Leveraging Current Patients for Social Media Success in Your Orthodontic Practice
Social media has transformed the way orthodontic practices attract new patients. A well-curated social presence is no longer just a marketing tool—it’s a trust-building mechanism. But what truly resonates with potential patients? Real patients. Real experiences. Real results.
The Power of Patient Testimonials
Patient testimonials are one of the most influential factors in treatment conversion. According to a recent study, 72% of people say positive reviews and testimonials increase their trust in a business, and 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, potential patients aren’t just looking for a list of services—they want to see results and hear stories from real people who’ve been through the process.
A beautifully written post about your treatment options is great, but a video testimonial or a before-and-after transformation from an actual patient will always carry more weight. These authentic endorsements make your practice more relatable and help potential patients envision their own transformation.
Candid In-Office Content: Building Trust and Setting Expectations
In addition to testimonials, candid, behind-the-scenes office content is another key factor in patient attraction. Social media gives potential patients a peek inside your office, allowing them to experience the environment before they even step through the door.
Candid photos and walk-through videos featuring real patients in treatment help create familiarity. Patients feel more comfortable knowing what to expect—what the chairs look like, how the team interacts, and the general vibe of the office. This is why we frequently record walk-throughs featuring actual patients undergoing treatment, making the experience more tangible for prospective patients.
Navigating Patient Consent with a Streamlined System
One challenge practices face when using patient content for social media is the awkwardness of asking for permission on the spot. Our solution? A simple, streamlined opt-in/opt-out social media consent form signed at the beginning of treatment.
How Our System Works:
New patients sign a social media consent form at their initial visit
They can opt in or out of being featured in any media.
A visual tag is added to their chart
This allows our team to quickly determine who has consented, eliminating the need for awkward in-the-moment requests.
We plan our content accordingly
Whether it's candid in-office footage, Dental Monitoring success stories, or before-and-after transformations, we can easily select patients who have already given permission.
This system ensures compliance, removes potential discomfort, and allows for consistent, high-quality content creation without disrupting patient interactions.
Showcasing Dental Monitoring & Treatment Progress
Another major benefit of having a streamlined media strategy is that it allows us to highlight our Dental Monitoring platform and patient progress in a seamless way. With a pool of pre-approved patients, we can easily pull scans, time-lapse progressions, and final treatment results to showcase on social media.
Patients considering treatment get to see real cases from our practice, reinforcing that their smiles are in the hands of experienced professionals who deliver exceptional results.
The Bottom Line
A strong social media presence doesn’t come from stock images or generic posts—it comes from real people and real results. By leveraging patient testimonials, candid in-office photos, and a strategic consent system, your practice can build trust, improve engagement, and ultimately drive more new patient conversions.
At our practice, social media isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s an extension of our patient experience. Every post, video, and testimonial is designed to educate, engage, and inspire the next wave of confident smiles.
