February 10, 2026

Should Associates Have Their Own Website? – IC067

55 minutes

After watching this episode, you’ll understand exactly why owning your website matters. And here’s the good news: as a Protrusive community member, you can get 50% off your professional dental website – built specifically for associates who want to stand out.

👉 Claim your exclusive discount: protrusive.co.uk/website

Do you really need your own website as an associate, or is a strong Instagram profile enough?

How do you build trust with patients before they even meet you?

And how can you ensure you are visible to the patients who are now using AI tools like ChatGPT to find their next dentist?

https://youtu.be/7StOMRLqFuI

Watch IC067 on YouTube

In this episode, digital marketing expert Rick O’Neill joins Jaz to discuss the evolving landscape of dental marketing. Together, they explore the “Zero Moment of Truth” and the 7–11–4 rule, explaining why a website is the only digital asset you truly own in a world of “rented” social media space.

They also dive into the future of search, covering how to optimize your presence for both Google and AI, and why authentic video content is the ultimate tool for bridging the “belief gap” with prospective patients.

Key Takeaways:

Having a purpose beyond profit is crucial for success.

The ‘I do, we do, they do’ model is effective for team growth.

Patient behavior has evolved; they research extensively before choosing a provider.

A personal website is essential for establishing credibility and trust.

Visual content, including professional photography, enhances personal branding.

Search engine optimization is vital for attracting local patients.

Social proof, such as patient testimonials, is more impactful than before-and-after photos alone.

Messaging is key; it should resonate with the target audience’s pain points.

Dentists have a responsibility to educate the public about their services.

Investing in digital marketing can yield measurable returns.

Highlights of this episode:

00:00 Teaser

00:47 Introduction

05:43 Introducing Rick O’Neill: Expert in Digital Presence

06:43 Insights from Richard Branson

10:15 Entry Into Marketing and Dentistry

13:25 Digital Assets for Associates and Practices

20:26 Key Elements of an Effective Associate Website

26:01 Search Optimization: Making Your Website Discoverable

26:48 Midroll

30:09 Search Optimization: Making Your Website Discoverable

32:40 Dentist’s Role in Content Creation

34:19 Importance of Social Proof in Dental Marketing

45:02 Building a Personal Brand with a Website

48:43 The Future of AI in Dental Marketing

52:35 Digital Solutions for Associates and Clinics

57:04 Resources for Principals and Associates

57:41 Outro

🎉 Special Community Offer: 50% Off!
If you’re nodding along thinking “I need to get serious about my digital presence,” here’s your opportunity.

Protrusive community members get 50% off a professionally designed dental website

👉 Head over to: protrusive.co.uk/website
Activate your 50% discount and get your professional, patient-facing website up and running.

Check out my website to see what a modern associate website can look like.

Want more on building your dental brand? Don’t miss PDP037: Personal Branding for Dentists – Logos and Websites with Shaz Memon

#InterferenceCast #CareerDevelopment #Communication

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and C.

AGD Subject Code: 550 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RELATIONS

Aim: To understand the role of personal and practice websites in modern dentistry and how associates and principals can use digital tools to build trust, credibility, and patient engagement.

Dentists will be able to –

Explain why a personal website is valuable for dentists and associates.

Identify the key elements that make an associate website effective.

Describe strategies to use digital assets, SEO, and content for patient trust and conversion.

...more

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By Jaz Gulati

4.7

2020 ratings