Americans search Yellow Pages for a brighter smile

    Feb. 6, 2006
    "Dentist" Yellow Pages heading is referenced 264 million times a year.

    Berkeley Heights, N.J. -- With a growing number of ways to attain a clean, straight and white smile, more than 46 million Americans look for dentists each year in the Yellow Pages, reports the Yellow Pages Association.

    In fact, the "Dentist" Yellow Pages heading generates more than 264 million lookups per year, ranking eighth out of more than 4,000 headings.

    According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the most commonly performed dental procedures include check-up examinations (25 percent), crown/bridge work (24 percent), and direct bonding (19 percent).

    In the past five years, nearly 40 percent of dental practices report growth of more than 15 percent in the number of cosmetic dental procedures performed, underscoring the recent cosmetic dental boom," said Eric Nelson, director of public relations for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

    "Americans seeking cosmetic dental treatments can find an AACD member dentist in their local area by visiting the AACD's Web site, www.aacd.com, before and after referencing the Yellow Pages."

    Demonstrating the power of Yellow Pages in a buying decision after referencing the "Dentist" heading, 83 percent of users make contact with a dentist by phone, in person or by mail. These figures lead to $8 of revenue for every $1 spent on Yellow Pages display advertising by local dentists.

    "Dentists have historically relied on print and Internet Yellow Pages to help generate business because of the medium�s high return on investment," said Larry Small, director of research for the YPA. "In fact, the average dentist Yellow Pages display ad generates more than $137,000 in revenue annually."

    For more information on specific Yellow Pages headings, please visit the Yellow Pages Association Web site at www.ypassociation.org/research/index.cfm.