How to get more Google reviews for your dental practice

Reviews are one of the most visible parts of your online presence. New patients read them, and Google considers them when it decides who to show on the map. Many practices have fewer reviews than they should, simply because they never built a habit of asking. Here is how to do it well and within the rules.

Why reviews matter

• Patients trust them. People read other patients’ experiences before they call, especially for a first dental visit.
• They influence local ranking. The number, quality and recency of reviews are part of what Google looks at.
• They answer questions. A review that mentions a gentle hygienist or a short wait does work an ad cannot.

Follow Google’s rules

Three rules cover most problems:

1. Do not gate reviews. Asking only patients you think will be positive is against Google’s policies. Ask everyone, or ask by a neutral rule, such as after every appointment.
2. Do not offer incentives. Discounts, gifts and entries into a draw in exchange for reviews are not allowed.
3. Do not write or buy reviews. Fake reviews can get reviews removed and your profile penalized.

Make it easy

Most patients are willing to leave a review. They just need a simple path.

• Use your direct review link. Your Google Business Profile has a link that opens the review box directly. Use it in a text or email.
• Ask at the right time. Right after a visit, when the experience is fresh, works best.
• Keep the message short. One or two sentences and the link are enough.
• Make it part of the process. A reminder on the checkout step or a follow-up message sent after each visit builds the habit.

A simple message you can adapt

Thank you for visiting us today. If you have a minute, we would appreciate an honest review of your visit. It helps other families find us. [link]

Notice that it asks for an honest review. It does not steer the person toward positive feedback.

Who should ask

The best ask comes from someone the patient already trusts, such as the front desk when checking out or the hygienist. Train your team on the wording, and the rules above, so everyone asks the same way.

Reply to every review, without sharing patient information

Replying shows that you pay attention. But health privacy rules apply to your replies.

• Do not confirm the person is a patient. Even thanking someone for a “great root canal” can disclose health information.
• Do not discuss details of care. Keep replies general, even when the reviewer shared details themselves.
• Invite offline contact for complaints. Something like “We take this seriously. Please call us so we can talk” is enough.
• Stay calm. Never argue in public.

A safe reply to a positive review is brief: “Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate you taking the time to share them.”

Handling negative reviews

Negative reviews will happen. They are not a disaster if you handle them well.

1. Take a breath and wait before you respond.
2. Reply briefly, politely and without revealing any patient information.
3. Take the conversation offline.
4. Fix any real problem you find.
5. If a review breaks Google’s rules (spam, a fake account, conflict of interest), report it.

Track your progress

Aim for a steady flow rather than a one-time push. A profile with a recent review every week looks more active than one that got fifty reviews three years ago. Check how many reviews you gain each month, and look for themes in what patients say.

Want help setting up a review process?

Review requests and responses are part of our Local SEO service. We set up a simple, compliant process and help you keep it running. Book a free strategy call and we will review your profile.