Patient reviews are like silent referrals for dentists, serving as word-of-mouth recommendations that build trust and attract new patients. Now, imagine these reviews taking on a physical form—something you can showcase in the digital world and use as dental promotional items to attract even more patients. But first, let’s take a look at some dental statistics. According to them.....
67% of people looking for a new dentist use online reviews, with Google being the most popular platform by a landslide.
More than two-thirds of patients looking for a new dentist use online reviews, with 81% using Google reviews, and others looking at Yelp (45%), Facebook (30%), and Healthgrades (23%).
In a world where 91% of people read online reviews before making a decision, dental practices can’t afford to overlook the power of patient feedback.
Over 70% of consumers use online search engines to research dental treatments and read reviews when looking for a new dentist, according to Ruler Analytics.
The survey results gave a surprising look into the minds of dental care consumers. As many as 63 percent of consumers who are considering any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure find online dentist reviews to be a vital part of their decision-making process.
33% believe that dental provider reviews are at least somewhat important when choosing a dentist.
83% of patients claim that they no longer trust advertising, but most trust recommendations from users online.
72% of customers trust online reviews as much as they trust personal recommendations from real people.
Dental reviews can build trust, attract new patients, and provide valuable insights into the patient experience. But how can dental practices effectively collect more reviews to boost their online reputation?
Ask for Dental Reviews at the Right Time
Timing is everything when requesting dental reviews. The best moment to ask for feedback is right after a positive experience when patients are leaving the office feeling satisfied or relieved from successful treatment. With advanced technology like augmented reality (AR) for distraction, such as Keppy, you can request reviews even while patients are still in the dental chair.
The after-procedural text:
“Thank you for visiting! We’d appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review [insert link]. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others find us!”
Keppy’s AR experience not only engages and relaxes patients but also enhances satisfaction as they try innovative dental technology. This combination increases the likelihood of receiving positive reviews, as patients are more likely to share their excitement about the unique experience.
Impress patients, and ask for review at the right time, when they are in the right mood!
Send Follow-Up Emails with Review Links
Research shows that 68% of patients leave a review when prompted by email. Sending a polite, post-visit email thanking them for their visit and including a direct link to your Google or Yelp review page is a great way to encourage reviews without being intrusive. Make sure the email is short, friendly, and includes a clear call-to-action, like:
“We’d love to know how we did today! Please click here to share your experience with others.”
Provide In-Office Dental Review Stand with QR codes
For patients who may not remember to leave a review at home, consider setting up a small review banner with a QR code ( at the reception desk, which, when scanned, directs them to your review page) in your waiting area. Patients can quickly leave a review before they leave the office.
Incentivize Reviews (But Carefully)
While incentivizing reviews requires sensitivity to avoid biased feedback, subtle incentives can encourage more responses. For instance, you can enter patients into a monthly raffle if they leave a review. Make sure to follow platform guidelines, especially on Google and Yelp, which discourage incentivizing reviews with discounts or gifts.
Respond to All Reviews—Both Positive and Negative
Responding to reviews shows that you value patient feedback. Patients who see that a practice acknowledges reviews, both positive and critical, are more likely to trust that the practice listens to and cares about their experience. Take a few minutes each week to reply to recent reviews, thank patients for their feedback, or address any concerns mentioned.
Video and Photo Reviews Are More Important Than Text Ones
Video and photo reviews are crucial for dental practices looking to boost credibility and patient engagement, outperforming traditional text-based testimonials. Studies show that viewers retain 95% of a message in a video compared to only 10% in text (Insivia), making videos a powerful tool for building trust. Visual testimonials capture real patients and results, allowing potential patients to see genuine outcomes, emotions, and the quality of care they can expect, which is particularly effective for treatments like veneers and whitening. According to a BrightLocal survey, 73% of consumers are more likely to trust businesses with video testimonials over those with only text reviews. Additionally, videos improve SEO rankings and attract more social media engagement, helping practices expand their reach and stand out online. By offering a transparent and relatable look at the patient experience, video and photo reviews create a stronger, lasting impression that enhances patient confidence and helps dental practices grow.
Measuring the Success of Your Review Collection Efforts
Once you’ve implemented review collection strategies, measure your progress and adjust as needed. Track metrics like:
Review Volume: Aim to collect at least 5 new reviews per month for a consistent online presence.
Response Rate: If your follow-up emails and texts are getting fewer than 20% responses, consider adjusting your message.
Review Sentiment: Monitor how patients feel based on the language they use in reviews. Positive sentiment and keywords like “friendly,” “professional,” or “caring” indicate a strong patient experience.
Additionally, tools like Google My Business and Reputation.com offer analytics that track patient sentiment, review frequency, and review sources to help you understand where most of your reviews are coming from and what areas need improvement.
Conclusion
Patient reviews are essential for growing a successful, patient-centered dental practice. From building trust to improving SEO and attracting new patients, reviews play a significant role in your practice’s success. By strategically asking for reviews at the right time, using email and text follow-ups with a mix of cutting-edge technologies, and making the review process convenient (easy to follow, direct), you can increase your dental review volume and create a strong online presence. With these strategies, your practice will be well on its way to collecting valuable feedback that strengthens patient relationships and attracts new patients.
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