SEO for DSOs in 2025: Adapting to Google's AI Overviews

If you’ve Googled something recently and noticed that the top of the page shows a big, clear summary of the answer—congratulations, you’ve met Google’s AI Overview. It’s one of the most significant changes to search in years, and if your DSO manages multiple dental locations, this change could make or break your online visibility in 2025.

In this guide, we’ll explain precisely what AI Overviews are, how they work, where they appear, and most importantly, how to optimize your DSO’s web presence so your locations don’t disappear from the first page of search results.

Whether you’re managing marketing for a single-region group or a nationwide network of practices, understanding how to appear in AI Overviews is now a critical part of SEO for DSOs.

What Are AI Overviews?

Let’s start with the basics.

AI Overviews are Google’s new way of showing answers directly in search results using artificial intelligence. Instead of just showing a list of blue links, Google now gives users a quick, AI-generated summary right at the top of the page.

For example, if a potential patient types:

“What’s the best treatment for a cracked tooth?”

They might see a paragraph of AI-written text summarizing the answer—pulled from multiple sources across the web, including dental websites from DSOs like yours.

This summary usually appears at the top of the page, often above the traditional website links, and sometimes includes links to the sources the AI pulled from.

Think of it like a digital concierge giving patients a fast answer before they click on a website.

Below is another example of someone searching “Where can I get a dental bridge in West Jordan?” on Google. At the top of the results, you’ll see Google’s AI Overview, which highlights several dental practices in the area that offer dental bridges.

Clicking “Show more” expands the list to display additional local providers. On the right-hand side of the AI Overview, you’ll notice a panel of links. These are the source websites that Google used to generate the summary, showing where the information was pulled from.

Where Do AI Overviews Show Up?

AI Overviews are already rolling out across most standard search results in the U.S. and expanding globally throughout 2025. DSOs should expect to see them in:

Mobile and desktop Google searches
Local searches (e.g., “dentist near me,” “pediatric dentist in Austin”)
Informational queries like “How much does Invisalign cost?” or “Do veneers damage your teeth?”

If your DSO’s locations aren’t part of these overviews, you risk being excluded from the patient’s decision-making process entirely.

Why AI Overviews Matter for Dental SEO

Traditionally, SEO for dental groups focused on ranking high in Google’s 10 blue links. But now, those links may appear lower on the page, sometimes buried under an AI Overview, maps, ads, and featured snippets.

This means:

Less visibility for your website if you don’t appear in the Overview
More trust is given to websites included in the AI summary
A need to optimize differently than before

To stay visible and competitive, your DSO’s web content must be part of the dataset Google pulls from for AI-generated answers.

How AI Overviews Choose Local Service Providers Like Your Dental Practices

AI Overviews don’t just summarize general knowledge. They’re getting better at including local businesses in search responses, especially for service-based queries like:

“Best emergency dentist near me”
“Top-rated Invisalign provider in Chicago”
“Affordable teeth whitening in Salt Lake City”

Here’s how Google is picking which dental clinics to feature in Overviews:

1. Local Relevance

Google uses your Google Business Profile data, reviews, and location-specific info to determine if you’re a match for local searches.

2. Website Content

Sites with clear, accurate, helpful information about services (like dental implants, veneers, or pediatric care) are more likely to be cited.

3. Authority Signals

Websites with strong SEO signals, good backlinks, and regularly updated content are more likely to be trusted by AI.

4. Consistency

Your clinic’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) must match across your DSO’s locations and platforms.

How DSOs Can Optimize for Inclusion in AI Overviews

Let’s talk strategy. Here’s how to get your dental websites into Google’s new AI Overviews:

1. Answer Common Questions On Your Website

Your DSO’s service pages, location pages, and blog posts should clearly answer the questions your patients are typing into Google. For example:

“How long do dental implants last?”
“Is Invisalign painful?”
“What’s the difference between a crown and a cap?”

Example: Create a blog post titled “Is Invisalign Worth It? Answers from Our Dallas Dental Clinic.”

This helps Google see your site as a reliable source for AI-generated summaries.

2. Use Clear, Trustworthy Language

Google’s AI prefers factual, straightforward content written in a way that’s easy to understand. Avoid technical jargon unless you explain it.

