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    You built a beautiful practice—but if you're not in Google's AI Overviews, patients won't see it

    May 2, 2025
    You may have built a five-star practice—but if you're not featured in Google's AI Overviews, new patients may never see it; find out how to fix that before your competitors do.

    You've worked for years to build the dental practice of your dreams. You studied hard in dental school, invested in continuing education, hired a skilled and caring staff, and designed an office that makes patients feel at home the moment they walk in. You've earned five-star reviews and offer services your community genuinely needs.

    So why are new patient calls slowing down in 2025? It may not be your pricing, location, or reputation. The problem could be something you've never even heard of yet: Google's AI Overviews.

    In this article, we'll break down what AI Overviews are, why they're now the first thing people see on Google, and what it takes to make sure your practice appears where patients are looking in 2025. Because in today's search landscape, you're almost invisible if you're not featured in an AI Overview.

    What are Google's AI Overviews?

    In early 2024, Google began rolling out a new search experience powered by artificial intelligence. Formerly called the Search Generative Experience (SGE), this feature is now known as AI Overviews—and it's completely changing seo for dentists how people find answers online.

    Instead of simply showing a list of search results, Google now uses AI to generate summarized answers at the very top of the search page. These summaries pull information from multiple sources and display it directly in the results—before users ever click a link.

    A real example

    Let's say a potential patient searches:

    "Do I need a crown or a filling?"

    They'd previously scroll through blog posts, dental clinic websites, and Q&A forums. They now see a Google-generated summary explaining the differences between crowns and fillings, when each is used, and how long they last.

    That summary includes links to websites Google used as sources—and that's where you want your practice to appear.

    Where do AI Overviews appear on the page?

    AI Overviews show up above all other search results—higher than:

    • Paid ads
    • Local map listings
    • Organic website links
    • "People also ask" sections

    In other words, they now take the most visible spot on the page. This placement makes them extremely influential in guiding what users read, click, and trust.

    You're front and center if your practice is featured in the AI Overview. If not, even a #1 ranking on the traditional results page may not get seen at all.

    Imagine a billboard over a highway. That's the AI Overview. Everything else is now just further down the road.

    How do AI Overviews show local dentists?

    Google's AI Overviews are also smart enough to understand local search intent. When someone searches for:

    • "emergency dentist near me"
    • "dental implants in Tampa"
    • "best kids' dentist in Chicago"

    The AI not only answers the user's question but also references nearby providers, often including:

    • Practice names
    • Services offered
    • Average review ratings
    • Hyperlinked website pages
    • Google Business listings

    If your site content and Google business profile align with what the AI is looking for, it might mention your practice directly—giving you unmatched exposure without paying for ads.

    Why dentists must pay attention in 2025

    You may wonder: "If I already have a great website and strong reviews, isn't that enough?"

    Unfortunately, not anymore.

    The new AI-powered experience is not based solely on traditional rankings. Instead, it's built on how well your site:

    • Answers patient questions clearly
    • Builds trust through expertise and relevance
    • Uses structured data to signal credibility to Google
    • Maintains fresh and helpful content

    If you're not actively optimizing your site for these criteria, Google's AI is likely pulling from other dentists' websites instead of yours. And that means fewer patients calling you.

    What it means when Google summarizes answers

    The goal of AI Overviews is to give users what they want—without having to visit multiple websites. This means people often read what Google shows them and stop right there.

    So when Google summarizes a topic like "types of teeth whitening" or "what to expect with Invisalign," it becomes the leading voice of authority. The websites it links to as sources get visibility and trust. The ones that aren't included? Not so much.

    This is why getting featured in an AI Overview is now one of the most powerful ways to attract new patients online.

    So, how do I optimize my dental website for AI Overviews?

    1. Answer specific patient questions on your website

    AI Overviews are designed to respond to user intent. That means they favor websites that clearly and directly answer real questions.

    Start by writing content that addresses topics like:

    • "How long does a root canal take?"
    • "What's the difference between veneers and bonding?"
    • "Is teeth whitening safe during pregnancy?"

    Each of these questions could be its own blog post or FAQ page. Write in a friendly, educational tone—just like you would when explaining something to a nervous patient.

    Tip: Use short paragraphs, clear subheadings, and plain language. The AI loves clarity.

    2. Use structured data (schema markup)

    Google's AI reads your content and the code behind it. That's where structured data—or schema markup—comes in.

