TikTok for Dentists: Yea or Nay?
Remember when TikTok was pretty much just teens doing dance challenges and lip-syncing into their front cameras? Simpler times. Fast forward to 2025 and for better or worse, short-form video content is the language of the internet.
Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, quick, engaging videos dominate nearly every major social platform. And yes—even dental video content is racking up millions of views.
But here’s the question every busy dentist is asking:
“Is TikTok really worth it for my practice?”
The short answer? Eh…it depends. For some practices, TikTok is a lead-generating, trust-building, brand-boosting powerhouse. For others, it’s a distraction with no clear ROI.
In this post, we’ll break down what TikTok looks like in 2025, how real dentists are using TikTok, when it makes sense to invest your time—and when you should stick to more traditional dental marketing moves.
Let’s get into it (no choreography required).
What TikTok Looks Like in 2025
If you think TikTok is just a passing fad, think again. In 2025, it’s no longer “the app for Gen Z”—it’s a full-blown content engine that influences everything from what people eat to which dentist they choose.
Here’s what TikTok looks like now:
It’s a Search Engine Now—Seriously
People are using TikTok like Google. They’re searching for “best teeth whitening,” “Invisalign before and after,” or “painless root canal stories,” and finding content creators—including dental pros—who answer those questions in 30 seconds or less. And thanks to TikTok’s integration with Google search results, some of those videos now show up directly on page one of search results.
It’s Not Just Teens
While it started with Gen Z, TikTok’s user base now spans millennials, Gen X, and even boomers. Parents are looking for pediatric dentists. Brides-to-be are researching smile makeovers. Teens are begging their parents for Invisalign. Your audience is already there, even if you aren’t.
It’s Business-Friendly
TikTok has leaned heavily into supporting local and small businesses with features like:
- TikTok Local for geographic targeting
- Clickable links & call-to-actions
- Paid ad campaigns with detailed targeting
- And improved analytics for business accounts
This means that it’s easier than ever for dental practices to advertise on Tik Tok, track performance, and reach the right people.
TikTok SEO is Real
Hashtags, keywords, and captions now impact TikTok’s internal search and external search rankings. With a genuine impact on dental SEO, TikTok for dentists isn’t just entertainment, it’s actual marketing.
How Dentists Are Actually Using TikTok in 2025
Let’s clear something up: TikTok for dentists doesn’t mean doing the latest dance trend in scrubs (unless that’s your vibe—in which case, we fully support it. Send us the link). The beauty of TikTok in 2025 is that it’s evolved into a platform where education, entertainment, and trust-building collide.
Here’s how real dental practices are using TikTok to reach new audiences, connect with patients, and even grow their bottom line:
Educational Content That Doesn’t Feel Boring
Short-form videos are the perfect way to answer the questions patients are actually Googling:
- “Does charcoal toothpaste work?”
- “Is it normal for gums to bleed?”
- “How much does Invisalign cost?”
By creating quick, informative videos, dentists can establish authority and approachability. It’s like being the friendly expert on their FYP (For You Page). Educational content is one of the most effective ways to use TikTok for dentists looking to build credibility online.
@thebentist Is This The ULTIMATE Teeth Whitening Routine?! 😬🦷 #dentist #teeth #braces ♬ original sound - The Bentist / Orthodontist 🦷
Behind-the-Scenes Office Life
People love transparency. A quick tour of your office, a glimpse into your team’s personality, or a silly moment during a lunch break helps humanize your practice. These casual, relatable clips make patients feel like they already know you before they even book.
@doctormattkaiser Thank you to the 13k followers!Busy day with some interesting cases in the office. Hope everyone’s having a good week 🦷 #fypシ #foryoupage #dentist ♬ original sound - doctormattkaiser
Patient Journeys & Smile Transformations
Before-and-after content performs incredibly well on TikTok. Whether it’s a same-day crown, an Invisalign transformation, or a patient testimonial, this kind of content builds major trust and excitement.
Want to take it to the next level? Get permission from a patient to document a full smile makeover journey over a series of posts. It keeps viewers engaged and coming back for the reveal.
Trends, But Make Them Dental
You don’t have to hop on every trend, but the right ones—especially audio trends or viral challenges—can be a great way to add humor and relatability to your feed. Just make sure it still feels on-brand and respectful of your patient audience.
@doctorjossen We’re dentists 🫡 Here with cheesy dental jokes starting at TOOTH-HURTY 😩 Had to join in on this trend 😂 #Dentist #DentalTok #DentistsofTikTok #DentalOffice #trend #fyp ♬ Real Love Baby - Father John Misty
The Takeaway?
TikTok for dentists works best when you mix trending content with original, helpful posts. Think fun AND functional.
In short, dentists on TikTok aren’t just entertaining, they’re educating, building relationships, and showing up in ways traditional marketing can’t match. You don’t need to go viral to make an impact, you just need to show up consistently, authentically, and with content that speaks to your ideal patient.
The Pros and Cons of TikTok for Dentists
So, is TikTok worth your time as a dental professional? Like any dental marketing tool, it depends on your goals, your audience, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Let’s take a look at both sides of the floss…I mean, coin. Sorry, that joke was bad and I feel bad.
The Pros
1. Massive Organic Reach (With Zero Ad Spend Required)
Unlike other platforms where organic reach is on life support, TikTok still gives you a shot at getting discovered—even with a small following. One helpful or entertaining post can rack up thousands of views overnight.
2. Builds Trust Before Patients Walk In
Being on TikTok for dentists isn’t just about visibility, it’s about connection. When people see your face, hear your voice, and get a feel for your personality, they’re more likely to choose you over the guy with a stock photo and a stale website.
