A dental-specific marketing agency is far more valuable than a general agency if they genuinely understand dental consumer hearts and minds through dental consumer research and data analysis. Being lumped in with other services or health-related industries is not ideal. The average dental consumer is one of the hardest groups to advertise to due to limited interest, trust, fear, money, limited time, awareness, and competition. Most general marketers do not understand the integrated aspect and the significant barriers that need to be overcome.

Our caution is always to do your homework when selecting an agency and choose the one that scientifically understands your unique demographic.

Here are some of the key challenges that dental marketing faces:

1. Limited Interest: Most people only think about their teeth when there is a problem or when it's time for a routine checkup. This means that dental services may not be top of mind for consumers on a regular basis, making it harder to capture their attention with marketing messages. Staying top of mind with consistent and regular ads is paramount to your patients recalling YOUR brand when they are in need.

2. Dental Fear or Fobia: Many people fear going to the dentist, making it difficult to market your dental services. Their fears of time, money and pain need to be addressed and overcome through the specific use of words and imagery to make consumers feel more comfortable and willing to make contact.

3. Lack of Awareness: Some people don't realize the importance of dental care and the impact it can have on their overall health. You must work to educate consumers about the benefits of good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups.

4. Perception of Expense: Dental procedures can be expensive, and some consumers may be hesitant to invest in dental care because they perceive it as a luxury rather than a necessity. Emphasizing the long-term benefits of dental care and demonstrating the value of investing in oral health.

5. Competition: Many dental practices compete for the same pool of consumers, making it challenging to stand out in a crowded market. Dental marketers must find ways to differentiate their practices and communicate their unique value proposition to potential patients.

6. Convenient Capacity: The most widely misunderstood element of dental consumer marketing is the immediate availability of convenient appointments. If these are not present, it will appear your efforts are not working.

Overall, dental consumers can be the most challenging demographic to market to. However, by understanding the unique challenges and tailoring marketing efforts to address them, you can successfully reach and engage with your target audience.