As AI continues to reshape how we interact with search engines, many businesses, especially in the dental or healthcare space, are wondering how these changes affect their visibility online. A common question we hear is: “Does Google’s new AI-powered search impact how patients find local practices?” And just as importantly: “Should we be using AI to generate SEO content?”
Google’s AI Answers and Local Healthcare Searches: Google’s AI-powered search features, like AI Overviews and SGE (Search Generative Experience), are designed to synthesize information and provide quick answers to complex queries. But when it comes to local intent searches, like “dentist near me” or “emergency care in Vancouver”, AI summaries often take a back seat to traditional local results.
In fact, for searches involving location-based services, Google continues to prioritize the Map Pack (Local Maps Search), Google Business Profiles, and local organic listings. AI-generated answers may appear, but they will rely and compliment the visibility and trust signals that come from strong local SEO.
AI Mode now shows up before the paid and organic search results, but for local intent queries, Google still leans heavily on map listings and local profiles.
AI is transforming how we search, but when it comes to local businesses like dental or healthcare practices, what matters most hasn't changed: showing up in local listings, Google Maps, and organic searches. In other words, local SEO is still the backbone of visibility.
Yes, Google has made it clear that AI-generated content is not against its guidelines, as long as it’s helpful, original, and created with people in mind, not just algorithms. But here’s why we choose not to rely on AI for SEO content:
Trust and Expertise Matter More Than Ever
In healthcare, content must reflect real expertise and experience. That’s because dental and healthcare websites fall under what Google classifies as “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) topics—subjects that directly impact a person’s health, safety, or financial well-being. As such, they’re held to a much higher standard. Google expects this content to demonstrate E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), ensuring it’s created by credible sources with real-world knowledge. AI can assist, but it can’t replicate the nuance of a practitioner’s voice or the credibility of a licensed expert, especially when trust and accuracy are on the line.
We Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
AI can churn out content quickly, but speed doesn’t equal good strategy. We focus on crafting content that’s tailored to your audience, reflects your brand voice, and aligns with your long-term goals.
We Avoid Risky Shortcuts
Google’s March 2024 Core Update specifically targeted low-quality and AI-generated content that was believed to manipulate weight or rankings. Even if AI-generated content is technically accepted, it’s a tool that can be abused.
We Believe in Human Touch
Our content is written and edited by real people, professionals who understand your industry, your patients, and your values. That’s how we build trust, not just with Google, but with you and your audience. We use tools, including more AI, to better manage and maximize our services for you and generate or edit some of that content, captions and even imagery.
Google Search's guidance on using generative AI content on your website
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/using-gen-ai-content
AI is transforming search, but for dental and healthcare practices, authenticity, local visibility, and trust still reign supreme. We continue to adapt to the changes and opportunities AI gives us with strategy, not shortcuts.