When someone searches for “dentist near me”, they’re not researching for fun.
They usually want an appointment.
And they want it now.
That’s where click-to-call campaigns for dentists shine.
They remove friction and turn high-intent Google searches directly into phone calls.
In this guide, we’ll break down how click-to-call campaigns work, when they make sense for dental clinics and how to run them properly without wasting budget or breaching compliance.
What Is a Click-to-Call Campaign?
A click-to-call campaign is a type of Google Ads setup where the primary action is a phone call, not a website visit.
Instead of sending searchers to a landing page, the ad displays a call button.
When tapped on mobile, it dials your clinic immediately.
For dental practices, this works well because:
- Many patients prefer speaking to a receptionist
- Urgent needs often drive searches
- Phone calls usually convert faster than forms
In short, it matches how patients actually behave.
Why Click-to-Call Works So Well for Dental Clinics
Dental searches are often high-intent.
People aren’t browsing casually.
They’re usually dealing with pain, urgency, or a clear decision.
Click-to-call campaigns work because they:
- Capture patients at the decision stage
- Reduce drop-off from slow websites
- Push action during clinic hours
- Make booking feel immediate and human
For practices that handle calls well, this can often support higher booking rates than form-based leads.
When Click-to-Call Campaigns Make Sense (And When They Don’t)
Click-to-call is powerful, but it’s not for every situation.
Best-Fit Scenarios
Click-to-call campaigns are usually effective for:
- Emergency dentistry
- Same-day or urgent appointments
- New patient check-ups
- Clinics with trained front-desk staff
- Practices open during peak search hours
When to Be Careful
They’re often less effective if:
- Calls go unanswered or to voicemail
- Reception teams aren’t trained to convert enquiries
- The clinic relies heavily on online booking only
- Operating hours are limited
Calls cost money.
If they are not answered properly, the budget is wasted.
How Click-to-Call Campaigns Work in Google Ads
There are two common setups dentists use.
1. Call-Only Ads
These ads show no landing page at all.
The main headline encourages calling, and the click triggers a phone call.
Used well, they can:
- Drive fast enquiries
- Filter low-intent traffic
- Focus spend on urgent searches
2. Search Ads With Call Extensions
These are standard search ads with a call button added.
This approach:
- Gives patients a choice (call or click)
- Captures both phone and form enquiries
- Works well for non-urgent services
Most clinics benefit from running both, but with different keywords and budgets.
Keywords That Perform Best for Click-to-Call Campaigns
Not all keywords are equal.
Click-to-call works best with urgent or decision-ready searches, such as:
- “Emergency dentist near me”
- “Dentist open now”
- “Tooth pain dentist”
- “Same day dentist [suburb]”
These searches usually come from mobile users ready to act.
More research-based keywords are better sent to landing pages instead.
The Hidden Factor: Your Reception Team
This is where many campaigns fail.
A click-to-call campaign only works if the call converts into an appointment.
That means:
- Calls answered quickly
- Friendly, confident tone
- Clear next steps
- Availability offered immediately
Even a strong campaign can underperform if calls aren’t handled properly.
At Dental Rank, we often align click-to-call campaigns with call tracking and conversion reviews to identify missed opportunities.
Compliance Considerations for Dental Click-to-Call Ads
Because dentistry is healthcare, compliance matters.
Click-to-call ads should avoid:
- Guaranteed outcomes
- Urgency that feels misleading
- Promotional claims without context
Approved phrasing includes:
- “Same-day appointments available”
- “Call to check availability”
- “Designed to help new patients book sooner”
A compliance-aware structure protects both your clinic and your ad account.
How Click-to-Call Fits Into a Smarter Dental Ads Strategy
Click-to-call shouldn’t replace everything.
It works best as part of a layered Google Ads system, alongside:
- Search ads to landing pages
- Location-based targeting
- Call tracking and reporting
- Ongoing optimisation
This approach supports predictable lead flow instead of relying on one channel alone.
Key Takeaways for Dental Practice Owners
If you skimmed, here’s the short version:
- Click-to-call campaigns turn Google searches into phone calls
- They work best for urgent, high-intent dental searches
- Call handling matters as much as the ads themselves
- Not every keyword or clinic is a perfect fit
- Compliance-aware messaging is essential
When set up properly, click-to-call campaigns can support faster bookings and stronger ROI, without unnecessary complexity.
Ready to Turn Google Searches Into Phone Calls?
Patients searching on Google often choose the first clinic that answers.
With a clear click-to-call strategy, high-intent Google Ads, and compliance-aware messaging, you can capture urgent searches, generate more inbound calls, and convert intent into booked appointments faster.
Schedule a free consultation today and see how our dental-only Google Ads specialists can help your practice turn searches into real patient enquiries, this year and beyond.
