Direct mail for dentists in Philadelphia: a simple new-patient postcard guide

Short answer: a dental postcard works best when it shows real people from your office, one clear new-patient offer, the insurance you take and an easy way to book. Track every new patient with a QR code or a code word, and give it more than one mailing.

What neighbors look for in a dentist

Most people choose a dentist close to home. When a family moves, or a dentist retires, they look for someone nearby they can trust. A postcard in every mailbox on your streets, from Ridge Ave to Germantown Ave, puts your name in front of them when that moment comes.

Things that help people trust you on a card:

A real photo of you or your team, not stock art.
Your neighborhood or cross streets, so they know you are close.
The insurance plans you accept, in one short line.
Hours that fit families, like early mornings or Saturdays, if you have them.

New-patient offer ideas

A set price for a new-patient exam, cleaning and X-rays.
A free electric toothbrush or whitening kit with a first cleaning.
A "bring the family" offer for booking two or more people.

Before you print a "free" or discounted offer, check that it follows the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry's advertising rules and your insurance contracts. We are not giving legal advice, and rules can change.

Keep the design simple

Use one headline, one offer and one way to book. Large, clear text matters, since many readers are older homeowners. Skip busy photos and long lists of services. Our offer guide has a fill-in template.

Track your new patients

Give your ad its own QR code and a mention code like SMILE. Ask your front desk to ask every new caller, "How did you hear about us?" and write it down. Our guide on telling if your postcard worked shows how.

One dentist per card

Mailbox Finds puts only one dentist on each card. When that spot’s taken, it’s gone until the next card. Your $349 founding spot includes design, printing and USPS delivery to about 5,000 homes. One business per category. Every ad gets a tracked QR code and a mention code.

Claim a spot See pricing

What it costs

Mailing your own postcard through USPS EDDM costs $0.26 a piece in postage (USPS Every Door Direct Mail), so about $1,300 for 5,000 homes before printing and design. See our pricing for a shared spot, try your own numbers in the ROI calculator, or see which categories are open on the Chestnut Hill and Roxborough cards.

Common questions

Does direct mail work for dentists?

It can, when the card has a clear new-patient offer, a real team photo and a way to track responses. Results vary by office and offer, so track every new patient and judge it over more than one mailing.

What should a dental postcard include?

A real photo, one new-patient offer, your location, the insurance you accept, and a QR code or code word so you can count responses.

Can I advertise a free exam on a postcard in Pennsylvania?

Many offices do, but check the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry's advertising rules and your insurance contracts first. This guide is not legal advice.

Will another dentist be on the same Mailbox Finds card?

No. Each card has one business per category, so only one dentist appears on it.

Written by Kelly Claiborne, founder of Mailbox Finds. Prices quoted from public sources linked above; check them before you budget.