When it comes to scaling your dental practice, having the right dental marketing consultant in your corner is like having Yoda teach you the ways of the Force—except instead of lightsabers, we’re talking about clicks, patient retention, and recurring revenue. The best consultants don’t just help you fill chairs; they help you attract the right patients, grow your membership plans, and make sure your marketing dollars actually deliver a return.
Let me introduce you to some of my favorite marketing wizards and share what to look for in a consultant that will transform your practice into a well-oiled revenue machine.
Meet My Favorite Dental Marketing Geniuses
1. Minal Sampat: The Queen of Marketing Strategy
Minal doesn’t just talk the talk; she’s a walking encyclopedia of dental marketing knowledge. From crafting killer social media campaigns to optimizing your patient acquisition strategies, Minal knows how to connect with your audience and keep them engaged.
Her expertise in retention marketing is especially clutch—because the only thing better than attracting new patients is keeping the ones you already have.
2. Xaña Winnans: Branding Genius at Golden Proportions
Xaña and her team at Golden Proportions bring more than just flashy designs—they deliver branding strategies that stick. If your dental practice doesn’t have a clear identity, Xaña will help you craft one that resonates with your ideal patients and keeps them coming back.
Plus, her understanding of how branding ties into patient acquisition and retention makes her a powerhouse for practices looking to stand out in a crowded market.
3. Gary Bird: SMC National’s Growth Architect
If you want digital marketing that actually works, Gary Bird at SMC National is your guy. Gary’s focus on data-driven strategies and patient acquisition costs (PAC) is next level. He doesn’t just help you throw money at Google Ads; he helps you understand how much it costs to acquire a new patient and how long it takes to break even.
Gary also gets that membership plans are the holy grail of quality revenue. If you’re ready to scale predictably, this is your guy.
4. Jake Goates
Jake’s Custom Dental Marketing Blueprints offer dental practices a tailored, results-driven approach to stand out and thrive in competitive markets. These personalized strategies go beyond one-size-fits-all solutions, providing a comprehensive roadmap designed to meet each practice’s unique needs and goals. Through a deep audit of current marketing efforts—analyzing online presence, patient acquisition funnels, and growth opportunities—Jake crafts a step-by-step plan to drive measurable success. From SEO and Google Ads to social media engagement and offline initiatives, every recommendation aligns with the practice’s brand and values. With these blueprints, dental professionals gain clarity, confidence, and a powerful strategy to attract, engage, and retain patients, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional care while their marketing drives sustainable growth.
What to Look for in a Dental Marketing Consultant
Before you hire just anyone, make sure they understand these key areas:
1. Patient Acquisition Costs and Payback Periods
Good consultants know that patient acquisition costs (PAC) and payback periods are critical. They should help you answer questions like:
- How much are you spending to get each new patient?
- How long does it take to recoup that cost?
- Are you getting a return on your marketing investment?
If your consultant can’t explain this in plain English, it’s time to swipe left.
2. Membership Plans and Quality of Revenue
It’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality. Consultants who understand membership plans know that members spend 4.3x more than PPO patients and generate predictable Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR).
Your consultant should help you:
- Create and scale a membership plan.
- Market it to uninsured patients.
- Use it to boost retention and case acceptance.
3. Digital Marketing and Retention
A great consultant doesn’t just get patients in the door—they keep them coming back. Look for someone who knows how to:
- Run targeted Google Ads and social media campaigns.
- Build retention strategies like email follow-ups and loyalty programs.
- Analyze data to improve marketing performance over time.
Why Membership Plans Are the Secret Sauce
If your dental marketing consultant isn’t talking about patient membership plans, they’re missing the big picture. Here’s why:
- Membership patients spend $2,150/year, compared to just $500/year for PPO patients.
- Members are loyal, stick around longer, and say “yes” to treatment more often.
- Membership plans generate recurring revenue, reducing your dependence on one-off visits.
Pro Tip: How to Work with Your Consultant
Once you’ve found the perfect consultant, maximize your results by:
- Setting Clear Goals: Are you focused on new patient acquisition, retention, or revenue growth?
- Tracking Metrics: Work together to monitor PAC, MRR, and lifetime patient value.
- Staying Involved: Don’t just hand over the reins. Collaborate regularly to refine strategies and adjust as needed.
Final Thoughts: Hire Smart, Grow Big
Hiring the right dental marketing consultant can take your practice from good to legendary. Whether you’re working with rockstars like Minal Sampat, Xaña Winnans, or Gary Bird, or you’re building your own team, focus on consultants who understand PAC, membership plans, and retention strategies.
Because in the end, it’s not just about more patients—it’s about better patients, higher revenue, and a thriving practice. Now, go hire your Jedi master and get ready to dominate.
If you are looking for Dental Business Consultants, read here!