Dentist Google Business Profile Suspension Guide

Dental practices face unique challenges with Google Business Profile suspensions. This comprehensive guide covers the most common suspension causes for dentists and how to prevent them.

Why Dentists Get Suspended

Dental practices are subject to specific scrutiny from Google because they fall under healthcare guidelines:

Common Suspension Triggers for Dentists:

1. Multiple Specialists in One Location: Having separate listings for general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, etc., at the same address
2. Service Keywords in Business Name: Adding "Cosmetic Dentistry" or "Implants" to your practice name
3. Address Visibility Issues: Showing the wrong address or having address discrepancies
4. Virtual Office for Dental Practice: Using a virtual office or business center address
5. Incomplete Verification: Not completing video verification when required
6. Multi-Location Management Issues: Problems with dental groups managing multiple practices

The Multiple Specialist Problem

This is the #1 issue for dental practices with multiple doctors:

The Problem: Many practices create separate GBP listings for each specialty or doctor:

• "Smith Family Dentistry"
• "Smith Orthodontics"
• "Smith Cosmetic Dentistry"

All at the same address.

Why Google Suspends This: Google considers this creating multiple listings for the same business. Even if you have different specialists, if they work from the same physical location and under the same business entity, you should have ONE listing.

The Correct Approach:

• One primary listing for your dental practice
• List all specialties in your services section
• Include all doctors in your team description
• Use categories to indicate your specialties (Dentist, Orthodontist, Cosmetic Dentist, etc.)
• Add photos showing different service areas

Business Name Compliance for Dentists

Dental practices frequently violate business name guidelines:

Violating Names (Will Cause Suspension):

• ❌ "Smith Family Dentistry - Cosmetic & Implant Dentist"
• ❌ "ABC Dental | Best Dentist in Phoenix"
• ❌ "Modern Dentistry - Invisalign Provider"
• ❌ "Elite Dental Care - Emergency Dentist Available"

Compliant Names:

• ✅ "Smith Family Dentistry"
• ✅ "ABC Dental"
• ✅ "Modern Dentistry"
• ✅ "Elite Dental Care"

Use your actual practice name only. Specialties and services belong in other sections of your profile.

Address and Location Requirements

Dentists must meet specific location requirements:

You Must:

• Have a permanent physical office
• Staff the office during posted hours
• See patients at this location
• Have proper signage visible from the street
• Have a valid business license for this address

You Cannot:

• Use a virtual office or shared workspace address
• Use a residence unless you have proper home occupation permits
• Show a different address than where you actually see patients
• Have the same address as another dental practice unless you're in a medical building with suite numbers

Verification Challenges for Dentists

Google sometimes requires video verification for dental practices:

Video Verification Process:

1. Google requests a video tour of your office
2. You must show the exterior with signage
3. Show the reception area
4. Show treatment rooms
5. Demonstrate that the address matches

If You're Asked for Video Verification:

• Don't panic - this is increasingly common for healthcare
• Prepare your office (make sure it's clean and signage is visible)
• Have your business license and documentation ready
• Complete the video verification within 7 days
• Ensure your signage clearly shows your practice name

Required Documentation for Reinstatement

If your dental practice gets suspended, you'll need:

Primary Documents:

• Business license for your dental practice
• Dental board license for the practice
• Lease agreement or property deed
• Utility bill in business name
• Photos of exterior with clear signage
• Photos of interior showing dental practice

Additional Documents (Sometimes Required):

• Individual dentist licenses
• Professional liability insurance certificate
• Patient treatment records (with PHI removed)
• Proof of sterilization compliance
• State health department approvals

Multi-Location Dental Groups

Dental groups with multiple locations face additional challenges:

Common Issues:

• Inconsistent naming across locations
• Shared phone numbers that forward
• Corporate office address mixed with practice addresses
• Incorrect manager account setup

Best Practices for Dental Groups:

1. Consistent Naming:

   • "Smith Dental - Phoenix Location" ✅
   • "Smith Dental - Scottsdale Location" ✅
   • Each location uses the same base name with location identifier

2. Unique Local Phone Numbers:

   • Each location should have its own phone number
   • Don't use a central call center number

3. Proper Manager Account:

   • Use a business domain email for manager access
   • Don't use personal emails of staff who may leave

4. Location-Specific Content:

   • Each location should have unique photos
   • Different team members highlighted
   • Location-specific hours and services

Common Compliance Issues

Service Keywords in Name: Adding "Invisalign" or "Implants" to your name violates guidelines.

Duplicate Listings: Having separate listings for different services at the same location.

Shared Addresses: Multiple dental practices at the same medical building address without suite numbers.

Inconsistent NAP: Name, Address, and Phone number must match across your website, GBP, and licensing documents.

Prevention Strategies

Regular Audits:

• Check your listing monthly for unauthorized changes
• Verify your practice name matches your license
• Ensure your address is consistent everywhere
• Confirm your categories are accurate

Documentation:

• Keep digital copies of all licenses and permits
• Maintain photos of your signage
• Document your office layout
• Keep utility bills and lease agreements accessible

Staff Training:

• Educate staff not to create new listings
• Train reception on handling patient questions about online presence
• Ensure everyone knows not to add keywords to business name

What to Do If Suspended

If your dental practice gets suspended:

Immediate Steps:

1. Don't create a new listing
2. Document the suspension (screenshots)
3. Gather all required documents
4. Review your listing for violations
5. Prepare your reinstatement request

Reinstatement Request:

• Explain your dental practice clearly
• Provide business license and dental licenses
• Include photos of signage and office
• Address any specific violations
• Demonstrate compliance with healthcare guidelines

Special Considerations for Different Dental Specialties

Orthodontists: If you only do orthodontics, use "Orthodontist" as your primary category. Don't list general dentistry services you don't provide.

Oral Surgeons: Make sure your listing reflects that you're a specialty practice. Don't try to capture general dentistry searches.

Pediatric Dentists: Clearly indicate your specialty. Photos should show child-friendly environment.

Cosmetic Dentists: This is a service offering, not a business type. Your primary category should be "Dentist" and cosmetic procedures listed in services.

Ongoing Compliance

Monthly Checklist:

• Verify business name hasn't been changed
• Check for duplicate listings
• Confirm address is correct
• Review categories for accuracy
• Update hours if they've changed
• Add new photos regularly
• Respond to all reviews

Need Help with Your Dental Practice Suspension?

Dental practice suspensions require specific knowledge of healthcare compliance and Google's guidelines. If your practice has been suspended or you want to ensure compliance, we can help.

Run our free diagnostic tool to check your dental practice profile for potential issues, or contact us for expert assistance with dental practice reinstatements.