How the Dental Industry in BC is Changing with CDCP — And How AS Digital Can Help?
The dental industry in British Columbia is experiencing a major shift. With the introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), patients now have more accessible dental care options, while private dental clinics face new challenges in attracting and retaining patients. For dental practices, staying competitive requires more than quality care — it demands a strong digital presence that connects with patients online.
At AS Digital Agency, we help dental clinics in BC leverage digital marketing strategies to attract new patients, retain existing ones, and highlight the value of their private services in the CDCP era.
Understanding the Impact of CDCP on BC Dental Clinics
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provides subsidized dental care for children, seniors, and low-income families. While this is great news for patients, it creates new dynamics for private dental practices:
Increased Patient Awareness: More patients are now researching dental care options online before choosing a clinic.
Price Comparisons: Patients often compare CDCP coverage with private dental services, making cost and value key decision factors.
Shift in Service Demand: Basic and preventive services may see a surge, while advanced treatments like implants, cosmetic dentistry, or orthodontics remain a competitive differentiator.
For dental clinics, this means marketing and patient communication are more important than ever.
Why Digital Marketing is Critical in the CDCP Era
Digital marketing isn’t just an add-on; it’s a core strategy for BC dental clinics to stay visible, attract patients, and highlight their services beyond CDCP coverage. Here’s why:
Online Visibility Determines Patient Choice: Over 80% of patients search online for dental services before booking an appointment. Clinics not visible on Google or social media are losing potential patients.
Patient Education Builds Trust: Many patients are unsure what CDCP covers. Digital content, like blogs, FAQs, and videos, helps clinics educate patients while positioning themselves as trusted experts.
Local Search Dominates: Patients looking for “dentist near me” rely heavily on Google Business Profile (GMB) and local SEO. Clinics that aren’t optimized here miss organic leads.
Paid Ads Can Target High-Value Patients: While CDCP may cover basic and preventative services, clinics can use Google Ads and social media campaigns to highlight premium treatments.
How Our Digital Marketing Agency Can Help Your Clinic
At AS Digital Agency, we specialize in dental digital marketing in BC, helping clinics adapt to the evolving landscape. Here’s how we support practices like yours:
1. Google Business Profile (GMB) Optimization
Your GMB profile is often the first thing patients see. We ensure:
- Accurate business information, hours, and contact details
- High-quality photos of your clinic and team
- Regular posts about services, promotions, or educational content
- Collection and management of patient reviews to boost credibility
2. Local SEO for Maximum Visibility
We optimize your website to appear in local searches:
- Service pages targeting city-specific keywords (e.g., family dentist Coquitlam, dental implants Surrey)
- Blogging about trending topics like CDCP, oral health tips, and preventive care
- On-page and technical SEO to improve search rankings
3. Paid Advertising Strategy (Google Ads & Social Media)
We design targeted campaigns that deliver measurable results:
- Google Ads targeting patients searching for high-value treatments
- Social media ads highlighting your clinic’s expertise and unique offerings
- Campaign tracking and A/B testing to maximize ROI
4. Patient Education & Content Marketing
Educated patients are loyal patients. We help you create:
- Informative blogs about CDCP, private insurance, and treatment options
- Video content explaining procedures, patient testimonials, and preventive care tips
- Email campaigns to keep patients engaged and rebook appointments
5. Website Design & Conversion Optimization
Your website should do more than look good — it should convert visitors into patients:
- Clear calls-to-action (Book Now, Call Today)
- Mobile-friendly design for patients searching on phones
- Landing pages for specific services to improve ad performance
Case Example: Driving Results in BC
- A dental clinic in Burnaby was struggling getting new patients
- Before partnering with us, their website attracted minimal traffic, and most new patients came from referrals.
- After optimizing their GMB, launching a targeted Google Ads campaign, and posting educational content about CDCP and private care, they saw:
Results in 6 months:
- 45% increase in new patient leads in 6 months
- 70% more website traffic from local search
- Higher engagement on social media with patient-focused content
- This demonstrates how a strategic digital marketing approach can help clinics adapt to CDCP while growing their private patient base.
- We Prepare Your Clinic for the Future
To succeed in the CDCP era, BC dental clinics should focus on:
- Increasing Online Visibility: Make it easy for patients to find your clinic online.
- Educating Patients: Use digital content to explain treatment options and highlight premium services.
- Optimizing Paid and Organic Channels: Balance Google Ads with strong SEO and GMB presence.
- Tracking Results: Measure lead sources, ad performance, and website conversions to continuously improve.
- Prepare Your Clinic for the Future
At AS Digital Agency, we help clinics implement these strategies seamlessly, ensuring your practice stays competitive and profitable.
The CDCP is reshaping dental care in British Columbia, bringing both challenges and opportunities for private dental clinics. In this evolving landscape, digital marketing is the key to attracting patients, educating them about their options, and growing your practice.
Ready to maximize your online presence and patient leads? Contact AS Digital today to see how we can help your dental clinic thrive in the CDCP era.