How to Get More Reviews For Your Dental Practice

Online reviews are one of the best ways to convince potential patients to choose your dental practice. In fact, according to results from a survey conducted by DentaVox, 86% of patients checked online reviews before choosing their last dentist. In addition, Online Dentist Reviews Survey found that 60% of respondents chose to visit the dental practice in person after reading reviews with positive feedback.

Positive online reviews for dentists are, without a doubt, an essential part of your overall marketing strategy. It may feel intimidating, but the effort is 100% worth it.

So here's how to get started.

5 steps to getting more 5-star reviews for your dental practice

Create a Google Business Profile

Your Google Business profile is the house where all your Google reviews live as well as the rest of your business information. While other review platforms are important, Google is arguably the most important review platform on the internet today.

Your basic Google Business profile will include your business name, physical location, contact information, website, logo, and other pictures that will be displayed in search results and also in Maps. Chances are, Google may already have your information included in a default business profile, and so you may need to “claim this business” rather than create the profile from scratch. Either way, Google typically requires a form of verification when you set up your business profile for the first time, which may involve receiving a postcard with a verification code or another way that can take up to several business days to verify.

Once your Google Business profile is established, patients can immediately begin leaving reviews of your dental practice.

Personally ask patients for reviews

If you are new to online reviews, one of the best methods is to personally ask your patients to leave your dental office a review. This can be done via email by one of your front desk staff or by the dentist. When sending a personal review request, be sure to include the direct link to your review request form as provided by Google.

Keep your email request short and to the point. Most people understand the value of online reviews and are happy to leave a review for any business where they have received a positive experience. And always remember to thank your patients in advance!

Keep in mind that only patients with Google accounts can leave a review on Google, which is why the next point is equally important.

Create additional accounts to collect online reviews

In addition to Google, you should also create or claim the following essential accounts:

• Facebook
• Apple Business Listing
• Yelp

Facebook allows businesses to collect and display reviews as a part of their social media platform, and also provides a natural opportunity to earn organic referrals as reviews are posted both on your account as well as the reviewer’s account. Yelp has a unique value in that Yelp reviews are automatically displayed in Apple Maps alongside your Apple Maps listing.

What if you don’t have an Apple Maps account? Not to worry. Similar to Google, Apple Maps may already have a listing created for your dental practice by sourcing your business information from other databases. The next step is to claim your Apple Maps listing in order to have direct access to your information and to keep it current and accurate. You’ll need an Apple ID to claim your listing, so you may need to create one if you don’t already have one.

While not as robust of a platform as Google Business profile, Apple Maps and Siri are still relevant sources of information for many potential patients. So you want to be sure to cover all your bases by having the right accounts set up to receive and display your 5-star reviews.

Automate review requests

Once your accounts are set-up, begin to automate your review requests with the software of your choice. While personal requests are highly effective and generally have a higher completion rate, many dental offices don’t have the staff or time available to dedicate to personal texts or emails asking for reviews. This is why review request automations are so helpful.

Many practice management softwares have built-in review request tools similar to automated appointment reminders. Keep in mind that automated review requests are not the same as a reputation management software, which keeps negative feedback in a private dashboard while directing patients with 4 or 5-star feedback to the public review platforms such as Google, Facebook and Yelp. Check with your account manager or administrator to see what features are available to your practice.

Provide a review-worthy experience!

Positive reviews are driven by positive experiences. Dental offices are known for inducing anxiety, so the best possible approach to gaining 5-star reviews is to surprise your patients with a truly comfortable dental visit. Offer online scheduling, registration and intake forms. Set-up email automations and appointment reminders.

Coach your front office staff on phone etiquette and in-person greetings. Put your patients first from start to finish. Offer every patient a positive experience and seamless patient journey, and they will become your best advocates!