- Emergency dental services
- Mobile users searching for “dentist near me now”
Pro Tip: Run these during office hours to avoid missed calls.
Which Campaign Type Should You Choose?
| Goal | Recommended Campaign |
| Get new local patients | Search + Local Campaigns |
| Build brand awareness | Display + Video Campaigns |
| Boost appointment bookings | Performance Max + Call-Only |
| Retarget interested prospects | Remarketing (Display or Video) |
| Educate and connect with patients | Video Campaigns |
Conclusion
Understanding Google Ads campaign types is the first step to running successful advertising for your dental clinic. By aligning your campaign with your goals—whether it’s new patient acquisition, retargeting, or brand building—you can maximize your ROI and grow your practice effectively in 2025.
Need Help Building the Right Campaign Mix?
We specialize in Google Ads for dental clinics. Let us craft a custom campaign strategy that brings real patients—not just clicks. Contact us today for a free consultation.