You’ve got 10 minutes between patients … enough to scroll through social media, not plan posts. But consistent content is what keeps your dental practice top of mind.
Key Takeaways:
- Social media helps dentists build trust, attract new patients, and stay top of mind between visits.
- Patients expect an active online presence; even one post a week makes a difference.
- Written consent is required before posting any patient-related content.
- Use a mix of educational, human, seasonal, and interactive posts to engage different audiences.
- Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer built-in tools for Stories, carousels, polls, and Q&As.
- Meta ads let you reach local patients efficiently with options like carousels, reminders, and targeted promotions.
- For hands-off success, Hibu manages your social ads so you stay visible without doing the heavy lifting.
Social media for dentists isn’t simply about having a page. It’s how you stay visible, build trust, and attract new patients between visits.
Many teams struggle to post regularly or run out of ideas fast. But you don’t need to be a full-time marketer to make it work.
We’ve put together 25 dental social media post ideas you can use on Facebook, Instagram, and more. Whether you’re posting solo or running social ads, these examples help engage, convert, and grow your practice. But why does social media even matter?
[Related: Online Marketing for Dentists: A Beginner’s Guide]
Why social media marketing matters for dentists
Your website explains what you do as a dentist; your social media shows who you are. The distinction matters when patients look around for a local provider.
Potential patients expect you to have an active online presence before they book an appointment. They want to know your team, values, and experience. Dental social media marketing fills the gaps.
It’s not about chasing likes or going viral. Strategic posts help on real-world fronts like:
- Building trust through imagery and photographs
- Educating patients on common procedures and oral hygiene
- Showing your practice’s human side, like your team, community ties, and personality
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram (Meta) also offer powerful local targeting and retargeting tools. Which means you avoid wasting your social content and dental ads on people outside your region. And the ROI is solid: a $10 Facebook ad reaches 2,417 users on average.
As for posts, about one a week helps your name stay relevant. Together, dental ads and personal posts can place you on a patient’s shortlist.
But there are a few things to keep in mind before you press “publish.”
[Related: What is UGC and Why Does Your Local Business Need It?]
Social media post best practices
A great dental post can attract new patients, but a careless one can cause confusion or even violate HIPAA. Here’s how to set your social media content up for success from the start:
- Get patient permission, in writing - Any content that lists a patient’s name, face, or health story needs written consent. When in doubt, leave it out.
- Choose the right platforms - Facebook is the best place to start, with its 2.11 billion daily users and ad capabilities. Instagram better suits visual-first posts.
- Be consistent, not constant - You don’t have to post daily. A steady weekly rhythm builds you up without burnout.
- Think local and personal - Highlight your team, town, and values. Stock photos and bland captions don’t nurture the same kind of connection.
- Use simple tools - Free tools like Canva, Buffer, or Facebook’s built-in scheduler make it easier to plan ahead. Good social media management for dentists hinges on habits.
[Related: 8 Creative Ways to Increase Patient Volume for Doctors and Dentists]
25 dental social media post ideas
These dental social post ideas are in categories for quick navigability (you’re already busy running a practice).
You can tweak each idea for various social media platforms, depending on your audience and goal. Make them shorter, longer, more casual, more formal …: whatever the situation calls for.
Educational posts patients appreciate
Educational posts help increase trust, especially when you offer clear, friendly, and useful information. Posts like this help your patients take better care of their teeth and feel more confident in your dental services.
1. Oral hygiene tips
Give short, practical advice your patients can use anytime.
Example- “Brushing harder doesn’t mean cleaner teeth. It can considerably wear down your tooth enamel! Use gentle, circular motions instead.”
2. Mythbusting posts
Clear up common misconceptions and show your expertise in the process.
Example- “Myth: Baby teeth don’t matter. Fact: Baby teeth help kids chew, speak, and hold space for adult teeth. Ignoring them can lead to pain, infection, and long-term alignment issues.”
3. FAQs in video or carousel form
Answer common patient questions before they walk through your door.
Example- “Q: Is flossing really that important? A: Absolutely! Flossing cleans where your toothbrush can’t reach.”
4. Procedure walkthroughs
Ease anxiety by explaining what to expect during one of your treatments.
Example- “Worried about root canals? That’s understandable! Here’s exactly what happens and why most patients say it’s no big deal.”
Tip: A carousel is a swipeable post with multiple slides. It’s great for breaking down procedures, FAQs, or step-by-step tips.
