Stay visible on AI platforms
Platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini are changing the way patients discover and choose a dentist. Instead of typing into a traditional search engine, more people are now asking AI questions like “Who is the best dentist near me?” or “What is Invisalign treatment?” and expecting accurate, trustworthy recommendations instantly.
So what does this mean for your dental practice?
The Shift to AI Search
While Google and other search engines are still hugely important, the growth of AI tools is opening up a new way people search for information. Instead of listing websites, they summarise content from across the internet to provide direct answers. For dental practices, this means your content needs to be clear, helpful and easily understood by the AI.
It’s still early days in the UK, and there is a lot we are learning. These AI tools are evolving quickly, and the exact way they choose which content to include is not yet fully transparent. However, there are some clear steps you can take to improve your visibility now and stay ahead of the curve.
Focus on High Quality, Authoritative Content
AI platforms are trained on huge amounts of text from across the web. To be featured in their answers, your website content should be:
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Written clearly, in a natural and informative tone
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Rich in detail and genuinely helpful to patients
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Structured well, using headings, FAQs and a logical layout
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Focused on specific treatments, services and patient concerns
If your site explains what treatments you offer, who they are suitable for, how they work and what patients can expect, it is far more likely that an AI will pull information from your site when someone asks a question.
Keep Your Content Local and Relevant
Many patient searches have a local element. AI platforms often use location to shape their answers. By making sure your location pages clearly explain where you are, what areas you serve and why patients in those areas choose you, you improve your chances of being featured.
If someone in Bournemouth asks ChatGPT, “Where can I get teeth whitening near me?” it is essential that your site content reflects your services in Bournemouth and that your contact details are easy for AI to identify and understand.
What is llms.txt?
One of the developments is the creation of a file called llms.txt. This works in a similar way to robots.txt, which tells search engines which pages they can or cannot crawl.
The llms.txt file helps you guide large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Gemini. It lets you control which parts of your website are available for these AI tools to learn from. It is not yet standard across all AI tools, but it is being adopted more widely and gives website owners greater control.
At Dental Design, we have already implemented the llms.txt file on your website. This ensures that your site is set up correctly and is part of the growing network of trusted sources these platforms look to for information.
In Summary
As AI-driven search continues to evolve, dental practices must adapt by enhancing their online presence with well-structured, patient-focused content and local relevance. Want to know how AI can help your practice? Get in touch with our team today!
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