Switch search results into appointments with strong Google dentist reviews

Google dentist reviews can make or break your practice. Hard to believe? Let’s picture this: A potential patient is searching for a great dentist and types “best dentist near me” into Google. What do they see first? A list of dental offices with star ratings and patient reviews. Your Google dentist reviews are often the deciding factor in whether they choose your practice over another.

Online reviews are just as powerful as personal recommendations when it comes to attracting new patients.  A strong online reputation can help your practice attract more patients, while bad reviews can deter them. Whether you’re a family dentist or a specialist, managing your reviews is critical to building trust and growing your practice.

Google reviews also influence search engine rankings, establish credibility, and provide valuable feedback on the dental experience you offer.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to optimize your reviews, respond effectively, and encourage satisfied patients to share their positive experiences; and the best part? You get to explore the perks of using Birdeye Reviews AI to simplify the process and maximize the impact of your Google dentist reviews.

Boost your dental practice with Google reviews: Why they matter & how to get more

With Google being the most influential review platform, having a strong presence can set your practice apart from competitors. While getting more Google reviews can be challenging, the right approach can encourage satisfied patients to share their experiences and boost your online reputation. Let’s learn more about the impact and ways to generate more reviews on Google:

1. Search engine rankings and visibility

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) determines how your dental practice appears in Google search results and Google Maps. The more good reviews you have, the higher your practice ranks. Making it easier for potential patients to find you when searching for a dentist. 

Google prioritizes businesses with high engagement, which includes frequent, high-quality reviews. Yet, dental professionals underestimate the impact of Google reviews on search rankings. According to Birdeye’s research:

• 71% of all customer reviews are written on Google – making it the most influential platform for online reputation
• 91% of all business searches happen on Google, highlighting its dominance in how patients discover local businesses

Birdeye Reviews AI automatically requests patient reviews after their visit, increasing your chances of ranking higher on Google. It also monitors 200+ review sites from a single dashboard, helping you track and manage your online presence effortlessly.

2. Building trust and credibility

When prospective customers see five-star reviews highlighting your friendly, knowledgeable staff, advanced equipment, and extremely professional service, they’re more likely to book an appointment. 

Positive reviews reinforce the quality of your dental procedures, whether routine teeth cleaning or a complex dental problem like a root canal. Responding to reviews also plays a key role in building credibility. Birdeye’s Reviews’ AI-generated responses ensure that every review receives a thoughtful and personalized reply, building trust with current and potential patients.

3. Encouraging more patients to leave reviews

Many satisfied patients leave the clinic/hospital happy but forget to share their experiences online. Since Google reviews are a powerful tool for attracting new patients and strengthening your practice’s reputation, it’s essential to make the review process as easy as possible. 

A well-planned strategy ensures more reviews, better engagement, and higher rankings in local search results.

Five effective ways to get more reviews:

1. Ask reviews directly at the right time

A simple request can be highly effective. Patients are most likely to leave a review after a positive experience, so timing is crucial.

Best moments to ask:

• Right after a successful treatment while they’re still in the office
• During a follow-up text or survey, check on their post-treatment experience
• While discussing their satisfaction with their treatment plan

Example:

“We’re so glad you had a great visit! If you wouldn’t mind sharing your experience, it would help other patients find us. Here’s a direct link to leave a Google review!”

Providing clear instructions and a direct link to your Google Business Profile ensures patients know exactly how to leave a review.

2. Make it easy with QR codes & in-office reminders

Patients often forget to leave a review once they exit your office, but a visible reminder can boost participation.

Where to place QR codes for easy access:

• Front desk or reception area
• Treatment rooms for patients to scan before leaving
• Waiting room posters with a direct link to your Google review page

Why reviews left in this way works:

• Patients can leave a review while the experience is fresh in their minds
• It minimizes extra steps, increasing follow-through
• It shows that you value patient feedback and engagement

3. Utilize social media to collect more reviews

Your online presence extends beyond Google, and social media is a great place to remind patients to share their experiences.

