Google Business Profile for dentists — complete guide

When someone types 'dentist Voždovac' or 'periodontist Belgrade', the Google Map Pack shows three practices that take 60–70% of clicks. A practice not in the Map Pack practically doesn't exist for those searches. Google Business Profile is the foundation for entering the Map Pack — and many dentists have it incomplete or unverified, leaving free appointment slots to others. Good news: GBP optimisation is free and relatively quick.

Categories for a dentist's GBP: primary category 'Dentist', plus secondary ones matching practice services: 'Cosmetic dentist', 'Orthodontist', 'Oral surgeon', 'Pediatric dentist'. The Services section in GBP is especially important — enter all services with short descriptions: implants, crowns, teeth whitening, orthodontics, prosthetics, periodontology. Google indexes these descriptions and uses them for filtering searches like 'implants dentist nearby'.

Patient reviews are a particularly sensitive topic in medicine — you must never promise a service in exchange for a review. Ethical approach: QR code at reception leading to Google review, a small card with the invoice 'We would appreciate your feedback', personalised WhatsApp message a few days after the procedure. Never write fake reviews or buy them — Google's algorithm detects them and the profile can be suspended. Always respond to negative reviews calmly and professionally.

Google Posts for a dental practice: 'Free appointments this week — book online', 'Teeth whitening offer — 20% discount until end of month', 'Tips for proper tooth brushing — new on our blog', 'We work Saturdays for emergencies'. Each Post lives 7 days and appears directly in search. Practices that regularly publish Posts have noticeably higher engagement in GBP analytics.

Photos for a dentist's GBP: practice interior (modern, clean, bright — this directly affects trust), equipment (X-ray machine, periodontal chair, steriliser — shows professionalism), team with name and title, entrance and parking. Minimum 15 photos. Patient-posted photos (e.g. selfie in the waiting room) — don't delete them unless inappropriate. Feather Studio sets up and optimises Google Business Profile for dental practices.