    This behind-the-scenes code tells search engines:

    • What your page is about
    • Who you are (a local dental clinic)
    • Where you're located
    • What services do you offer
    • What questions does your page answer

    Using FAQ schema, LocalBusiness schema, and Review schema makes it easier for Google's AI to understand your site and include it in Overviews.

    3. Focus on local relevance

    AI Overviews don't just want the "best answer"—they want the most relevant one for the user's location.

    Make sure your website content includes the following:

    • The name of your city or neighborhood
    • Local keywords like "family dentist in Austin" or "emergency dental care near Atlanta"
    • Specific mentions of your service area, hours, and unique offerings
    • Embedded Google Maps or links to your Google Business Profile

    Doing this helps Google match your practice with local patient searches.

    4. Build a content cluster around core services

    Rather than writing one generic page for "cosmetic dentistry," create a group of related pages that support each other.

    Example cluster:

    • Main service page: Cosmetic Dentistry in Scottsdale
    • Blog: What to Expect With Dental Veneers
    • Blog: Teeth Whitening vs. Bonding: Which Is Right for You?
    • Blog: Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

    This depth shows Google that your site has topical authority, which makes you a stronger candidate for inclusion in Overviews.

    5. Keep your content fresh

    Google prefers up-to-date information. Update old blogs with new examples, patient testimonials, or current best practices. Refreshing content—even if it's a year or two old—can improve your chances of being referenced by AI. Think of it like routine hygiene for your website.

    What happens if you're not included in AI Overviews?

    The downside of this new system is clear: if you're not included in an AI Overview, your chances of being seen drop dramatically.

    Patients are:

    • Less likely to scroll past the summary
    • More likely to trust the sites listed in the AI panel
    • Less likely to click on your #1 ranked blog if it's beneath the fold

    This shift is why traditional SEO for dentists alone is no longer enough. It's time to evolve with the technology—and meet patients where they're now looking.

    Be the source Google trusts

    Your dental practice may be one of the best in your city—but if Google's AI doesn't know that, patients won't either. The good news? Most dental websites haven't caught up yet. That means you have a golden opportunity to get ahead by adapting now.

    By answering real patient questions, updating your content, improving local SEO, and using structured data, you can help Google's AI recognize your site as a trusted source—and earn a spot in those coveted Overviews. Because when it comes to SEO for dentists in 2025, it's no longer just about rankings. It's about being seen.

    Need help getting featured?

    Choosing a dental marketing agency specializing in helping dental professionals stay ahead of SEO changes is key if you want expert support optimizing your site for AI Overviews. Get your practice back in front of the patients who need you.

    FAQ

    1. Can I "submit" my content to Google's AI Overview?

    No, there's no submission tool for AI Overviews like ads or Google Business Profile updates. Google's AI automatically chooses which pages to summarize and link based on the content's clarity, accuracy, authority, and relevance. Your best strategy is to create trustworthy, well-organized, locally relevant content that Google naturally sees as valuable.

    2. Will my paid Google Ads still show up if AI Overviews are at the top?

    Yes, Google Ads can still appear—sometimes even above AI Overviews—but this varies depending on the type of query. That said, AI Overviews often push organic and paid results further down the page, so if you're relying heavily on ads, you may still see a decline in clicks unless you also invest in strong SEO for dentists.

    3. Can video or visual content help my site appear in AI Overviews?

    Yes, Google's AI increasingly recognizes rich media like videos, images, and diagrams, especially when paired with helpful on-page explanations. For example, embedding a video of a dentist explaining "how crowns work" can enhance your page's trustworthiness and educational value, improving your chances of being included.

    4. What's the difference between being in an AI Overview and a featured snippet?

    A featured snippet is a short excerpt (like a paragraph or list) pulled from one website and shown at the top of search results. An AI Overview, however, is generated by Google's AI and may include information from multiple sources, combining insights into a cohesive summary. Being referenced in an AI Overview is often more competitive but can drive even greater visibility.

    5. How long does it take to see results from optimizing for AI Overviews?

    SEO results are never instant, and AI Overview inclusion is no exception. You may see changes in a few weeks, especially if you improve a page that already ranks well. However, significant gains often take a few months, depending on how competitive your local market is and how frequently Google's systems recrawl your site.

    About the Author

    Adrian Lefler

    Adrian Lefler is the vice president of My Social Practice and manages the dental marketing team. If you would like to book him to speak at your event, you you may do so on the company’s dental marketing expert page.