3. Puts You Ahead of the Competition
Most dental practices still aren’t using TikTok strategically (or at all). That means less competition and more opportunity to stand out, especially in your local area.
4. Content Can Live Beyond TikTok
Repurpose your videos for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even your Google Business Profile. It’s one piece of content—maximum mileage.
The Cons
1. It Takes Time (and a Little Creativity)
Filming, editing, and keeping up with trends can be time-consuming. If you don’t have someone on your team who’s excited to take the lead, it might feel like a chore.
2. ROI Isn’t Always Immediate
Unlike Google Ads or targeted dental SEO, TikTok’s ROI is more long-term and brand-focused. It builds awareness and trust over time which doesn’t generally translate to instant appointments (though those can happen!).
3. It’s Easy to Go Off-Brand
TikTok trends move fast. And while some are fun, not all align with your brand voice or patient base. It takes intention to stay true to your identity while keeping your content engaging.
4. Not Every Market Is on TikTok
If your target audience skews older or isn’t super active on social media, TikTok might not be your top priority. In that case, your time might be better spent on local SEO or email marketing.
Bottom line? TikTok for dentists can be incredibly powerful—but only if it fits your practice’s personality, goals, and patient base. Up next: how to know if you’re the right fit for the platform.
Should Your Practice Be on TikTok?
I’m about to be your dental marketing therapist to help you be brutally honest in self-assessment. Not every dental office needs to be pumping out viral videos, but for the right practice, TikTok can be a total game-changer. So how do you know if it’s a good fit?
Here’s your quick litmus test:
You Want to Build a Personal or Office Brand
TikTok for dentists works best when you’re not afraid to show a little personality. If you want patients to feel like they already know you before their first visit, TikTok is a goldmine. Think less “corporate,” more “connection.” If you’re building a youthful dental brand or focusing on cosmetic dentistry, TikTok is a great way to edge out your competition.
You (or a Team Member) Are Comfortable on Camera
TikTok for dentists works best when you’re not afraid to show a little personality. If you want patients to feel like they already know you before their first visit, TikTok is a goldmine. Think less “corporate,” more “connection.” If you’re building a youthful dental brand or focusing on cosmetic dentistry, TikTok is a great way to edge out your competition.
You’re Targeting a Younger or Social-Savvy Audience
TikTok is where Gen Z and Millennials spend their screen time—and they’re making healthcare decisions for themselves and their kids. If you offer services like Invisalign, whitening, or cosmetic makeovers, this is your crowd.
You’re in a Competitive Area and Need to Stand Out
If your local market is saturated with dental practices, TikTok gives you a chance to show what makes you different. It’s a chance to go beyond price and insurance battles and build loyalty through authenticity.
You’re Willing to Be Consistent (Even if You Don’t Go Viral)
The goal isn’t fame—it’s familiarity. Posting consistently helps build brand recognition and trust, even if you never hit 100K views. Some of your most valuable patients might come from videos that only get a few hundred plays. Honestly, you don’t need national recognition, you just need to reach local audiences.
If you nodded along to most of these—you’re probably ready for TikTok.
And if not? No shame. There are plenty of other dental marketing strategies that work just as well (and we can help you with those too).
You Don’t Need to Go Viral, You Just Need to Show Up
TikTok in 2025 isn’t just about trending sounds and dance moves—it’s a powerful platform where real people connect with real businesses. And yes, that includes dental practices.
If your goal is to build trust, connect with a younger audience, and show the human side of your practice, TikTok for dentists is 100% worth exploring. You don’t need fancy gear, a viral moment, or a choreographed routine, just helpful content, a bit of personality, and the willingness to try something new.
But here’s the kicker: TikTok is still underused by most dental practices, which means the opportunity to stand out is wide open. And if it’s not your thing? That’s okay too. A strong dental marketing strategy is about finding the right mix for your practice, not following every trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dental TikTok videos show up on Google?
Yes! As of 2024 and continuing into 2025, Google has been indexing TikTok videos in search results—especially for questions and how-to content. That means if you’re posting short, helpful videos (like “How to floss with braces” or “Does whitening toothpaste really work?”), those clips can actually show up on Google when someone searches that topic. It’s a huge opportunity for dentists to get discovered outside the TikTok app—especially in your local market. Now that the TikTok ban has been settled, we know that the app is here to stay and great for marketing your practice.
How do I get my TikTok videos to show up in Google searches?
To improve your chances:
- Use clear, keyword-rich captions that match what people are searching (e.g. “What causes tooth sensitivity?”).
- Include relevant hashtags like #dentaltips, #Invisalign, or #pediatricdentist.
- Say the keyword verbally in the video—Google uses voice recognition to help categorize content.
- Focus on educational, evergreen content—not just trends.
And don’t forget to embed your TikTok videos on your website or blog to increase visibility and SEO power. Check out other dentists on TikTok to see what works for them!
Is it worth creating dental TikToks just for SEO visibility on Google?
If you’re already investing in content marketing or SEO, TikTok can be a smart addition to your social media strategy, especially if you’re targeting Gen Z, Millennials, or tech-savvy parents. TikTok for dentists isn’t just about going viral, it’s about being visible where your future patients are searching. With Google now surfacing short-form videos in search results, TikTok can boost your authority, drive traffic to your site, and help you rank for niche topics your competitors haven’t touched.
About the Author: Megan Nielsen is an SEO strategist and the Grand Overlord of copywriting at My Social Practice. My Social Practice is a dental marketing company that offers a full suite of dental marketing services to thousands of dental practices throughout the United States and Canada.
