Introduction
Online reviews, especially on Google, play a critical role in attracting new patients to your dental practice. A majority of potential patients read reviews before choosing a dentist, and positive reviews directly influence local search rankings. However, many dentists struggle with asking for reviews in a way that feels natural, ethical, and effective. This guide outlines best practices for requesting Google reviews while maintaining patient trust and professionalism.
1. Ask at the Right Time
Timing is crucial when requesting reviews. The best time to ask is immediately after a positive experience or treatment. For example, after a routine cleaning, a successful cosmetic procedure, or a patient expressing satisfaction in-office, mention that you’d love their feedback online. Patients are more likely to leave reviews when the experience is fresh in their minds.
For busy clinics, consider following up with an email or text within 24–48 hours post-appointment. Platforms like Podium or Birdeye can automate these requests to ensure consistent timing without adding administrative work.
2. Make It Simple and Convenient
Patients are more likely to leave reviews if the process is easy. Provide a direct link to your Google Business Profile review page. Use QR codes in your office or on printed receipts that patients can scan with their phones. Avoid long instructions or complicated steps; the simpler the process, the higher the conversion rate.
Consider integrating review requests into your existing workflows. For instance, appointment reminder emails or follow-up surveys can include a clickable “Leave Us a Review” button, making it seamless for patients to provide feedback.
3. Be Personal and Genuine
Personalized requests feel more authentic than generic ones. Address the patient by name and reference their specific visit or treatment. For example: “Hi [Name], we hope you enjoyed your cleaning today! If you have a moment, we’d love for you to share your experience on Google.”
Patients respond positively when they feel their individual feedback matters. Avoid mass requests that feel automated or impersonal, as these can decrease the likelihood of reviews and may even frustrate patients.
4. Educate Patients About the Importance of Reviews
Explain why reviews matter without pressuring patients. Let them know their feedback helps others make informed decisions and allows your practice to continually improve. A short, friendly explanation during the visit or in follow-up emails can encourage participation while demonstrating transparency.
For example: “Your review helps others in our community find reliable dental care and allows us to keep providing top-notch service. We’d greatly appreciate your feedback!”
5. Provide Examples Without Scripted Content
Some patients may hesitate because they’re unsure what to write. Provide examples or guidance without scripting their message. For instance, suggest they mention the service they received, how they felt during treatment, or what they liked most about the visit. Avoid offering incentives for specific wording, as this violates Google’s review policies.
Example prompts you can use: “You can share what you enjoyed about your cleaning or how comfortable our team made your visit.” This encourages thoughtful, authentic reviews that are valuable for SEO and credibility.
6. Respond to Every Review
Once patients submit reviews, engage with them by responding promptly. Thank patients for positive feedback and address concerns in negative reviews professionally and empathetically. Responding demonstrates that your practice values patient input, which encourages others to leave reviews and strengthens trust among potential patients.
Platforms like Google My Business allow you to manage reviews easily, and CRM integrations can automate notifications when new reviews are posted.
7. Make It Part of Your Culture
Embed review requests into your practice’s daily workflow. Train your team to mention reviews naturally during visits, appointment follow-ups, and patient communications. Celebrate milestones, such as reaching a certain number of reviews, to reinforce the practice culture of valuing patient feedback.
Consistently incorporating review requests ensures a steady stream of authentic feedback over time, rather than relying on sporadic requests that produce inconsistent results.
8. Monitor and Optimize Your Review Strategy
Track the number and quality of reviews over time to identify patterns. Tools like ReviewTrackers, Yext, or Podium can provide insights into which methods generate the most reviews. Adjust your strategy based on results—timing, messaging, or follow-up methods—to continually improve effectiveness.
Conclusion
Asking patients for Google reviews doesn’t have to feel awkward or intrusive. By timing your requests appropriately, making the process easy, personalizing your messages, educating patients, and embedding review collection into your workflow, you can generate authentic, high-quality reviews consistently. Positive reviews not only boost your dental practice’s local SEO but also influence patient decisions, helping your clinic grow and build lasting trust within your community.