Good: “A root canal removes infected tissue inside the tooth to relieve pain and prevent further damage.”

Bad: “Endodontic therapy addresses pulpal inflammation through biomechanical debridement.”

Tip: Write like you’re explaining dental care for nervous patients across your DSO’s websites—because you are.

3. Add Structured Data to Your Site

Structured data (also called schema) tells Google exactly what your page is about. It’s like giving the AI a roadmap.

Use structured data to mark up:

Services (e.g., cosmetic dentistry, dental implants)
Local business info
FAQs
Reviews and testimonials

Ask your dental marketing or SEO team to roll this out across all practice websites within your organization. This increases your chances of being included in Overviews and rich results.

4. Keep Your Google Business Profile Updated

Make sure your Google Business Profile includes:

Accurate hours
Photos of your team and office
A detailed list of services
Patient reviews

Example: If someone asks Google, “Where can I get a same-day crown near me?”, Google may pull data from your profile into an AI Overview if your profile says you offer that service.

5. Earn Mentions Across the Web

Google’s AI pulls information from multiple websites, not just your own. Ensure your DSO’s practices are:

Listed in local directories
Featured in online publications
Reviewed by real patients on platforms like Yelp or Healthgrades

The more consistent and widespread your mentions, the more likely your organization appears trustworthy to Google’s AI.

6. Create Helpful, Niche Content Regularly

Publishing one basic blog post per year won’t cut it. You must regularly publish content that answers real patient questions—and be specific.

Example: Instead of writing “Teeth Whitening Tips,” try:

“Best Teeth Whitening Options for Coffee Drinkers in Tampa – Advice from Our Hyde Park Office”

This kind of specific, geo-targeted content helps Google associate your site with local, expert-level authority, which is exactly what AI Overviews want.

What It Means When Google Summarizes the Answer

When your DSO’s site is cited in an AI summary, users may never need to click your website to see your expertise.

That’s a huge opportunity—if you’re included. But if not?

You’re essentially invisible to prospective patients.

Fewer clicks for dentists not featured in the Overview
More brand visibility for dentists who are
Patient trust shifts toward whichever provider is mentioned first

In short, your dental SEO strategy must now include optimizing for AI Overviews, or you risk getting buried under summaries, snippets, and ads.

Final Thoughts: SEO for DSOs in the AI Age

Google’s AI Overviews aren’t just a flashy new feature—they’re the future of search. As a DSO leader, your priorities now must include:

Local SEO for dentists is more important than ever
Your website needs to be clear, helpful, and trustworthy
Your practice must show up in both AI summaries and traditional results

If you’re not adapting, you’re disappearing.

Start by answering common patient questions
Keep your Google profile up to date
Work with SEO professionals who understand the new landscape

Want help making sure your DSOs sites show up in AI Overviews? Consider contacting a professional dental marketing company to help you build a custom SEO strategy that puts your locations at the top of the search results, with or without the blue links.

Frequently Asked Questions for DSOs

1. Can we opt out of being included in AI Overviews?

No, there is currently no way for businesses or websites to opt out of being included in AI Overviews. If your content is publicly available and follows best practices, Google’s AI system may use it to generate summaries.

2. Do we need to write “AI-specific” content?

You don’t need to write “for AI,” but you do need to write clear, helpful, and well-structured content that answers real patient questions. Focus on creating user-friendly pages and blogs that are easy to understand. If your content is helpful for people, it’s helpful for AI too.

3. How do we know if our locations are in AI Overviews?

Currently, Google doesn’t provide a specific report for AI Overview inclusion in Search Console. However, you might see traffic from AI-related features or notice referral links from Overview content. Keeping an eye on your traffic patterns and visibility in SERPs (search engine results pages) can give you clues.

4. Do patient reviews impact AI Overview inclusion?

Yes. A high volume of recent, positive reviews, especially on Google and Healthgrades, play a big role in determining if your locations are featured.

5. Is traditional SEO still relevant for DSOs?

Absolutely. Keyword targeting, technical SEO, backlinks, and mobile performance still matter—they’re foundational to getting considered for AI Overviews.