How AI Is Changing How Patients Find Your Practice in 2026

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explain how AI is changing the way patients find and choose a dentist in 2026. They break down how Google AI, ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI Overviews now shape search results, and why dentists must show up in Google Maps, organic SEO, and AI generated answers to stay competitive. You will learn what EEAT means for your dental website, why expert written content builds trust, and how AI driven search impacts dental marketing strategy and online visibility. Gary also shares why tracking new patient calls is still the most important marketing metric, and how to measure real ROI instead of chasing rankings alone. If you want more new patients, stronger Google rankings, and a clear plan for AI powered dental marketing, this episode delivers practical guidance you can act on right away. For a complimentary Marketing Strategy Meeting visit ekwa.com/td and for a Coaching Session with Gary visit thrivingdentist.com/csm.