A recent consumer survey revealed that 77 percent of consumers “always” or “regularly” read online reviews when browsing for local businesses or services. That means that before a potential patient clicks “call” or schedules an appointment online, they’ve likely scrolled through your reviews to see what others have said about their experience with your dental practice.
Google reviews aren’t just nice to have — they’re often a deciding factor.
If you’re wondering how you can store more reviews on Google for your dental practice, we’ve got great news: the secret is surprisingly simple — just ask!
Why Google reviews matter now more than ever
Consider how you make decisions when trying out a new restaurant, booking a hotel or choosing a service provider. If you’re like most, checking out reviews is probably at the top of your list. Your practice’s future patients are no different.
Here’s why reviews are so important:
- They build trust. Positive reviews offer social proof that others have had a great experience with your team.
- They improve visibility. More high-quality reviews help your practice rank higher in local search results on Google.
- They guide patient expectations. Reviews give potential patients insight into your bedside manner, office atmosphere, and overall experience.
- They keep your reputation strong. A steady stream of new reviews keeps your online presence current and relevant.
Making the ask a part of your practice
Between packed schedules, patient care and insurance paperwork, it’s easy for something like Google reviews to become an afterthought. And sometimes, people struggle with asking for a review because they think they’ll come across as pushy or awkward.
But patients are usually happy to leave a review — they just need to be asked at the right time, in the right way. That’s exactly why Bryant Consultants coaches work with dental teams to implement simple, low-pressure strategies that become second nature over time.
3 easy ways to ask for a review
- Ask at checkout
After a successful appointment, especially when a patient says something positive, your front desk team can respond with: “We’re so glad you had a great visit! If you have a minute, would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google? It helps others find us, too.”
This is casual, kind and makes the patient feel appreciated.
- Send a follow-up text or email
Use your patient management software to automatically send a message after the appointment that states something like: “Thanks for visiting us today! If you had a great experience, we’d love it if you could leave us a quick Google review. It only takes a minute!” You can even include a direct link to make it easier for them to find where to leave a review.
Personalizing the message — even if simply by adding the patient’s name — increases the likelihood of a response.
- Display a QR code
Create a QR code that links directly to your Google review page. Display it at checkout, in your new patient packets or even on signage in your waiting room. Patients can scan it in seconds and leave a review while the experience is still fresh in their minds.
Pro-tip — highlight the reviews you receive
When a new, glowing review comes in or is posted, be sure to share it. Read it out loud in your staff meetings, give your team a proud shoutout and feature the review on your social media pages. Recognizing that great feedback boosts morale while also reinforcing the value of asking.
Just start asking!
You don’t need fancy marketing strategies or a complicated system to boost your Google reviews. You simply need to create the habit of consistently asking. Most patients who’ve had a positive experience are more than willing to leave a review — they just need a gentle reminder. When you build that habit into your practice’s routine, you’ll improve your online reputation and likely start seeing those five-star ratings start to stack up, attracting more of the patients you want to serve.
If you need help getting your team on board, the Bryant Consultants team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
So go ahead. Start asking. You might be surprised how many people say yes!
April Brogan
Director of New Business & Practice Relationships