[Related: How to Add a Location on Instagram (and Why You Should)]
Behind the scenes and the human side
Not every social media post has to be about oral health just because you’re a dentist. Patients connect with the people behind the practice. These posts help your team feel approachable and real, especially for patients nervous about sitting in the chair.
5. Staff intros + fun facts
Introduce your team one by one, and add a personal detail and photo.
Example- “Meet Kim, our lead hygienist. She’s been with us for 7 years and likes to binge-watch M.A.S.H. in her spare time.”
6. “Day in the life” reels
Show a video compilation of a normal day at your practice.
Example- “Come spend a day with us, from morning huddles to cleanings to the last high-five at checkout.”
7. Birthday, anniversary, and milestone celebrations
Champion your team’s wins, personal and professional.
Example- “Happy 10-year workiversary to Dr. Burroughs! We’re so lucky to have your kind grin (and wisecracks) on our team.”
8. Why I became a [role]
Let each team member share what inspired their career in dental care.
Example- “‘I became a dental assistant because I grew up terrified of the dentist! Now I help our patients feel calm and confident.’ —Marissa”
Tip: A Reel is a short-form vertical video on Meta, usually 60 seconds or less. It’s perfect for human moments, day-in-the-life content, and photo-first tips.
[Related: Digital Marketing Musts That Most Local Businesses Overlook]
Patient spotlights (with permission)
Real stories from real dental patients build powerful social proof. When someone sees a neighbor or friend trust your practice, it lifts barriers and opens the door for patient demand.
9. Smile transformation stories
Highlight before-and-after dental results, alongside a short backstory (always get a signed release).
Example- “James came to us hoping to feel confident about his upcoming wedding day. Six months later, this smile says it all.”
10. Testimonials in patients’ own words
Let happy patients speak for themselves and ask them to please note the treatment they had. You can often repurpose these as review snippets, longer videos, links, and more for your website.
Example- “‘I avoided the dentist for years. Too many! Now I feel supported and never judged at Stellar Smiles. Thank you to the entire team. My implants look amazing!’ —Melissa R.”
11. “Why I chose [Your Practice]” series
Invite patients to share what made them pick your practice. This content resonates with new patients shopping around for dental treatment.
Example- “‘I chose [Your Practice Name] because the front desk truly listened. They connected me to a dental assistant right away, and they paid attention to my fears.’ —Tony, first-time patient”
Tip: You can share patient testimonials as quote graphics, video clips, or carousel posts. And their ROI? Up to 500%. Again (because we can’t stress this enough), ensure you have signed consent!
[Related: Social Media Management Tips for Small Businesses]
Seasonal and community content
Show patients that you’re part of their world, not just their routine dental appointments. These social posts help you stay visible during holidays, connect with your community, and build goodwill.
12. Holiday greetings
A warm seasonal message keeps your practice in patients’ feeds during the year-end rush. Take advantage of major holidays as well as not-so-common ones.
Example- “Wishing you a bright, merry, and cavity-free holiday season from all of us at [Your Practice]!”
13. Community events
Spotlight your presence at events or your support for local causes.
Example- “We’ll be at the Downtown Health Fair this Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop by for free toothbrush kits and smiles!”
14. Back-to-school dental tips
Share seasonal advice that’s timely and helpful for parents and students alike.
Example- “Back to school means back to routine. Here’s how to keep kids’ teeth healthy between lunch and late-night snacks.”
15. Staff picks: Local faves
Give your team a voice while showing support for local businesses.
Example- “Sarah Q., one of our hygienists, absolutely swears by Daily Grind Coffee. What’s your favorite local coffee shop?”
Tip: Tag local business and event pages on Facebook or Instagram when you mention them. Your name gets out there without spending a dime, especially with reposts and comments.
[Related: 3 Reasons Why You Should Use Online Content to Attract Customers to Your Local Business]
Interactive and engaging posts
Social media isn’t merely a broadcast tool; it’s a two-way conversation about your dental practice. Interactive posts invite people to engage with your content, while you can show off your personality.
Likes, comments, and shares also help your posts reach more people organically.
16. Polls and quizzes
Keep it simple and dental-themed, whether you go for fun or education.
Example- “How long do you brush your teeth? A. 1 minute, B. 2 minutes, C. I lose track.”
17. Caption contests (with dental humor)
Post a funny image and invite social followers to caption it. Reward the contest winners you choose with shoutouts or neat office swag.
Example- “Caption this: Dr. Hill mid-yawn during an after-hours emergency root canal.”
18. Q&A sessions in stories
Use the question-box feature on Instagram or Facebook Stories to answer patient questions.