Ways to use social media for reviews:

• Post patient testimonials and encourage others to share their feedback
• Add a direct link to your Google review page in your bio or posts
• Run campaigns reminding patients that their reviews help the community find the best care

4. Follow up with a phone call

A personal phone call is another way to check in on a patient’s recovery while encouraging them to leave a review.

How to approach it:

• Express genuine care by asking how they feel after their visit
• If they had a positive experience, kindly ask if they would be willing to leave a review
• Provide a direct link or guide them on how to do it

Example Call Script:

“Hi [Patient’s Name], we just wanted to check in and see how you’re feeling after your appointment. If you had a great experience, we’d really appreciate it if you could share your thoughts in a Google review—it helps other patients find us!”

5. Never offer incentives for reviews

While it may be tempting to offer rewards for reviews, Google strictly prohibits incentivized reviews.

What not to do:

• Do not offer discounts, free services, or gifts in exchange for positive reviews
• Avoid filtering reviews by only asking happy patients—authentic feedback builds reliability

Instead, focus on genuine patient experiences and ensure every review request is ethical and organic.

Handle your online reputation with care

Managing reviews thoughtfully ensures a strong, positive presence that reflects the quality of care you provide. Here are a few ways to handle your online reputation:

Address negative reviews professionally

No dental practice is immune to negative feedback. However, how you respond can make a significant difference.

Easy steps to handle bad reviews:

• Acknowledge and empathize: Begin with a professional and empathetic response, thanking the patient for their feedback.
• Address the concern: If applicable, offer to resolve the issue by providing a solution or inviting the patient to discuss it privately.
• Maintain professionalism: Never argue or respond emotionally—your response is visible to all prospective patients.
• Encourage future visits: Show that your office is committed to improving the dental experience.

Sample response to a negative review:

“Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet the expectations. Our team strives to provide excellent patient care, and we’d love the opportunity to make things right. Please reach out to us at [contact information] so we can discuss your concerns further.”

Deal with fake and false reviews

Fake Google reviews can harm your online reputation. If you spot a false review:

• Flag it on Google as inappropriate
• Respond politely, stating that you have no record of their visit
• Encourage genuine patients to leave reviews to drown out fraudulent ones

Birdeye’s Reviews AI sentiment analysis detects fake reviews and alerts you. It also auto-translates foreign-language reviews, allowing you to engage with a diverse patient base.

How to optimize your dental practice for more Google reviews

Your Google Business Profile is a genuine space for your dental office. The more optimized your profile, the higher the chances of getting more Google reviews and attracting new patients. Here’s how to optimize your practice for increased visibility and patient trust:

1. Ensure your Google Business Profile is accurate

Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of your online presence. It should be up-to-date and include:

• Correct business hours so patients know when they can visit
• Updated address and phone number to ensure seamless communication
• High-quality photos of your dental office and dental team to create a welcoming first impression
• A detailed description covering all your dental health services and treatments, from routine dental problem treatment to specialized procedures

By maintaining an accurate and well-optimized Google Business Profile, you increase the chances of ranking higher in local searches and receiving more Google reviews for dentists.

2. Mention your team in reviews

When patients leave a Google review for a dentist, encourage them to mention their dentist, dental assistant, or office staff by name. This small yet powerful addition:

• Adds a personal touch 
• Helps prospective patients feel more connected to your practice
• Highlights the efforts of your dental team, building a strong reputation for personalized care

You can also make this process easier by directly providing patients with a Google review link. This will simplify their experience and increase the likelihood of receiving positive feedback.

3. Respond to every review

Engagement matters. Whether a patient shares a positive Google review for a dentist or raises a concern, responding to reviews demonstrates that you value patient feedback. A well-crafted response:

• Strengthens patient relationships and builds trust
• Shows prospective patients that your dental office is attentive and professional
• Encourages more patients to leave reviews, boosting your online presence on review sites

With Birdeye Reviews AI, getting Google reviews has never been easier. The integration with Google’s private API takes just a couple of clicks for customers to post their reviews on Google. This seamless process helps your dental practice gain more visibility effortlessly.

