How to Use Social Media to Attract Patients & Increase Case Acceptance

If you’ve ever wondered whether social media is really worth your time as a dentist, here’s your answer: It’s not optional anymore. In today’s digital-first world, patients are searching, scrolling, and sizing you up long before they ever schedule. If you’re not showing up online with intention, you might be losing patients you never knew you had.

In this episode of the Dental Office Rescue Podcast, Linda Kane sits down with marketing expert Rita Zamora to unpack how social media—done right—can help dental practices attract new patients, increase treatment acceptance, and ultimately grow stronger, more resilient businesses.

Whether you’re a startup, in growth mode, or preparing to sell, this conversation lays out exactly why social proof matters—and how to start using it to your advantage.

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Social Media Is the New First Impression

Potential patients are researching you online, often before they ever pick up the phone. They’re comparing personalities, office vibes, and treatment offerings—not just prices. Rita emphasizes that social media now serves as a key trust-building tool. It’s your opportunity to:

• Show that your practice is real, local, and human
• Highlight your values and culture
• Reinforce the types of procedures you want to be known for

If your last post was three months ago or only features generic quotes, it sends the wrong message. “Today’s patients want legitimacy, personality, and relevance,” Rita explains. “And you only have seconds to make that impression.”

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From Awareness to Acceptance: Why Social Media Impacts Case Presentation

Social media doesn’t just generate leads—it prepares patients to say “yes.” According to Rita, many practices lose case acceptance because patients simply don’t understand what they offer. If they’ve never seen a post about clear aligners or implants, they’re less likely to move forward when those treatments are presented.

By using social media to consistently share real cases, team stories, and patient-friendly explanations, you’re helping patients pre-qualify themselves before they ever sit down for a consultation.

This reduces pressure on your treatment coordinator and shifts the conversation from selling to confirming.

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What’s Getting in the Way? Common Social Media Roadblocks for Dental Teams

For many practices, social media becomes an afterthought. Teams are overwhelmed, short-staffed, or unsure what to post—and doctors may feel skeptical about the ROI.

Here’s what Rita sees most:

• Time constraints: No one has hours each week to manage content.
• Lack of strategy: Posting holidays and hashtags without purpose.
• Content fatigue: Struggling to stay consistent or creative.
• Unclear goals: Not connecting social media efforts to patient outcomes.

Her advice? Stop trying to “wing it.” You need a system that saves time and supports real business goals—not just likes.

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What to Post and Where: The Platform Strategy That Works

Not all platforms are created equal—and you don’t need to be on all of them. Rita recommends focusing on four key spaces:

• Instagram: Great for sharing visuals, before-and-afters, team moments, and behind-the-scenes content. A must for cosmetic and patient-centered practices.
• Facebook: Still relevant for family practices and local engagement.
• Google Business Profile: Technically not a social platform, but crucial for local SEO and patient trust. Posting here boosts visibility in search results.
• LinkedIn (Company Page): Ideal for attracting job candidates and building credibility in your community—even if you post there less frequently.

Knowing where to show up is half the battle. The other half? Knowing what to say and how to say it.

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A Smarter Approach: How Connect90 Helps Practices Simplify Social Media

Through her company Connect90, Rita has helped hundreds of dental teams build a sustainable social presence without burning out. The program is designed specifically for dental practices and focuses on:

• Weekly content prompts and curated post ideas
• A done-for-you content calendar (no more scrambling)
• Personalized options to use your own photos and videos
• Built-in AI tools to rewrite captions if you want custom language
• One central platform that publishes to Facebook, Instagram, Google, and LinkedIn

Most teams spend just one hour a month planning their posts. That’s it.

And best of all? You can try it free for 30 days—no credit card required.

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Final Takeaway: Social Media Is Part of Practice Success

If your practice is struggling to attract the right patients or frustrated by low case acceptance, your online presence might be the missing link. Social media isn't about going viral—it’s about showing up consistently and intentionally.

When done well, it:

• Builds trust with future patients
• Reinforces the value of the treatment you recommend
• Helps your team feel more connected to your mission

Rita sums it up best:

“You don’t need to do everything. You just need a system that works.”

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🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

👉 Dental Office Rescue Podcast – Listen Now

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✅ Resources:

Want expert guidance to get out of the grind?

Linda Kane helps dentists rebuild stronger operations and reclaim control.

Claim your free copy of Dental Office Rescue ➝ rescuemydentaloffice.com

Explore services at Zeroed-In Dental Solutions ➝ zeroedindentalsolutions.com

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Connect with Rita Zamora

Website: Connect90.com

Book: Get Found, Get Liked, Get Patients ➝ RitaZamora.com

Subscribe and never miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

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