Which Is Better: Google Ads or Facebook Ads in 2025? (Dental)

If you run a dental practice in 2025, you’ve likely heard conflicting advice about where to spend your marketing budget — Google Ads or Facebook Ads. Both can bring new patients into your chair, but the right choice depends on how you want to attract them. The truth is, neither platform is “better” in all situations. The best option is the one that matches your goals and patient journey.

Google Ads for dental practices

Google Ads is the go-to platform for intent-driven leads. People use Google to search for “dentist near me,” “emergency dental,” or “teeth whitening” when they are ready to book. In 2025, Google’s AI-powered targeting makes it easier than ever to reach these patients at the exact moment they are ready to act.

Strengths of Google Ads:

• High-intent searches from people actively looking for a dentist
• Strong local targeting for patients in your area
• Multiple formats including Search, Display, and YouTube ads

Facebook Ads for dental practices

Facebook Ads, which includes Instagram Ads, shines when it comes to building awareness and relationships with your community. You can target people based on location, demographics, and interests, showing them the value of preventive care or cosmetic services before they even start searching.

Strengths of Facebook Ads:

• Excellent for promoting special offers, new patient discounts, or cosmetic dentistry
• Visually appealing formats like video tours, patient testimonials, and before-and-after photos
• Ideal for retargeting website visitors and past patients

When Google Ads is better

• If you want to target people actively searching for dental care
• If you need to fill last-minute appointment slots
• If you are promoting urgent services like emergency dental or same-day crowns

When Facebook Ads is better

• If you want to increase awareness of your practice in your local community
• If you are promoting elective services like Invisalign or teeth whitening
• If you want to retarget potential patients who have already shown interest

The best strategy in 2025

For most dental practices, the winning approach is a combination. Use Google Ads to capture high-intent searches and fill your schedule quickly. Use Facebook Ads to build trust, showcase results, and nurture relationships that turn into long-term patients. Together, these platforms can keep your chairs full all year.

Want a dental marketing plan that uses both Google and Facebook Ads for maximum patient growth? Contact us today.