If you live in one of the four main cities within the huge Las Vegas Valley - Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City - there are most likely a number of dental practices close by your home or workplace.
*** Hidden Dental Practices ***
You may have seen a few, but there are a lot of clinics you aren’t aware of.
That’s because regardless of the reality that there are more than twelve hundred dentists in the Las Vegas Valley, their offices may be off the main streets or hidden in the sprawl.
*** The Phone Book ***
Of course, you can always use the yellow pages.
In fact, the Las Vegas Valley Embark Yellow Pages has 66 pages of listings for dentists!
So, good luck using the phone book to find a nearby dental office.
In a way it’s a shame, but the internet is quickly making the phonebook obsolete.
Also, only the dentists who can afford to pay the big bucks (thousands a year) get the jumbo, full or half-page color yellow page ads that get a greater response rate.
The normal listings are all but useless.
But here’s a tip: The largest ad doesn’t necessarily mean the best choice for a dentist.
Don’t be led astray…
*** The Big Valley ***
Another thing to consider is that the Las Vegas Valley encompasses a vast amount of real estate.
In fact, it’s approximately 600 square miles with about 65 zip codes.
Now, it’s clear that the average person will be as selective about their dentist as they are their place of worship. And they will make certain sacrifices along those lines.
Put another way, people will normally travel quite a distance to get what they desperately desire.
*** Driving And Stress ***
However, most people would prefer not to travel the entire valley to go to a dental appointment (or church, for that matter), if they don’t have to.
And when you consider the average person’s aversion to the dentist, the last thing they want is to add a long and probably stress-filled drive to something they are already dreading - their appointment.
Ok, so closer is better for most people.
So, once more, what’s the best way to choose a local dentist?
*** Use The Internet ***
These days, with the possible exception of word-of-mouth, your best bet is the internet.
So, you have four cities in a 600 square mile area with 65 zip codes and over 1,200 dentists.
What’s the first step?
Pick your preferred search engine.
*** Use The Right Search Terms ***
Into the search box, type something like: local dentist, or find Henderson Geriatric Dentist.
If you are interested in finding a specialist, you can use terms like these: Boulder City Endodontist or Boulder City braces dentist.
The advancements in search technology now allow the major engines to auto-display listings for your local area without you telling them where you live.
Check it out by just typing something like: locate a general dentist, local cosmetic dentist or even just the root term itself, like: gum specialist or holistic dentist.
Another trick you can use with Google and the other large search engines - like Yahoo and MSN - is to simply type the search term and your zip code into the search field for relevant local listings.
From there, you can also use the maps function to see exactly where a specific listing is in proximity to your home or work.
While in maps view, you can get driving directions and distances, as well.
So, test search terms such as these next few to get ultra focused: oral hygienist 89138 , emergency dentist 89121 or you might even try something like: whiter teeth 89032.
You don’t have to use words like “a” or “an”, because the search engines automatically overlook those words anyway.
The majority of searchers type-in grammatically correct sentences. But in reality, Google (and other search engines) operate best without the use of adverbs.
*** The Search Listings ***
There’s something you should know as you go internet searching for a local dentist, though.
There are a lot of junky dental sites out there.
It’s sad, but the majority of dental sites seem to be mini-directories where only a few applicable dentists are represented.
In other words, only those dentists who have paid the site owner for a listing will be found on these directory types of sites.
All others will NOT be among the available choices, so you are only exposed to a tiny sample of existing dental practices.
Things are getting better online, however, as the search engines refine their listings and a growing number of dentists have their own sites.
Unfortunately, the average dentist can only be found several pages deep in search engine listings for common terms like those given earlier.
*** It’s All About Marketing ***
It’s the same online as offline - if no one can find you, you don’t exist.
Clearly, becoming a dentist doesn’t also include an education in business and marketing.
Thus, the common challenge of finding a good local dentist.
In the end, it’s only those dental practices who effectively place and market themselves within the community who are the most successful.
An added benefit of effective advertising and marketing is the additional word-of-mouth referrals for new patients from the increased flow of newly signed-up patients.
*** Persistence Pays ***
Ok, you’ve been warned about the challenges of finding a good dental practice. But we’re confident that with a little persistence and by using the tips we’ve provided, you’ll be successful.
Hopefully, you’ve found this article to be informative and helpful.
*** Free Dental Guide For Las Vegas Valley Residents ***
Las Vegas Valley residents, grab our Free Dental Guide packed with industry-insider information you should know about the dentist and treatment you choose.
Popularity: 27% [?]
Technorati Tags: Boulder City, cosmetic dentist, family dentist, find a dentist, general dentist, Henderson, implant dentist, Las Vegas, local dentist, nearby dentist, North Las Vegas
Recent Comments