I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled up a dental practice’s Google listing, ready to dig into their marketing strategy, only to find they haven’t had a new review in six months.
Or worse—they’re sitting on a 3.2-star rating and have no idea.
Reviews aren’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore. They’re a core part of your local visibility and reputation. They’re public. They’re permanent. And yes—they impact how many new patients call your office.
So if you’ve been leaving your reviews on autopilot, here’s why it’s time to take a closer look.
1. Patients really do check reviews—especially on Google
We all know people Google everything. But when it comes to finding a new dentist, reviews carry real weight.
A recent survey showed 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. And healthcare searches are right at the top of that list.
Think about that. A mom looking for a pediatric dentist isn’t just checking to see who’s close—she’s reading the reviews to make sure her kid isn’t going to have a bad experience.
The red flags they look for?
-
Old or outdated reviews
-
No responses from the practice
-
More than a few angry 1-stars with no explanation
And here’s the kicker: Google reviews often show up before your website does. They’re the first impression.
2. Reviews impact your local rankings—whether you like it or not
Google’s algorithm is a mystery in many ways, but this part is clear:
Your review quantity, quality, and recency all influence your local SEO.
If your practice has:
-
Just 10 reviews
-
Nothing new in the past year
-
A few low-star ratings dragging things down
…you’re probably not showing up in the top 3 results (the “map pack”)—even if your website is solid.
Google wants to show trusted businesses to local searchers. And reviews are a trust signal.
Pro tip: You can use tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark to check how your reviews stack up against competitors in your city.
3. Reviews convert better than your website copy
I hate to say it, but patients trust other patients more than they trust your marketing.
You can have a beautiful website, the best logo, slick service pages…
But one detailed review like this:
“Dr. Smith was patient, explained everything clearly, and made my 6-year-old feel completely at ease. Highly recommend!”
…does more work than any ad copy you’ll ever write.
People look for stories, not just stars. And if those stories don’t exist?
They move on to the next practice that has them.
4. You have to ask—because patients won’t do it on their own
Even your happiest patients aren’t thinking about reviews when they leave the chair.
They’re thinking about picking up their kid from school or whether the numbness will wear off by dinner.
So you’ve got to build review generation into your systems. Don’t leave it to chance.
Here’s what works best:
-
Ask for the review right after the appointment—when they’re still smiling
-
Send a text with a direct link to your Google review page (don’t make them search)
-
Use tools like Swell, Birdeye, or RevenueWell to automate the process
And yes, your front desk team plays a huge role. If they believe in it, patients will follow through.
5. Negative reviews aren’t the end of the world—silence is
Let’s be real: every practice gets the occasional grumpy patient.
What matters is how you respond.
A bad review with no response tells the world you don’t care. But a calm, professional reply? That shows leadership. It shows accountability.
Just keep it HIPAA-safe and never get defensive. A simple:
“Hi [Name], I’m sorry to hear this. We always aim to give great care, and I’d love to learn more about what happened. Please call our office so we can talk directly.”
…goes a long way. It humanizes you. And it shows prospective patients that you pay attention.
Final Thought
If reviews haven’t been a priority for your dental practice lately, you’re not alone.
But in 2025, they’re one of the biggest trust signals your practice has.
They help you rank, convert, and build credibility with people who’ve never heard of you.
If your dental marketing company isn’t actively helping you manage and grow your reviews—ask why. This isn’t optional anymore. It’s the digital equivalent of curb appeal.
And it’s one of the fastest, lowest-cost ways to grow your patient base.
Want a second opinion on your review strategy?
It’s one of the first things I check in every Marketing Audit. 🙂