Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Kids Dental Marketing Podcast! In this exciting debut, we have the privilege of sitting down with none other than Dr. Jerry Lanier, The Entrepreneur Dentist himself. Dr. Lanier has decades of experience revolutionizing the way pediatric dental practices are marketed and managed. From building successful dental practices to developing innovative marketing strategies, Dr. Lanier has seen it all.



This episode dives deep into the past, present, and future of dental marketing—exploring timeless principles, the evolution of advertising, and how embracing modern tools like artificial intelligence (AI) can propel a practice to the next level.








https://youtu.be/OK3cHI_2Txo?si=LMAMrzsjq0FgnLoC




Whether you’re an experienced dentist, a new practice owner, or someone fascinated by the intersection of healthcare and business, this conversation offers insights you won’t want to miss.



And the best part? You can listen to the full episode right here on this page. Scroll down and hit play!











Key Takeaways from the Episode







1. The Evolution of Marketing in Dentistry



Dr. Lanier shares his firsthand experiences from the days of billboards and bus stop ads to the present era of social media and AI-driven strategies. He emphasizes that while the tools may change, the principles of marketing—community outreach, strong branding, and consistent messaging—remain timeless. The focus is always on connecting with patients where they are, whether it’s in their neighborhoods or on their smartphones.



2. Digital Marketing and Why It Matters



Dr. Lanier highlights the massive shift from traditional media to digital platforms. He discusses the importance of a robust online presence, explaining that today’s patients—especially millennial parents—are glued to their phones. If your dental practice isn’t optimized for the digital world, you’re missing out on countless opportunities to grow your patient base.



Key points include:




* The necessity of managing social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.



* Running targeted ads through Google and social media to attract local patients.



* The power of reviews and how they directly impact your clinic’s reputation.




3. The Role of Creativity in Dental Marketing



Marketing isn’t just about spending big bucks on ads; it’s about crafting messages that resonate. Dr. Lanier explains the significance of creativity, recounting campaigns that emphasized patient experiences and happy outcomes. However, he also cautions against being too abstract—your creative efforts must always have a clear call to action.



4. Patient Retention vs. New Patient Acquisition



While many clinics focus solely on attracting new patients, Dr. Lanier stresses the importance of patient retention. Happy patients lead to repeat visits, glowing reviews, and word-of-mouth referrals—all invaluable to a growing practice.



5. Building a Brand Beyond Yourself



One of the standout lessons Dr. Lanier shares is the value of creating a brand that transcends the individual dentist. Instead of focusing on personal names, he advocates for building a practice that’s a recognizable brand in itself—one that can be sold or passed on when the time comes.



“Your brand should outlive you,” he says. “Build something bigger than yourself.”