Positive Google reviews are essential for strengthening your dental practice’s online reputation and visibility. They’re critical for attracting new patients and growing your practice. While prioritizing reviews takes considerable effort, it pays off by allowing you to build a long-lasting reputation.
Why Google Reviews Matter for Dental Practices
So why exactly are reviews so important for dental practices?
- Improving SEO (Search Engine Optimization): When potential patients look for a new dentist, they typically search Google for options in their area. You want your dental practice to be one of the top results for relevant search phrases. Google prioritizes businesses with positive reviews, so the more you have, the more likely you’ll show up on the first page of results.
- Building trust: Positive reviews help prospective patients feel confident about choosing your practice. If they see reviews that highlight the expertise of your dentists and hygienists and helpfulness of the front office staff, they’ll be inclined to choose your practice over another.
- Informing patients: Reviews tell potential patients what to expect when visiting your practice in terms of services offered, quality of care, atmosphere in the clinic, and overall experience. While attracting new patients is critical to your growth, not all patients will be the right fit. Reviews can help patients decide whether your practice aligns with their needs.
- Opportunity to improve: Reviews, whether positive or negative, offer valuable feedback for enhancing your practice. Use this feedback to improve your services and operations so you can grow and cultivate long-term success. For more ways to build a successful practice, explore our guide here.
Best Ways to Get More Google Reviews from Patients
Now that you understand why Google reviews are important, how can you collect as many positive reviews as possible?
1. Deliver high-quality patient care
The first step to getting positive Google reviews is, of course, delivering exceptional personalized care from the very first phone call to follow-up. When patients feel genuinely cared for and have their concerns addressed, they’ll be more open and eager to share their experience online.
2. Ask for reviews right after appointments
Politely invite patients to leave a review as they check out, especially if they compliment your practice or share positive feedback. Display a QR code linking to your Google review page for easy access. It’s important to show appreciation for their time regardless of their choice, making it clear there’s no pressure to leave a review.
3. Include requests in follow-up communications
After each appointment, send a follow-up email or text to thank patients for visiting and ask for a review. Make it easy by including a direct link to your Google review page. If you send patient surveys, add the review request with the same direct link for convenience.
Streamline the process with software that automates review requests. Tools like 1-800-DENTIST’s PatientActivator integrate with your practice management system to send Google review requests automatically. You can also manage and respond to reviews directly through the dashboard.
4. Leverage social media to encourage reviews
Social media is a powerful tool for communicating with your audience and strengthening your online presence. You can share patient testimonials that you’ve received to boost your reputation and encourage more patients to leave their own Google reviews.
How to Respond to Negative Reviews
Every review, whether good or bad, is an opportunity for growth. Even if you do your best to make your patients happy, occasional negative reviews are inevitable. That’s just the reality of running a business.
Responding thoughtfully shows that you care about patient experiences and are committed to addressing concerns. Most people don’t expect perfection, but they do value accountability.
Make sure to do the following when responding to negative Google reviews:
- Respond promptly
- Thank the patient for taking the time to leave feedback
- Keep it professional
- Be empathetic to your patient’s concerns
- Apologize if necessary
In some cases, an apology and response to a negative review aren’t enough—you may need to take further action to resolve the issue. Use your judgment to determine when additional steps are necessary and consider ways to remedy the situation.
Leverage Google Reviews for Your Dental Practice’s Long-Term Growth
A high volume of positive Google reviews is a highly effective way to boost online visibility and instill confidence in your practice. For many patients, a high volume of positive reviews plays a key role in choosing a provider. Start by delivering exceptional care, then incorporate regular requests for reviews in your overall patient communications strategy. Each review is a chance to grow, strengthen relationships, and foster loyalty, making reviews essential to long-term practice growth.
