Do Better Google Rankings Translate to AI Search Visibility? What Dentists Need to Know
Remember when ranking #1 on Google felt like winning a gold medal in online marketing? Ah, those halcyon days of yore. For years, dentists have invested in dental SEO with the goal of climbing to the very top of search results. After all, being first on the list meant more clicks, more calls, and ultimately more new patients.
While we’d never disrespect the sanctity of a good dental SEO strategy, AI has thrown a curveball at traditional search optimization. Google recently rolled out its new AI Mode search experience to users across the U.S., and it’s changing how patients see results. Instead of just showing the familiar list of links, Google’s AI is now summarizing answers from a variety of sources, sometimes even skipping over those top-ranked websites.
A recent study by seoClarity looked at how much traditional rankings overlap with AI Mode citations. The short version? Being #1 doesn’t guarantee you’ll show up in AI answers.
That might sound frustrating, but there’s good news. This new search format creates new opportunities for dentists who know how to play the game. At My Social Practice, we’ve been keeping a close eye on these changes and we understand the unique challenges dental practices face when trying to stay visible online. We don’t just optimize for rankings anymore; we optimize for AI search engines and AI Mode visibility, too. Yeah, we’re pretty legit.
So, let’s break this down. What exactly did the research show, and what does it mean for your dental practice’s marketing strategy?
What the Study Looked At (In Plain English)
A team of SEO researchers wanted to know if traditional Google rankings (like showing up #1 for “dentist near me”) also meant you’d be featured in Google’s new AI Mode answers.
Think of it like this: if ranking on page one of Google is the dental equivalent of getting your name on the marquee out front, AI Mode is like Google’s receptionist answering the phone for you. The big question is: when patients ask questions in Google, does the AI receptionist mention your practice, or someone else’s?
To find out, researchers compared the top 20 “normal” search results with the websites that Google’s AI cited in its answers. They wanted to see how much overlap there was and whether being at the top really guaranteed visibility in this new AI-driven world.
The results were eye-opening (and maybe a little nerve-wracking if your only SEO goal has been chasing the #1 spot). But don’t worry. We’ll walk through the key takeaways and show you what it means for your practice.
Key Findings (Translated for Dentists)
Alright, let’s skip the spreadsheets and get straight to what matters for your practice. Here’s what the research revealed about Google AI Mode vs. traditional rankings and what it means for dentists:
1. Ranking high doesn’t guarantee visibility anymore
Even if your website is sitting proudly at the top of Google, AI Mode may or may not cite you. In fact, the #1 spot only showed up in AI answers 27% of the time. That’s about the same odds as a patient actually flossing every day (you know how that goes).
2. AI pulls from more than just the “winners”
Only 20% of AI Mode sources came from the top 20 search results. Translation: Google’s AI is casting a wide net, pulling answers from sites that aren’t even on page one. So even if you’re not ranking #1, you still have a chance to show up in AI answers—if your content is strong and comprehensive.
3. Breadth beats single keywords
Traditional SEO used to be about winning the battle for one main keyword, like “cosmetic dentist” or “dental implants.” But AI Mode doesn’t just stop there! It breaks questions into smaller sub-questions. For example:
- “What’s the cost of dental implants?”
- “How long does recovery take?”
- “What are the alternatives?”
If your site covers all those angles, you’re more likely to be pulled into AI results than if you just focus on one page about “dental implants.”
4. Topical authority is the new crown jewel
Instead of aiming for one shiny keyword crown, think of your website like a full set of teeth: the more strong, connected “teeth” (topics) you have, the healthier your whole smile (website) looks to Google’s AI. Wow, what a metaphor.
What This Means for Dental Marketing
So, what’s the takeaway for your dental practice? Simple: the SEO game is evolving, and Google AI Mode is rewriting the playbook.
Here’s what that looks like for dentists:
Don’t rely on one “magic keyword”
Ranking #1 for “dentist near me” or “teeth whitening [city name]” is still valuable, but it won’t guarantee you appear in AI Mode answers. Patients don’t just search for services, they ask questions. AI Mode responds to those questions, which means your website needs to cover them.
Think like your patients (and Google AI)
Patients rarely type in just one word. Instead, they ask:
- “Does insurance cover Invisalign?”
- “How painful is a root canal?”
- “What’s the difference between veneers and bonding?”
If your website answers these in plain language, you’re giving Google’s AI the exact kind of material it wants to cite.
