When Adrian Lefler invited me to share my story on the Byte Sized Podcast, I knew we were going to dive deep into some unconventional territory. Most dentists wouldn’t understand why someone would sell six successful practices to focus on just one, or why a practicing dentist would spend his profits organizing global healthcare summits. But after our conversation, I realized that my journey represents something bigger than personal success—it’s about leading global healthcare initiatives that healthcare desperately needs.
The Counterintuitive Path: Why Less Became More
Adrian asked me about my decision to go from six dental locations to one, and I’ll be honest—it sounds crazy to most people in our industry. “I did at some point have six locations,” I explained to Adrian. “I gave up those six locations. I started focusing just on one. It was one of those mistakes that you make. Medicine is, you know, we all have a good living, you make a good living, everybody’s fed, you have investments, you have homes. I do better in one location than six I used to have financially because I take care of these patients, I spend really good time with them.”
The math might seem backwards, but here’s what I learned: when you’re managing multiple locations, you’re essentially running a real estate business, not a dental practice. You’re dealing with HR nightmares, quality control issues across different sites, and spending more time putting out fires than actually practicing dentistry. Your patients become numbers instead of people you genuinely care about.
At Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa, my single practice in Southern California, I work just two to three days per week. We focus on complex cases that other practices can’t handle—full-mouth rehabilitations, patients with severe anxiety, cases that require our team of specialists including oral surgeons, anesthesiologists, and endodontists. These six to seven-hour procedures that transform someone’s life are infinitely more rewarding than cramming twenty routine cleanings into a day.
The financial results speak for themselves. This one focused practice generates enough revenue to fund all my global healthcare initiatives while providing excellent compensation for my specialized team. Quality over quantity isn’t just a nice philosophy: it’s a profitable business strategy.
Building Something Bigger: The Global Summits Institute
During our conversation, Adrian seemed genuinely intrigued by my work beyond the operatory. The Global Summits Institute, which I founded and self-fund through my practice revenue, connects over 1,000 doctors across 160 countries. When I explained the mission to Adrian, I talked about what drove me to create this network.
“In dental school, I learned all these things about ethics and benevolence and doctrines of medicine and beneficence and doing no harm,” I shared. “And then I get out in the private sector and I start seeing all this stuff going on that’s very questionable. So I thought the way we’re gonna restore order back to the Hippocratic origins is by bringing in the best of the best from all over the world.”
What makes our summits different is that they’re entirely self-funded: no pharmaceutical sponsors, no device company agendas. Just healthcare professionals committed to elevating our field through ethical practice and innovation. We focus on bringing together doctors who have made significant contributions through clinical excellence, education, or leadership.
The AI Challenge: Healthcare’s Wild West Moment
The most important topic Adrian and I discussed was probably the most urgent: artificial intelligence in healthcare. I’m organizing the Global Consensus Summit on AI for London in 2026, and this represents something that’s never been attempted before—creating comprehensive ethical frameworks and regulatory guidelines for AI in healthcare.
Right now, AI development in healthcare is like the wild west. “There’s nothing out there from stopping anybody from creating a software product and starting to sell it and completely bypassing HIPAA regulations, encryption, cyber security issues,” I told Adrian. Recent controversies, like the class-action lawsuit against Heartland Dental for allegedly using patient conversations to train AI systems without proper consent, prove we can’t wait for someone else to figure this out.
Here’s what I believe: AI must be led by doctors and healthcare providers because we have the most invested in patient outcomes and safety. Tech companies are motivated by profit. Government regulators are concerned with broad policy. But we practitioners understand the nuances of patient care and the sacred nature of the doctor-patient relationship.
The London summit will bring together government officials, potential royalty from Britain and Saudi Arabia, healthcare providers, and support staff to create what I call “the Hippocratic seal”: a certification process that thoroughly vets AI companies and establishes ethical guidelines for their products. This isn’t about slowing down innovation; it’s about ensuring that innovation serves patients rather than exploiting them.
Lessons from an Unconventional Journey
Adrian’s questions got me reflecting on what I’ve learned that might help other healthcare providers navigate this changing landscape. First, don’t confuse growth with success. The pressure to expand, see more patients, and increase revenue can actually distance you from what drew you to healthcare in the first place—helping people.
Second, your clinical success can fund bigger ambitions. Instead of just accumulating wealth, consider how you can use your prosperity to improve your profession. My practice’s profitability enables the Global Summits Institute’s work across 160 countries. That creates legacy value that extends far beyond personal financial success.