Implementing these strategies can optimize your online reputation, attract new patients, and establish your dental health practice as a trusted choice in your healthcare community.

Where to find the best Google reviews for a dental service

When prospective customers search for a new dentist, they rely heavily on online reviews to make informed decisions about their oral care. Google reviews can build trust, but knowing where to find and showcase them can help attract more clients and create a stress-free patient experience for those looking for quality dental care.

1. Google maps and search results

Google Maps and search results are the first places other patients check when evaluating a dentist. A strong presence with high-quality Google dentist reviews ensures that potential patients see a reputable and well-reviewed practice.

Providing a direct link to your Google dental reviews in emails, on your website, or in text messages makes it easier for satisfied patients to leave feedback and strengthen your online reputation.

2. Other review sites

While Google remains the dominant platform, personal recommendations often extend beyond a single source. Prospective patients also explore:

• Yelp: A popular site where many share detailed experiences about their dental visits.
• Birdeye Reviews AI: Helps dentists manage, analyze, and showcase reviews while turning them into marketing assets.
• Healthgrades: A go-to platform specifically for healthcare providers.
• Facebook Reviews: A trusted space where patients leave recommendations for friends and family.

Online reviews are a powerful asset in attracting potential patients to your dental practice. Positive experiences shared by satisfied patients build trust and encourage others to seek your services, creating a cycle of confidence and growth.

3. Your own website

Displaying reviews on your website reassures visitors about the quality of your oral care services. Creating a dedicated “Testimonials” page or integrating a review widget ensures that new visitors see real feedback from other patients.

With Birdeye Reviews AI dental professionals can amplify positive reviews by seamlessly turning them into social posts, featuring them on your website, and making them visible wherever your prospective customers are searching. This encourages more patients to leave reviews, strengthening your online reputation.

A well-managed review strategy helps attract more patients, making the process of finding a new dentist easier and backed by trusted personal recommendations.

What patients look for in reviews

When prospective customers search for a great dentist, they rely on online reviews to assess quality of care, clinic atmosphere, and overall dentist experience. Reviews help them make informed decisions, but not all reviews carry the same weight.

Some reviews provide valuable insights into a practice’s services, while others may be less relevant.

1. The most important reviews

Positive Google reviews help potential patients feel confident about choosing the best dentist for their needs. The most impactful reviews typically highlight:

• A stress-free experience: Patients often mention how the clinic’s friendly and professional staff made their visit comfortable, especially if they had dental anxiety. 
• Exceptional treatment & results: Reviews that describe how a doctor (Dr) performed a successful procedure, whether it’s a routine cleaning, a root canal, or cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, can be extremely persuasive.
• The complete patient journey: Reading reviews that walk through the entire experience, from booking an appointment, ease of scheduling, wait times, the actual procedure, and post-treatment care—helps prospective customers envision what their visit will be like.
• Detailed feedback on specific dental procedures: Patients often seek reviews that mention their particular concerns. Whether it’s a routine checkup, a root canal, dental implants, or braces, firsthand experiences help them choose the right provider.
• Use of advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment: Modern dentistry relies on innovative equipment to ensure better accuracy and patient comfort. Reviews highlighting the use of advanced tools and techniques can set a practice apart from the competition.

2. The least important reviews

While every review contributes to a clinic’s overall online reputation, some reviews hold less value for potential patients, including:

• Generic one-star reviews without explanation: Reviews that simply leave a low rating without detailing the patient’s experience don’t provide helpful information for others looking for a good dentist experience.
• Old reviews from years ago: Dentistry practices evolve over time. Reviews from years ago may not reflect current staff, treatment options, or clinic improvements. Most patients prioritize recent reviews when making a decision.
• Reviews unrelated to dental health: Comments about factors like parking, waiting room décor, or non-clinical aspects don’t necessarily indicate the quality of dental care. While convenience matters, patients primarily seek feedback on how well the dentist addressed their dental issues.

When searching for the best dentist, prospective customers focus on detailed, positive experiences that reassure them they’re making the right choice. Encouraging patients to leave good reviews about their dentist experience, including specific treatments and an amazing job by the dental team—can significantly boost trust and attract new patients.