Build topical authority
AI Mode rewards practices that demonstrate expertise across an entire subject. For example, if you have a main dental implants page AND supporting content like:
- a blog about implant recovery timelines,
- an FAQ on costs and financing,
- a patient testimonial about their experience,
…then Google sees you as more trustworthy on the topic and is more likely to surface your practice in AI-driven results.
Visibility = trust = patients
Patients want clear, trustworthy answers before they ever call your office. If Google’s AI finds your content helpful and cites you, your practice shows up right when patients are deciding who to trust with their smiles.
Practical Tips for Dentists to Stay Visible in AI Search
Let’s get to the “what do I actually do about this?” part. Here are some smart, actionable steps to help your dental practice stay visible in Google’s AI Mode:
1. Build content clusters, not just single pages
Think of your website like a mouth. Again. We’re returning to this metaphor because it works for everything. One strong tooth (a service page) is great, but a full, healthy set (service page + related blogs, FAQs, and videos) is what really makes the smile complete. AI Mode loves when your site covers a topic from every angle.
2. Answer patient questions directly
AI Mode is basically a Q&A machine. The more patient-friendly answers you publish, the more opportunities you have to be cited. Add FAQs to your service pages, write short blog posts that tackle common concerns, and use natural, conversational language (just like your patients would ask).
3. Keep SEO basics strong
Traditional dental SEO isn’t dead, it’s just evolving. Local SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, fast-loading websites, and mobile-friendly design all still matter. Ranking well improves your odds of being included in AI Mode, even if it doesn’t guarantee it.
4. Think beyond keywords: show authority
Instead of just targeting “Invisalign dentist [city name],” show that you’re an authority on the whole orthodontics topic. Share before-and-after cases, write blogs on lifestyle with aligners, or create a video about eating with Invisalign. The more comprehensive you are, the more signals you send to Google’s AI that you’re the trusted source.
5. Stay consistent with fresh content
AI Mode loves current, relevant answers. A blog you wrote five years ago on dental implants may not cut it anymore. Keep updating your site with new articles, patient education posts, and helpful guides so your practice stays competitive.
6. Partner with experts who get AI SEO
This is where we come in. At My Social Practice, we don’t just employ excellent dental metaphors in our content. We help dentists rank on Google and create strategies that keep your practice visible in AI search results, too. We know how to structure content, optimize for local visibility, and anticipate what Google’s AI will want to cite.
The Bottom Line for Dental Practices
Google’s new AI Mode may feel like a big shift, but here’s the truth: dentists who adapt now will have the edge. Ranking #1 on Google is still valuable, but it’s no longer the whole story.
The practices that will win in this digital wild west are the ones that:
- Build comprehensive, patient-friendly content
- Cover entire topics, not just single keywords
- Stay consistent with SEO basics while also optimizing for AI
We understand that dentists have unique needs when it comes to online marketing. We’ve been helping practices dominate local SEO for years, and now we’re applying the same expertise to keep our clients visible in Google AI Mode and other AI-driven search experiences.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about rankings, it’s about making sure patients find you, trust you, and call your office when they’re ready to book.
Ready to make sure your practice stays visible in Google’s AI search results? Contact My Social Practice today and let’s build an SEO strategy that works in 2025 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dental practice still show up in Google AI search if I rank #1?
Not necessarily. A recent study found that even websites ranked #1 in Google only appeared in AI Mode answers about 27% of the time. While high rankings help, Google’s AI Mode pulls from a variety of sources. To increase your chances of showing up, focus on creating comprehensive, patient-friendly content that answers common questions—not just one page optimized for a single keyword.
How can dentists optimize their websites for Google AI Mode?
Dentists can improve AI search visibility by building content clusters around each service. For example, if you offer dental implants, don’t just stop at one service page—add blogs about recovery, costs, insurance coverage, and patient FAQs. This demonstrates topical authority, which makes your site more likely to be cited in AI answers. Partnering with a dental marketing agency like My Social Practice can also ensure your content is structured for both traditional SEO and AI search.
Does local SEO still matter in the age of Google AI search?
Absolutely. Local SEO—like optimizing your Google Business Profile, getting reviews, and making sure your practice’s information is consistent online—still plays a huge role in helping patients find you. Google’s AI Mode may change how information is presented, but it still needs to know which dental practices are trusted, relevant, and nearby. Strong local SEO combined with AI-focused content gives your practice the best chance of being found.
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.
