How AI Search Is Changing Patient Discovery
If you’ve searched Google lately and noticed a big, instant answer sitting above the ads, then congratulations! You’re already familiar with AI Overviews, powered by Google Gemini. Pair that with how patients are already asking ChatGPT and Perplexity for “best dentist near me” advice, and the writing is on the wall. Traditional search result links are giving way to direct AI answers. The practices that adapt now will be the ones patients actually see and choose.
On a fresh episode of the Raving Patients podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Adrian Lefler, CEO of My Social Practice, to unpack what this shift means for your visibility, reviews, and website content.
In this post, we’ll translate the conversation into a practical plan: how AI Overviews work, why your Google Business Profile is suddenly the star of the show, and what to do this month to show up in AI-driven searches without publishing AI-generated word salad.
What’s Replacing Traditional SEO? Meet AI Overviews (and AI Mode)
For nearly two decades, dental SEO has revolved around ranking links. But Google’s newest shift replaces that entire model with something far smarter: AI Overviews.
Instead of scanning web pages and listing ten blue links, Google’s AI now reads, interprets, and answers user questions directly at the top of the results page. It summarizes key details from across multiple websites using its large language model, Gemini, and delivers one conversational, human-like response.
What’s more, Google has begun testing AI Mode, a deeper and more interactive search experience. Think of it as a private chat inside Google where patients can ask, “Who’s the best cosmetic dentist near me?” or “What should I expect at my first Invisalign appointment?” and get a precise answer without clicking away.
That convenience is exactly why this change matters. When a patient gets a perfect answer instantly, they don’t scroll. They don’t compare links. They take action, usually by clicking or calling the business listed inside that AI Overview.
For dental practices, this shift means visibility isn’t just about website optimization anymore. Successful dental marketing feeds AI the right information—from your Google Business Profile, reviews, and blog—to make sure your practice is the one the model chooses to recommend.
Your Google Business Profile and Reviews: The New Power Duo in AI Search
Before patients even reach your website, AI already knows who you are, and most of that knowledge comes straight from your Google Business Profile (GBP) and reviews. Together, they form the foundation of your visibility in both traditional and AI-generated search results.
AI tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT pull “chunks” of data from across the web, but for local businesses, they start with your GBP. That means your categories, services, and location details are essential. Add to that your reviews, photos, posts, and Q&A content, and you’ve built the dataset AI relies on to recommend your practice.
But even the best reviews can’t compensate for a poorly configured profile. Many dentists have hundreds of five-star reviews but still fail to appear in AI results because of small errors like listing “Doctor” instead of “Dentist” as the primary category or having mismatched contact information.
To get both AI and patients on your side:
- Verify and fully complete your GBP with accurate categories, services, and hours.
- Keep your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) consistent across all listings.
- Request reviews regularly and respond personally to each one.
- Encourage patients to mention specific treatments or experiences.
When your GBP is optimized and your reviews are active, AI sees your practice as trustworthy and relevant.
GEO, AEO, and AI Search: Why These New Acronyms Actually Matter
As AI-driven search becomes the norm, a wave of new marketing terms has appeared. You may have heard of GEO, AEO, AI SEO, and AIO. If that’s a confusing alphabet soup, don’t worry. Let’s break it down.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) means optimizing your content for AI-generated answers rather than old-fashioned link rankings. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) focuses on making your content the answer to patient questions, especially conversational ones like, “Who’s the best Invisalign dentist near me?” or “What’s the safest way to whiten teeth before a wedding?”
Together, these fall under the broader umbrella of AI SEO, which blends traditional SEO tactics with new strategies that help your practice appear in Google’s AI Overviews (AIO) and other AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity.
Even though AI search still represents a small slice of total traffic, it converts far better.
That means the patients who find you through AI aren’t casually browsing. Instead, they’re ready to call, click, or book.
So instead of building keyword-stuffed pages, focus on clear, conversational content that directly answers patient questions. Make sure your Google Business Profile and blog posts include real, helpful information written in natural language.
The 3 Things to Do This Month to Get Found in AI Search
If all this talk of algorithms and acronyms feels overwhelming, here’s the good news: your next steps are simple and doable. Adrian broke it down into three clear action items that every dental practice can start today to prepare for AI-driven search.