Mastering dental review responses: Best practices with examples

For local businesses, especially in the dental practice industry, online reviews shape reputation and influence patient trust. Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, responding appropriately demonstrates professionalism, improves search rankings, and showcases a commitment to patient care.  

Thoughtful responses not only acknowledge a patient’s experience but also provide relevant information for future visitors considering your practice.

Let’s explore some of the sample responses for different dental scenarios

1. Positive review response

When a patient leaves a positive review, it’s essential to acknowledge their wonderful experience and reinforce their positive perception of your dental work. A well-crafted response can also encourage more reviews from satisfied patients.

Example:

“Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a wonderful experience with our office staff and professional team. It’s always our goal to provide the best care possible, and we’re delighted that we met your expectations. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!”

Why this works:

• Expresses gratitude for the patient’s time and feedback
• Reinforces the positive aspects of their experience
• Encourages them to return, fostering long-term loyalty

2. Negative review response

Negative reviews or bad reviews can impact search results and potential patients’ decisions. Handling them professionally and empathetically shows that you care about patient concerns and are committed to continuous improvement.

Example:

“We appreciate your feedback and regret your experience didn’t meet expectations. Providing excellent care is our priority, and we take concerns seriously. Please call our office so we can discuss your experience in detail and work toward a resolution.”

Why this works:

• Acknowledges the patient’s concerns without being defensive
• Encourages direct communication to resolve the issue privately
• Demonstrates a proactive approach to patient satisfaction

Additional tip: If a complaint involves a specific treatment plan, address concerns professionally and, if needed, refer the patient to other doctors for a second opinion. This will show a commitment to quality care.

3. Neutral review response

Some patients leave neutral reviews without much detail. These reviews offer an opportunity to gather relevant information about their visit and potentially convert them into long-term patients.

Example:

“Thank you for your review! We value all feedback and would love to know how we can make your next visit even better. If there’s anything specific about your experience that we can improve, please let us know. Your input helps us continue providing excellent dental care.”

Why this works:

• Shows appreciation for the review
• Opens the door for further engagement and feedback
• Encourages the patient to return for a better experience

Engaging with online reviews helps dental practices strengthen their relationships with existing and potential patients. By addressing feedback promptly and professionally, you show that your clinic values patient satisfaction and provides top-quality dental care.

The future of dental care with Birdeye- an AI platform worth smiling about

As technology advances, AI transforms how local businesses, including dental practices, engage with patients. Staying ahead of these trends creates a welcoming environment that satisfies both returning and new patients.

AI is revolutionizing reputation management in dentistry, streamlining everything from feedback collection to trend analysis. With AI-driven tools, dentists can gain deeper insights and respond faster, ensuring a seamless patient experience. Let’s explore how Birdeye is leading the way with cutting-edge innovations: 

Automated review responses: Birdeye Reviews AI can help dentists respond to reviews efficiently, maintaining a personal touch while saving time. 

AI-driven sentiment analysis: Advanced AI tools can analyze online reviews to detect trends, ensuring practices proactively address concerns and enhance patient comfort.

GenAI Messaging: With Birdeye Messaging AI, dentists can engage with patients across digital platforms—text, social, email, chatbot, and more—all from a single inbox.

The future of online reputation for dentists is AI-driven, making it easier than ever to get reviews and provide a seamless experience. With Birdeye Reviews AI, dentists can grow their practice while ensuring every new patient and returning visitor receives the best care possible—both online and in person.

FAQs about Google dentist reviews

Google dentist reviews: The secret to exceptional care & trust

A great doctor isn’t just defined by their skills—it’s the entire patient experience that makes a lasting impression. Google dentist reviews offer potential patients valuable insights into your practice, helping them feel confident in their choices.

A strong review management strategy builds trust, highlights your commitment to patient satisfaction, and ultimately drives more patients to your clinic. 

Birdeye Reviews AI helps you and your entire team collect, manage, and amplify Google reviews. Watch a demo now and let your happy patients bring in the next wave of loyal customers.