Example- “We’re doing a Q&A all day, so drop your dental questions, and we’ll answer a few on video.”
19. New scrub color vote
Let patients be part of small office decisions. It gives your practice flavor and shows you care about patient input.
Example- "We’re picking new scrubs, and we’ve ruled out the groovy Tooth Fairy print. Help us decide: green, gray, or blue?”
Tip: Instagram and Facebook Stories have built-in poll and Q&A features. Access them through the sticker tray when creating a Story. Casual engagement and quick responses are good fits.
[Related: Using fun, fast social media posts for your small business]
Promotional posts that aren’t salesy
Dental promotions don’t have to be pushy. Frame them with clarity and care, and they foster interest and reward loyal patients. And they do it without sounding like commercials.
Promo posts are more effective with visuals, video walkthroughs, or short text that emphasizes patient benefits.
20. New patient specials
Present a clear offer, making it easy for new patients to choose you instead of the office down the street.
Example- “New here? Schedule your first visit and get a free take-home whitening kit. Just mention this post!”
21. New technology highlights
Show off new tools that improve patient comfort, speed, or outcomes. Tie it to people more than the tech itself.
Example- “We’ve added digital X-rays to minimize exposure and maximize results. Enjoy safer, faster care with the same friendly faces.”
22. Referral program highlights
Offer a reward to encourage your current patients to spread the word.
Example- “Love your smile? Refer a friend to [Your Practice] and get a $25 credit toward your next visit. Everyone wins.”
Tip: Pair promo content with a call to action and a link to book. Boosted posts help these reach new patients near you. (Ask your digital marketing partner.)
[Related: Everywhere your small business should have ads online]
Ads and boosted posts
Organic social media posts only go so far, which is where dental social ads come in. Paid social media is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach local patients who haven’t found your practice yet.
Use strong visuals and calls to action to make booking a breeze.
23. Locally targeted ads
Promote your dental services to people nearby using Meta’s location targeting tools.
Example- “Looking for a gentle dentist in [City]? We’re accepting new patients. Schedule your first visit today. [Book Now Button]”
24. Carousel cosmetic ads
Use a carousel post to highlight multiple services or showcase real-life results.
Example- Slide 1: Teeth Whitening, Slide 2: Invisalign, Slide 3: Smile Transformation, Slide 4: “Book now for your best smile. [Schedule Online Button]”
25. “Before You Forget” ads
Gently remind patients to use their benefits or schedule overdue care, particularly at year-end.
Example- “Your 2025 dental benefits expire soon! Don’t leave money (or clean teeth) on the table. [Book Now Button]”
Tip: Boosted posts and Meta ads let you target by location, age, interests, and behaviors. Promos, new services, or patient reengagement content matches them well. And Facebook ads alone reach nearly 73% of its billions of monthly users.
Curious about the possibilities? Use Hibu’s Facebook ad reach calculator.
[Related: Podcast: Dr. Jordan Job, DDS talks to us about marketing strategies]
How dentists can stay consistent on social media
Social media management for dentists isn’t necessarily on your radar. Remember that consistency outperforms perfection. A steady rhythm keeps your practice viable so you reap social marketing’s many rewards.
Here’s how to make social posting doable:
- Batch your content - Set aside 1 hour a month to draft 3–4 posts at once.
- Use templates or repeatable themes - Try “Tooth Tip Tuesday” or “Meet the Team Monday.”
- Schedule ahead - Use free tools like Meta Business Suite or more specialized systems (Loomly, Hootsuite, etc.).
- Start small - Go with one post a week. Sticking with it makes a difference, even if you don’t see results right away.
- Keep notes - Jot down dental post ideas in a document or in your phone; you’ll never start from scratch.
Social media provides a natural way to make your dental practice a more human, more appealing place to be.
When you put your heart into writing posts, don’t let them lie idle. We’ll help your local patients actually see them.
[Related: The Smart Business Owner's Guide to Social Media]
Let Hibu handle your social media ads
Taking control of your dental office’s social media posting is tough. Running effective ads is tougher. Hibu’s handled the ad element for dentists like you again and again.
Hibu One is an all-in-one AI-powered marketing platform that helps you reach more patients online. We’ll help you build and run locally targeted Meta ads, reach the right patients at the right times, and track results.
We manage your social ad campaign so you don’t have to. You get more visibility, not another entry on your task list.
Request a Hibu One demo to see how it all comes together. Or call us at 877-237-6120 for a free consultation.