Third, networking isn’t about collecting business cards at conferences. It’s about building genuine relationships based on shared values. The Global Summits Institute shows how professional connections can evolve into collaborative community building that elevates entire industries. Effective dental marketing strategies often follow the same principle—building authentic relationships rather than transactional interactions.
The Call to Action
As Adrian and I wrapped up our conversation, I emphasized that this isn’t just about me or my initiatives. We as doctors can’t preserve the patient-doctor relationship alone, but together, with the right community and shared commitment to ethical practice, we can shape healthcare’s future.
The invitation to our London AI summit extends beyond attending another continuing education event. It’s a call for healthcare professionals to take active roles in determining our industry’s direction. If we don’t lead these conversations about AI ethics and implementation, others will make those decisions for us—and they might not have our patients’ best interests at heart.
I’m grateful to Adrian for giving me a platform to share these ideas on Byte Sized. The podcast reaches dental professionals who are thinking beyond their immediate practices, who understand that our individual success is connected to our profession’s integrity and future.
If you’re interested in joining this conversation, I encourage you to listen to the full episode and consider how you might contribute to the changes healthcare needs. Whether it’s through the Global Summits Institute, implementing ethical AI practices in your own practice, or simply maintaining the Hippocratic principles that drew you to healthcare, every action matters.
Together, we can ensure that healthcare’s future honors both innovation and the timeless values of patient care that define our calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Global Summits Institute differ from traditional medical conferences?
Traditional medical conferences are often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers, which can influence the agenda and content. The Global Summits Institute is entirely self-funded, meaning we have no external sponsors dictating our discussions. We focus exclusively on ethical practice, clinical excellence, and genuine innovation rather than product promotion. Our events are invitation-only, bringing together carefully vetted healthcare leaders who have demonstrated commitment to the Hippocratic principles rather than just commercial success.
What specific qualifications does the Global Summits Institute look for in members?
We prioritize character over credentials. While we certainly have members with impressive academic backgrounds, we’re more interested in doctors who demonstrate moral fiber, ethical leadership, and a genuine commitment to improving healthcare. Our committee of regents reviews each application looking for evidence of community service, ethical practice, mentorship of other healthcare providers, or innovative contributions to patient care. Age and years of practice matter less than mindset and values.
What will be unique about the London AI Consensus Summit compared to other AI conferences?
Most AI conferences focus on technology capabilities or business applications. Our London summit will be the first to bring together government officials, healthcare providers, and potentially royal family members to establish comprehensive ethical frameworks for healthcare AI. We’re creating the “Hippocratic seal”—a certification process that thoroughly vets AI companies before they can market to healthcare providers. This isn’t just another continuing education event; it’s about establishing global standards for AI tools serve patient interests rather than corporate profits.
Start by understanding the fundamental question: does this AI tool serve my patients or the company selling it? Focus on solutions that enhance the doctor-patient relationship rather than replacing human judgment. Join professional networks like the Global Summits Institute where these topics are discussed from a clinical perspective rather than a sales pitch. Most importantly, demand transparency from AI vendors about data usage, privacy protection, and decision-making algorithms before implementing any technology in your practice.
What advice would you give to dentists considering major career pivots or unconventional paths?
Don’t let others define success for you. The dental industry often equates success with number of locations, patient volume, or revenue growth. But true success comes from alignment between your values and your daily work. If you’re passionate about education, research, or healthcare policy, find ways to pursue those interests alongside or instead of traditional practice expansion. Your clinical skills and business success can fund bigger ambitions that create lasting impact beyond just personal wealth accumulation.
You’ve invested years into becoming an excellent clinician. You’ve built your skills, your practice, and your reputation for care. But in today’s digital landscape, clinical excellence is not enough — you also have to be findable.
If patients can’t find you in AI-powered search results, they may never even discover the care you provide.
The Challenge with AI Marketing for Clinicians
Marketing isn’t what most doctors want to think about. You’re busy focusing on patients, while digital tools and search behaviors keep changing. AI marketing can feel like science fiction, but ignoring it means one thing: your practice loses visibility.
The Silent Shift in Healthcare Marketing
In just the past two years, we’ve seen a dramatic change. Websites, reviews, and even Google Ads are no longer enough to maintain visibility.
Today, patients are turning to AI-driven search assistants such as:
ChatGPT
Google Gemini
Microsoft Copilot
Siri
Alexa
If your practice isn’t optimized for AI visibility and AI marketing, you risk being skipped over — even in your own community.
