Dental Lawyer Explains Common Marketing Mistakes

Dental marketing can help grow your practice, but the wrong claims, promotions, or online behavior can lead to serious legal trouble. In this interview, John McIntyre, health law lawyer and co-founder of McIntyre Szabo PC (https://www.mcintyre-szabo.com), breaks down the most common marketing mistakes dentists make, including: • Misleading advertising claims • Improper use of “specialist” titles • Risky discounts and promotions • Patient referral programs • Online reviews and privacy violations • Social media content that crosses professional boundaries • Compliance with college regulations and informed consent rules You will also learn what happens when a complaint is filed, how disciplinary investigations work, and what steps dentists can take to protect their license and stay compliant while remaining competitive. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Listening does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Introduction 1:49 - Most Common Marketing Mistakes Dentists Make 4:06 - Real Case: Specialist Claim Gone Wrong 6:16 - Social Media Risks & TikTok Example 8:21 - Risky Phrases & Claims to Avoid 13:41 - Special Offers & Discounts: What's Allowed 15:13 - The Insurance Fraud Trap 17:28 - Online Reviews: Legal Pitfalls 20:43 - Responding to Reviews Without Breaching Privacy 23:20 - Specialty Status: Don't Cross This Line 26:44 - Who's Responsible: Dentist vs Marketing Agency 30:02 - Third-Party Patient Referral Programs: The Risks 34:51 - Simple Steps to Stay Compliant 37:38 - What Happens If You Face a Complaint 44:00 - Conclusion & Final Thoughts