1. Fix and Fuel Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile is the first place AI looks, and it’s often the only source it needs to understand who you are, what you do, and where you are.
Start by:
- Verifying your GBP and ensuring your primary category is correct (“Dentist,” not “Doctor”).
- Completing all service categories and adding specific treatment listings (e.g., “Teeth Whitening,” “Dental Implants”).
- Uploading new photos monthly and posting updates or offers weekly.
- Responding to every review—positive or negative—with warmth and professionalism.
- Using Q&A and Posts to share helpful patient information.
These updates help AI understand your practice better than your competitors’.
2. Start Blogging with Purpose (and Questions)
Sorry, but a blog isn’t optional anymore; it’s how you “feed” the AI with credible, relevant information.
Each post should:
- Address a specific patient question, like “How long does Invisalign take?”
- Include 5 FAQs at the bottom that mirror how patients might phrase voice or AI searches.
- Use conversational, authentic language that feels like you’re speaking to a patient.
Remember: the best AI results come from real stories, not robotic text. Tell personal experiences, case stories, or everyday tips in your voice, then let AI tools help clean and format them for SEO.
3. Tighten Up Your Technical SEO
Even the most engaging blog or polished profile won’t matter if your website is slow, broken, or confusing to crawl. Large language models scan information in nanoseconds. If your site can’t load quickly or return clear data, it’s skipped.
Ask your web team to:
- Test page speed and fix anything that slows loading.
- Repair broken links or outdated redirects.
- Check for mobile responsiveness and correct schema markup.
- Ensure the site’s security certificate (HTTPS) and sitemap are up to date.
Think of these three tasks as the foundation for AI success. Nail them now, and your practice will be ready when AI search officially becomes the norm, not scrambling to catch up after your competitors already dominate it.
Prepare Now, Benefit for Years
Just as early adopters of Google Reviews and local SEO saw explosive growth a decade ago, dentists who begin optimizing for AI search today will own the spotlight tomorrow.
As Google Gemini continues to evolve and AI Overviews take over the top of search results, the practices that have:
- A complete, optimized Google Business Profile
- A steady stream of authentic patient reviews
- Fast, technically sound websites
- And authentic, conversational blog content
…will be the ones appearing directly in AI-generated answers, right where patients are making decisions.
For most practices, all you have to do is start small, but start now. Clean up your GBP, write one meaningful blog post a month, and talk to a trusted marketing partner about AI readiness.
In This Episode:
Dr. Len Tau, President and CEO of Tau Dental Consulting
Chosen as one of the top leaders in dental consulting by Dentistry Today, Len Tau, DMD, has dedicated his professional life to improving dentistry for both patients and other dentists. Dr. Tau lectures nationally and internationally on using internet marketing, social media, and reputation marketing and hosts the Raving Patients podcast.
Adrian Lefler, CEO and Co-founder of My Social Practice
Adrian Lefler, CEO of My Social Practice, is a seasoned expert in the dental marketing industry with 14 years of experience. He is widely recognized for his engaging and informative presentations. Based in Suncrest, Utah, Adrian shares his life with his wife, four children, and a lively mix of pets. My Social Practice is a leading dental marketing company, and Adrian is passionate about helping dental professionals succeed in this dynamic field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will AI Overviews affect how patients find dentists on Google?
AI Overviews use Google’s Gemini technology to generate direct, summarized answers at the top of search results, often before ads or website links. Instead of showing a list of ten websites, Google now tells patients which dental practices best match their needs. To show up here, dentists must keep their Google Business Profile complete, collect consistent reviews, and publish content that answers real patient questions.
What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) for dentists?
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the process of optimizing your dental practice’s online presence for AI-generated search results. Rather than relying only on traditional keywords and backlinks, GEO focuses on structured, conversational content that AI models like Gemini or ChatGPT can understand and summarize accurately. Think FAQs, blog posts written in natural language, and a fully optimized Google Business Profile.
Can dentists use AI tools like ChatGPT to write blogs or marketing content?
Yes, but only when used correctly. AI tools like ChatGPT can help dentists organize ideas, polish grammar, or optimize blog formatting. However, starting with authentic, experience-based content is essential. Search engines and AI tools reward originality, not copy-pasted “word salad.” The best approach is to record your own insights or patient stories, then use AI to refine and format your post for readability and SEO.
