Location and online presence are key, says Dr Manrina Rhode as she shares insights from her three-year journey establishing a squat practice in Central London
The age-old adage “if you build it, they will come” doesn’t always apply to private dental practices, warns Dr Manrina Rhode, who founded her own squat practice three years ago.
According to Dr Rhode, success depends heavily on location and practice type. Rural areas like Devon, where NHS dentistry is scarce, see thriving private practices due to high demand and limited competition. However, in saturated markets like central London’s Harley Street, home to 280 dentists on a single street, opening a private practice requires a strategic approach.
The Digital Advantage
Dr Rhode credits much of her success to building a strong online presence long before opening her practice. Through years of writing articles, giving lectures, and serving on dental organisation boards, she established a digital footprint that now attracts patients through AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT and Meta AI, alongside traditional Google searches.
“When we opened, our website didn’t even appear in the first 30 pages of Google results,” Dr Rhode explains. While investing in SEO helped improve visibility, her personal brand on Instagram (@DrManrinaRhode) and other social media platforms proved invaluable in generating patient flow from day one.
Building Your Brand
Dr Rhode now helps other dentists develop their practices through her mentorship programme, focusing on three pillars: clinical excellence in cosmetic dentistry, personal brand development, and five-star service delivery.
Her advice for aspiring practice owners is clear: establish your online presence early. This includes maintaining an active website, consistent social media engagement, regular blog content, and strategic use of keywords that search engines can identify.
The Bottom Line
For dentists considering opening a private practice in competitive areas, Dr Rhode’s message is pragmatic: patients won’t automatically come. Success requires differentiating yourself online, then delivering on those promises in person to build Google reviews and strengthen your reputation over time.
For more information about Dr Rhode’s mentorship programme, contact Laura at academy@drmr.co.uk
