If you live in one of the four main cities within the huge Las Vegas Valley - Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City - there are undoubtedly a number of dentist’s offices near where you work or live.
*** Hidden Dental Practices ***
Some dental offices you may be aware of, but most you probably aren’t.
That’s because despite there being over 1,200 dental offices in the Vegas Valley, their practices could be tucked away in a strip mall or hidden in a part of the local area you don’t have reason to drive through.
*** The Phone Book ***
Of course, one resource is the phone book.
Just keep in mind that there are 66 pages of dental practice listings in the Las Vegas Metro Yellow Pages.
So, good luck using the phone book to find a close dentist.
It’s unfortunate perhaps, but the internet is quickly making the phonebook obsolete.
And also, only dental practices that fork over large sums of money (thousands a year) get the jumbo, full or half-page four-color yellow page ads that get a greater response rate.
The standard listings are all but useless.
However, bear in mind that the biggest ad doesn’t win, regarding ad size and quality of treatment provided.
Don’t be led astray…
*** The Big Valley ***
Another thing to realize is that the Las Vegas Valley encompasses a huge area.
In fact, it’s right at 600 square miles incorporating around 65 zip codes.
And while people tend to “shop” for their dental provider almost as diligently as they do their church, one must not forget convenience.
Put another way, people will ordinarily drive out of their way to get what they desperately need or want.
*** Driving And Stress ***
However, most people would prefer not to traverse the entire valley to go to a dental appointment (or church, for that matter), if they don’t have to.
Considering that most people don’t like going to the dentist in the first place, having a long, hot and stressful drive before a dental appointment is like rubbing salt into a wound.
Ok, so closer is better for most people.
And so the question is posed again, how do you find a local dentist?
*** Use The Internet ***
These days, with the possible exception of word-of-mouth, your best bet is the internet.
So, you have four cities in a 600 square mile area with 65 zip codes and in excess of 1,200 dentists.
Where to begin?
Go to your favorite search engine - we recommend Google because it offers certain features other search engines don’t.
*** Use The Right Search Terms ***
Enter something like: local dentist, or find Henderson Pediatric Dentist.
If you are in need of a specialist, you can use terms like these: Boulder City Pedodontist or Henderson sedation dentist.
The advancements in search technology now allow the major engines to auto-display listings for your local area without you telling them where you live.
Check it out by just typing something like: find a family dentist, local cosmetic dentist or even just the root term itself, like: endodontist or crown and bridge dentist.
You can also enter a general term like dentist and your zip code into most search engines to get focused, local listings.
Once you find a suitable listing, you can use the maps link to get a visual display of where the office is.
While in maps view, you can get driving directions and distances, as well.
So, try search terms like these to really get focused: oral hygienist 88905 , emergency dentist 89121 or you might even try something like: teeth cleaning 89134.
Don’t bother with filler words, because the search engines ignore them.
Most people type-in full sentences. But actually, Google (and other search engines) work best without the use of non-relevant filler words.
*** The Search Listings ***
There’s something you should know as you go internet searching for a local dentist, though.
Not every first page listing will yield any real results. Much of what you initially find may be of poor quality.
It’s sad, but the majority of dental sites seem to be mini-directories where only a few applicable dentists are represented.
So, much like the phone book, only the dentists who have paid the site owner for a listing will be represented.
So, that leaves the vast majority of dental practices out.
Things are getting better online, however, as the search engines refine their listings and a growing number of dentists have their own sites.
Unfortunately, the average dentist can only be found several pages deep in search engine listings for common terms like those given earlier.
*** It’s All About Marketing ***
It’s the same online as offline - if no one can find you, you don’t exist.
However, we can’t necessarily expect dentists to also be professional marketers.
By now you see how despite the technology available, locating an acceptable nearby dental office can take some time and effort.
In the end, it’s only those dental practices who effectively place and market themselves within the community who are the most successful.
It’s those well-marketed practices who also enjoy the increased benefits of free referrals via word-of-mouth from satisfied existing patients.
*** Persistence Pays ***
With a little effort, you too can surely locate a nearby dentist who meets your qualifications and offers what you need and want.
Hopefully, you’ve found this article to be informative and helpful.
*** Free Dental Guide For Las Vegas Valley Residents ***
Las Vegas Valley residents, grab our Free Dental Guide packed with industry-insider information you should know about the dentist and treatment you choose.
Tags: Boulder City, cosmetic dentist, family dentist, find a dentist, general dentist, Henderson, implant dentist, Las Vegas, local dentist, nearby dentist, North Las Vegas