I’m Dr. Kathryn Alderman, an AI in Dentistry Expert and a dental clinician with more than 20 years of experience.
I founded and managed multi-location practices.
I’ve spent my career branding clinics, doctors, and healthcare businesses.
I authored The AI Advantage and co-authored Forget SEO: Mastering GEO, AIO & Voice Search.
My focus has always been on growth, visibility, and helping doctors connect with patients.
Read more about my AI Leading Company Intelligent Care Alliance where we offer ADVANTAGE IN DENTISTRY. Transforming Dental Practices with AI. We Implement AI in Dental Offices, Create Custom AI Agents, and Collaborate with Leading AI Companies.
From Traditional Branding to AI Branding
In the past, your brand identity was shaped by:
Word-of-mouth referrals
Patient reviews
Community reputation
Google Ads
Your clinical expertise
But the game has changed. Today AI and AI marketing decide visibility. If you’re not optimized for AI Branding for Doctors and Dentists, patients won’t find you.
What is AI Branding for Clinicians?
AI Branding means making sure your practice is visible in AI-driven search results, supported by modern AI marketing strategies.
Google AI Overviews
ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot
Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa
AI favors structured, trusted, and verifiable content, such as:
Patient reviews
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Credentials and author bios
Affiliations with trusted organizations (ADA, AACD, Top 100 Doctors, etc.)
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) focuses on being included in AI-generated answers.
Patients don’t just click links anymore — they ask conversational questions like:
“How much does Invisalign cost near me?”
“Which dentist is open now for same-day appointments?”
“Who is the best cosmetic dentist in my city?”
Optimizing for AI marketing and AI branding ensures your practice shows up in those answers.
Learn more here: https://intelligentcarealliance.com/ai-branding-for-dentists/
Why This Shift Matters
If you don’t adapt:
You lose visibility
New patient inquiries drop
Acquisition costs increase
Competitors capture your audience
By 2025, more than 50% of searches will be voice-based.
Typed search: “Invisalign cost dentist Florida.”
Voice search: “Hey Siri, how much is Invisalign near me?”
AI prefers conversational answers. If your content doesn’t match how patients actually speak, you won’t appear in results.
5 Practical Steps for AI Branding for Clinicians
Step 1. Own Your Online Identity
Keep your name, practice, and contact details consistent everywhere. Inconsistencies = invisibility.
Step 2. Let Patients Be Your Voice
Ask for reviews. Reviews act as trust signals, and AI ranks your credibility based on them.
Step 3. Answer Common Questions
Create clear, simple answers to FAQs like:
“How long does Invisalign take?”
“Does whitening damage teeth?”
Step 4. Show Expertise in Plain Language
Skip jargon. Use everyday language patients understand.
Step 5. Build Trusted Associations
Affiliations like ADA, AACD, or Top 100 Doctors strengthen credibility in both patient and AI eyes.
The Final Takeaway
You don’t need to become a marketer to succeed in AI search. But you do need to adapt.
AI marketing = visibility in AI search
AI branding = trust and credibility in patient-facing AI tools
Patients deserve to find you, and with the right content, AI will highlight you.
You’ve already done the hard work: years of training, patient care, and building your reputation. Now it’s time to let AI marketing and AI branding ensure patients can find, trust, and choose you.
You can find out your ranking in AI search, learn more HERE.
Dr. Kathryn Alderman, DDS, MBA, MIT AI is a dentist, entrepreneur, and recognized leader in the integration of AI in dentistry. With over 20 years of clinical and business experience, she has founded and scaled multi-location dental practices and created educational resources for dentists worldwide.
Dr. Alderman is the author of The AI Advantage and co-author of Forget SEO: Mastering GEO, AIO & Voice Search.
She is the Founder and CEO of Intelligent Care Alliance, an AI-leading company behind The AI Advantage in Dentistry. The agency’s mission is to transform dental practices with AI — implementing AI in dental offices, creating custom AI agents, and collaborating with leading AI companies to deliver practical, trusted solutions.
Holding an MBA and advanced training through the MIT AI program, Dr. Alderman bridges the gap between clinical dentistry, business strategy, and cutting-edge AI adoption.
As a speaker, consultant, and innovator, her mission is clear: to empower doctors and dentists to leverage AI and technology so they remain visible, trusted, and impactful in the age of AI.
AI Marketing for Doctors: Frequently Asked Questions
What is AI marketing for doctors?
AI marketing for doctors refers to optimizing your practice’s online presence so you appear in AI-powered search results when patients use ChatGPT, Google AI, Siri, Alexa, or other AI assistants to find healthcare providers. Unlike traditional marketing that focused on Google rankings, AI marketing ensures you’re recommended by artificial intelligence systems that patients increasingly rely on for healthcare decisions.
What is GEO for doctors and how is it different from SEO?
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) for doctors is the new approach to being found online. While traditional SEO focused on ranking on Google’s first page, GEO focuses on being included in AI-generated answers and summaries. When a patient asks “Who’s the best cardiologist near me?” AI systems pull from structured, trusted content to provide recommendations. GEO ensures your practice appears in those AI-generated responses.
How do I optimize my medical practice for AI search?
AI search optimization for practices involves five key steps: First, maintain consistent online identity across all platforms. Second, actively collect patient reviews as AI systems use these as trust signals. Third, create content that answers common patient questions in conversational language. Fourth, write in plain English rather than medical jargon. Fifth, build associations with credible organizations that AI systems recognize as authoritative sources.
How can doctors be found in AI search without becoming marketers?
Healthcare providers can be found in AI search by focusing on what they already do well – educating patients and providing quality care. Document the questions patients ask during appointments, then create simple answers on your website or social media. Ask satisfied patients for reviews. Keep your practice information consistent everywhere online. Join professional associations that carry weight with AI systems. These actions align with good patient care rather than requiring marketing expertise.
What AI marketing strategies work best for healthcare providers?
The most effective AI marketing strategies for healthcare providers center on trust and expertise. Create FAQ content answering patient questions in natural language. Maintain active profiles on medical review sites. Publish educational content that demonstrates clinical knowledge without using complex terminology. Build relationships with established medical organizations. Focus on local community engagement, as AI systems prioritize local relevance for healthcare searches.
Why isn’t my medical practice showing up in AI search results?
Medical practices often fail to appear in AI search because their online presence lacks the structured, consistent information AI systems require. Common issues include inconsistent practice names across directories, minimal patient reviews, content written in medical jargon rather than patient-friendly language, and lack of clear answers to common patient questions. AI systems also prioritize practices with established credibility markers like professional associations and positive patient feedback.
Do I need to stop using Google Ads for my medical practice?
The effectiveness of Google Ads for medical practices has declined significantly, particularly in the United States. Many healthcare providers report higher costs and lower returns compared to previous years. However, rather than completely abandoning paid advertising, measure your actual return on investment. Calculate the true cost per new patient from Google Ads. If the numbers still work for your practice, continue carefully. Otherwise, redirect that budget toward AI optimization efforts that provide longer-term visibility.
How long does it take to see results from AI marketing efforts?
AI search optimization typically shows results faster than traditional SEO. While traditional search engine optimization might take three to six months for significant results, AI optimization can show improvements within two to four weeks when implemented correctly. This is because AI systems can quickly incorporate new, well-structured information into their recommendations, especially when it comes from trusted sources with consistent online presence.
What role do medical associations play in AI marketing?
Medical associations significantly impact AI marketing because AI systems use institutional credibility as a ranking factor. Organizations like the American Medical Association, specialty boards, and groups like World’s Top 100 Doctors carry high domain authority in AI evaluation systems. Membership in respected medical organizations signals credibility to AI systems, making them more likely to recommend your practice when patients seek healthcare providers.
Should I write my own content for AI optimization?
Healthcare providers should create their own educational content because authenticity and expertise matter to both AI systems and patients. You don’t need to become a professional writer. Simply answer the questions patients ask you during appointments. Use the same clear, conversational language you use when explaining procedures to patients. AI systems favor content that demonstrates genuine expertise while remaining accessible to non-medical audiences.
These questions and answers incorporate your target keywords naturally while addressing the real concerns healthcare professionals express about adapting to AI-driven patient acquisition.
By Dr. Simone Stori – Top Doctor, AI Innovator, and Founder of Microdent
This guide is for every Top Doctor who wants to lead the future of healthcare by taking control of their brand, visibility, and reputation—without relying on Google Ads or falling for vague marketing promises. As patients turn to AI-powered search tools to find providers, your name, expertise, and story must be clear and visible.
Listen to the full podcast:
1. Know Who You’re Talking To
AI search engines reward clarity. That starts with defining your ideal patient.
Instead of saying, “I see anyone with teeth,” ask:
Who are your favorite patients?
What do they value?
What makes them choose you?
Example: “We help women over 40 improve gum health without surgery or fear.”
The more specific your message, the more AI can connect you with the right audience.
2. Clarify What You Offer: Sell Outcomes, Not Titles
Patients don’t want treatments. They want relief, confidence, and peace of mind.
You don’t sell implants—you offer the ability to chew again. You don’t offer surgery—you offer reassurance.
This distinction must be reflected in your:
Website and Google listing
Videos, blog posts, and social captions
Top Doctor profile
AI prioritizes clear outcomes when generating search answers. Speak the way your patients think.
3. Define Your Unique Positioning (USP)
Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) answers the question: Why should a patient choose you over someone else?
This must be evident in your online footprint:
Website homepage
About page
Google My Business listing
Social bios
Professional directories
Make your message specific, relevant, and consistent across all platforms.
4. Be Where It Matters: AI-Favored Channels
Focus on the platforms AI references most:
Google My Business: updated with reviews and photos
A fast, mobile-friendly website with clear calls to action
YouTube: favored by search engines for health-related content
Articles and FAQs optimized for conversational queries
Your Top Doctor profile and badge displayed prominently
Use channels that build trust and authority—not just clicks.
5. Time It Right
Coordinate marketing with your patients’ behavior and expectations. For example:
January is ideal for resolutions and elective procedures
Late spring often sees a rise in aesthetic consultations
Summer may call for family-friendly or fast treatments
Create content in advance. AI engines favor fresh, timely information.
6. Set SMART Objectives
General goals like “more patients” won’t move the needle.
Be specific: “We want 25 Invisalign consults from adults aged 35–50 in this ZIP code over the next 60 days.”
Track success with measurable indicators such as booked appointments, response rates, and lead sources.
7. Internal Marketing Is the Future
Marketing is your most important business asset. You must understand and manage it.
Dr. Stori trained a young team member—without prior marketing experience—to handle internal content using AI tools like:
ChatGPT
Canva
Jasper
CRM integrations
With the right tools and mindset, any practice can create consistent, high-quality marketing in-house.
8. Dr. Stori’s Favorite Tool: AI-Enhanced Wearables
One of Dr. Stori’s most impactful tools is a wearable audio recorder combined with a personalized GPT assistant.
This device captures:
Consultations
Staff training
New protocols or meetings
In just three steps, it creates:
A detailed treatment report for the patient
Clinical notes for documentation
Blog articles, scripts, and educational content
Informed consent documents
Each GPT is custom-built and trained to reflect the doctor’s style, tone, and treatment philosophy.
Watch the full demonstration:
This system increases case acceptance, saves hours of documentation time, and improves the patient experience with personalized summaries and clarity.
9. Choose the Right Agency (If Needed)
If you bring in a marketing agency:
Test first; avoid long contracts
Demand transparency and trackable KPIs
Ensure they understand healthcare, not just ads
Retain ownership of your brand voice, message, and reputation.
10. Track What Matters
Track results that AI platforms and your practice both care about:
New patient bookings
Calls answered
Procedures accepted
Reviews posted and responded to
Integrated data and smart reporting create better decisions—and more visibility in AI search.
Bonus: Join the Top Doctor Movement
Top Doctor is more than a title. It’s your credibility engine.
Attend the 2026 AI & Technology Summit in London: Event Theme: Bridging Medical and Dental Innovation with AI Location: Harmony Club, London Date: Summer 2026 top100doc.com/gcs
In Conclusion
You don’t need to fear AI. You need to understand how it can support you.
Dr. Stori calls it Augmented Intelligence—not artificial intelligence—because it elevates your work, rather than replacing it.
By embracing AI and positioning yourself correctly, you will become easier to find, easier to trust, and more equipped to serve.
You’re not just a doctor. You’re a Top Doctor. Make it known.
The math might seem backwards, but here’s what I learned: when you’re managing multiple locations, you’re essentially running a real estate business, not a dental practice. You’re dealing with HR nightmares, quality control issues across different sites, and spending more time putting out fires than actually practicing dentistry. Your patients become numbers instead of people you genuinely care about.
Right now, AI development in healthcare is like the wild west. “There’s nothing out there from stopping anybody from creating a software product and starting to sell it and completely bypassing HIPAA regulations, encryption, cyber security issues,” I told Adrian. Recent controversies, like the class-action lawsuit against Heartland Dental for allegedly using patient conversations to train AI systems without proper consent, prove we can’t wait for someone else to figure this out.
