Educating Patients & Connecting Them to Membership Plans.

How to Attract New Patients Without Relying on Insurance or Costly Ads [Real Strategies Inside]

April 02, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Lisa Rasmussen

If you’ve been wondering how to attract new patients to your dental or healthcare practice, chances are you’ve tried everything from online ads to postcard mailers—and still felt like you were spinning your wheels.

You’re not alone.

Many providers face the same frustration: rising ad costs, decreasing insurance reimbursements, and patients who are overwhelmed, underinsured, or skipping care altogether.

Here’s the truth: patients aren’t just looking for a provider—they’re looking for affordable care they can trust.

And that’s why practices across the U.S. are turning to a powerful, underutilized tool: in-office dental membership plans. Let’s explore how this approach—combined with platforms like The Patient Marketplace—can help you attract new patients consistently and affordably.


The Real Problem: Why Traditional Strategies Fall Short

In today’s market, simply existing online isn’t enough. Patients are bombarded with ads. They’re confused by insurance jargon. And many don’t even have coverage at all.

Here’s what keeps them from booking:

  • Fear of unknown costs
  • No dental insurance
  • Low trust from over-promising ads
  • Limited transparency from providers

So, when they find a dentist who offers simple, honest, affordable pricing—they notice. And they book.


The Modern Solution: Attract New Patients With Membership Plans

Imagine this scenario: a patient visits your site or sees your listing on The Patient Marketplace. They don’t have insurance—but instead of walking away, they see a clear offer:

“Join our Membership Plan—$29/month for cleanings, exams, and 20% off all treatments. No insurance needed.”

Suddenly, the stress disappears. You’ve removed their biggest barrier. Now, you’re not just another dental office. You’re the obvious choice.

That’s the magic of in-office membership plans. They:

  • Attract self-pay patients who previously delayed care
  • Build loyalty by removing the insurance middleman
  • Increase case acceptance with upfront pricing
  • Provide recurring monthly revenue for your practice

Real Story: How a $35/Month Plan Attracted 40+ New Patients in 60 Days

Dr. Ramos, a general dentist in Tampa, was tired of battling corporate chains for local patients. His team created a $35/month membership plan that included:

  • Two cleanings per year
  • One exam + x-rays
  • 15% off additional services

He listed the plan on ThePatientMarketplace.com—a platform designed to connect patients with dental practices offering simple, transparent membership plans.

The results?

  • 42 new patients in two months
  • 3x increase in plan sign-ups
  • Boosted revenue from higher treatment acceptance

“We were invisible before. Now we’re booked weeks out with patients who already understand and value what we offer.” — Dr. Ramos, DDS


Why The Patient Marketplace Helps You Attract New Patients Instantly

Unlike traditional marketing, The Patient Marketplace doesn’t rely on interruption or gimmicks. It’s where real patients go to find real, affordable care.

What makes it powerful?

  • Patients search by location and membership price
  • No insurance required—appeals to the uninsured
  • You keep 100% of the patient revenue
  • No commissions, hidden fees, or middlemen

It’s like having your own personal dental marketing team—without the overhead.


How to Attract New Patients Step-by-Step

1. Create an Irresistible Membership Plan

Offer preventive care plus a treatment discount. Keep it simple and price it competitively. Consider tiered options for individuals, couples, or families.

2. List Your Practice on The Patient Marketplace

Join ThePatientMarketplace.com, upload your plan details, and get discovered by local patients searching for affordable care.

3. Promote the Plan on Your Website

Add a “No Insurance? No Problem” banner. Create a dedicated page outlining your plan’s benefits with an easy call-to-action to join.

4. Train Your Team

Make sure front desk and clinical staff understand the plan, can explain it clearly, and are confident promoting it.

5. Use Testimonials and Social Proof

Highlight happy members who saved big or received care they couldn’t afford before. Make it relatable.


Membership Plan vs. Traditional Insurance: A Clear Advantage

Feature Membership Plan Traditional Insurance
Pricing Transparency ✔️ Clear, upfront ❌ Often confusing
Monthly Cost Low, predictable High premiums
Waiting Periods ❌ None ✔️ Yes, usually 6–12 months
Coverage Limits ❌ None ✔️ Annual maximums
Claims Process ❌ Not needed ✔️ Complex, slow
Control ✔️ 100% yours ❌ Controlled by insurers

Patients are tired of being left in the dark. Your membership plan puts them back in control.


FAQs

How do I attract new patients who don’t have insurance?
Offer a membership plan and list it on platforms like The Patient Marketplace. These patients are actively looking for care they can afford.

Will patients actually sign up for these plans?
Yes. When marketed clearly, membership plans attract patients who value predictable, affordable care.

Is The Patient Marketplace free to join?
There are low-cost listing options, but the return on investment is typically much higher than paid advertising.

Can I still accept insurance patients?
Absolutely. You can serve both—just offer the membership plan as an alternative for self-pay patients.

What’s the ideal pricing for a membership plan?
Most successful plans fall between $25–$45/month or $300–$500/year depending on included services.


Final Thoughts: Your Future Growth Starts with One Simple Change

Learning how to attract new patients isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about understanding what modern patients want: affordability, clarity, and trust.

When you offer in-office membership plans and make them discoverable on The Patient Marketplace, you turn passive visitors into loyal patients—without begging for clicks or battling insurance companies.

Want to start attracting patients who value what you offer?
Get listed on ThePatientMarketplace.com and turn your membership plan into a growth machine.


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Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. Jordon loves helping patients save on care & writing tips in dentistry, optometry and the spa industries. Jordon is passionate about music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas.