15 Ways on How to Ask Dental Patients for Reviews & Attract More Patients to Your Clinic

The most effective approach for how to ask dental patients for reviews involves making timely, polite requests combined with simple processes, which directly helps how to get more patients to your clinic by building trust and enhancing online visibility. When dental practices actively encourage and simplify the review process, they unlock a powerful tool for reputation building and attracting a steady stream of new patients. This guide provides 15 actionable ways dentists can encourage valuable patient feedback and grow their practice significantly.

Why Are Online Patient Reviews Crucial for Getting More Patients to Your Clinic?

Online patient reviews are crucial for getting more patients to your clinic because they build immense trust, significantly boost your practice's visibility in local search results, and directly influence a potential patient's decision to choose your services. In an age where nearly everyone turns to the internet for recommendations, particularly for healthcare providers, a strong collection of positive reviews acts as compelling social proof.

Think about it: when someone is looking for a new dentist, one of the first things they often do is search online and see what other patients are saying. Positive reviews highlight the quality of your care, the friendliness of your staff, and the overall patient experience, making your practice more attractive. Search engines like Google also favor businesses with a higher volume of recent, positive reviews, pushing them higher in search rankings, which means more potential patients will see your clinic when they're looking for dental services. Furthermore, reviews offer transparency, allowing prospective patients to feel more confident and informed before they even step through your door. This established trust is a key factor in converting a searcher into a new patient.

What Foundational Steps Should Your Dental Practice Take Before Asking for Reviews?

Before asking for reviews, your dental practice must ensure exceptional patient experiences at every touchpoint, claim and fully optimize all key online profiles (especially Google Business Profile), and train your entire team on the polite and effective methods of how to ask dental patients for reviews. These foundational elements create an environment where patients are naturally inclined to share positive feedback and your practice is prepared to receive and manage it.

First, delivering exceptional patient care is non-negotiable; happy patients are the source of great reviews. This means focusing on everything from the ease of scheduling and the warmth of the initial greeting to the quality of clinical care and the clarity of post-treatment communication. Second, your online presence needs to be professional and accessible. Claim and meticulously complete your listings on Google Business Profile (GBP), Yelp (with caution regarding direct solicitation), Facebook, and relevant healthcare directories like Healthgrades. Ensure your practice name, address, phone number (NAP), and hours are accurate and consistent everywhere. High-quality photos and detailed service descriptions also help. Finally, your team is your front line. They need to be trained on when and how to gently ask for reviews, understand the importance of this feedback for practice growth, and know where to direct patients. This preparation ensures that when you do ask, the request is well-received and patients know exactly how to share their valuable opinions.

The Core Strategies: 15 Effective Ways for How to Ask Dental Patients for Reviews

There are many effective ways for how to ask dental patients for reviews, including direct in-person requests, personalized email and SMS follow-ups, leveraging your website and social media, and using in-office materials like QR codes, all designed to make it easy for patients to share their feedback. Implementing a variety of these strategies consistently will maximize your chances of building a robust online reputation.

1. Master the Art of the Direct In-Person Ask for Patient Reviews

Mastering the art of the direct in-person ask for patient reviews involves politely requesting feedback at the peak of patient satisfaction, typically right after a successful treatment or when they express happiness with their care. This personal touch often yields high response rates because the positive experience is immediate and the request feels genuine.

Train your dentists, hygienists, and front desk staff to identify these opportune moments. For instance, if a patient says, "Wow, my teeth feel amazing!" or "Thank you, that was much easier than I expected," it's a perfect cue. A simple, friendly follow-up like, "I'm so glad to hear that! If you have a moment, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could share your experience in an online review. It really helps other patients find us," can be very effective. Avoid pressure; the goal is to make them want to share. You can even hand them a small card with a QR code or direct link to your preferred review platform (like Google) to make it even easier. This direct approach to how to ask dental patients for reviews is often the most impactful.

2. Utilize Personalized Email Follow-Ups to Request Dental Reviews

Utilizing personalized email follow-ups to request dental reviews is an effective strategy because it allows patients to respond at their convenience while the positive experience is still fresh in their minds, typically within 24-48 hours post-appointment. These emails should be warm, appreciative, and clearly guide the patient on how to leave their feedback.

Start by thanking the patient by name for their recent visit. Briefly mention that you value their opinion and that their feedback helps both your practice improve and other potential patients make informed decisions. Crucially, include a direct, clickable link to your primary review platform (e.g., "Leave Your Google Review Here"). This minimizes the effort required from the patient. Consider automating this process through your Practice Management Software (PMS) or a dedicated review management tool to ensure consistency and timeliness. A gentle follow-up email can be sent a week or so later if no review has been left, but avoid being overly persistent. This method supports how to get more patients to your clinic by steadily building your online review portfolio.

3. Leverage SMS (Text Messages) for Quick Review Requests from Patients

Leveraging SMS (text messages) for quick review requests from patients is a highly effective tactic due to the extremely high open rates of texts, often within minutes of receipt, making it an immediate and convenient channel. This method is particularly good for reaching patients on their mobile devices, where they are likely already logged into accounts like Google.

Keep your SMS review requests short, friendly, and to the point. For example: "Hi [Patient Name], thanks for visiting [Practice Name] today! We'd love to hear about your experience. Please tap here to leave a quick review: [Direct Link to Google Review]." Providing a direct link is essential to make the process seamless. Always ensure you have prior consent (e.g., TCPA compliance in the US) to send non-clinical text messages. Many review management platforms can automate these SMS requests and help manage consent, making it an efficient way to improve your strategy on how to ask dental patients for reviews.

4. Make Your Dental Website a Hub for Gathering Patient Feedback

Making your dental website a hub for gathering patient feedback involves strategically placing clear calls-to-action (CTAs) and links that encourage visitors and existing patients to share their experiences online. Your website is your digital storefront, and it’s a natural place for patients to learn more about you and, with prompting, to leave a review.

Consider creating a dedicated "Testimonials" or "Patient Reviews" page where you showcase positive feedback (with permission) and include prominent buttons or links like "Share Your Experience" or "Review Us on Google." You can also place subtle review request links or badges in the footer of your website, on contact pages, or even on post-appointment "thank you" pages if patients interact with your site for booking or payments. This on-site visibility reinforces the importance of reviews and provides easy pathways for patients to contribute, complementing your efforts on how to ask dental patients for reviews. 

5. Engage on Social Media: How to Ask for Dental Reviews Publicly

Engaging on social media provides an excellent public platform for how to ask for dental reviews by fostering a community around your practice and making requests feel more conversational. Share positive patient stories (anonymized or with explicit consent) and create posts that politely invite followers to share their own experiences on your preferred review sites.

Regularly post content that highlights patient satisfaction, and occasionally include a direct call-to-action, such as, "Had a great visit with us recently? We’d love to hear about it! Leave us a review on Google: [Link]." Ensure your practice's Facebook page has the "Recommendations" or "Reviews" feature enabled and prominently link to your other key review profiles from your social media bios. Actively responding to comments and mentions on social media also shows you're engaged and value patient input, which can indirectly encourage reviews.

6. Use In-Office Materials (QR Codes, Cards) to Prompt Patient Reviews

Using in-office materials like QR codes on small cards, brochures, or signs is a tangible and convenient way to prompt patient reviews right when they are in your practice. These physical cues can be highly effective because they provide an immediate and easy way for patients to act on a review request.

Place a professionally designed card at the checkout desk with a clear message like, "Loved your visit? Scan to share your experience!" and a QR code linking directly to your Google review page. You can also include these QR codes on appointment reminder cards, post-treatment instruction sheets, or even small signs in the waiting area or operatory. The key is to make the QR code easily scannable and the instructions simple. This tactile approach to how to ask dental patients for reviews complements digital efforts and caters to patients who prefer immediate action.

7. Implement Post-Appointment Automated Review Request Systems

Implementing post-appointment automated review request systems can significantly streamline and increase the consistency of how your practice asks for patient feedback, often leading to a higher volume of reviews. These systems typically integrate with your Practice Management Software (PMS) to automatically send a personalized email or SMS to patients a short time after their visit.

The main benefit is efficiency and ensuring no opportunity is missed. Automation takes the manual burden off your staff, guarantees timely delivery of requests when the experience is fresh, and can include features like sending gentle follow-up reminders. Many platforms like BirdEye, Podium, or RevenueWell (mentioned by competitors) offer these services. When choosing a system, look for ease of integration, customization options for messaging, and robust analytics. This technological approach is a smart way to scale your efforts on how to ask dental patients for reviews and helps in how to get more patients to your clinic by building a strong online reputation.

8. Train Your Team on Scripts for How to Ask Dental Patients for Reviews

Training your team on specific, polite scripts for how to ask dental patients for reviews ensures consistency in your messaging and helps staff feel more confident and comfortable making the request. Well-crafted scripts can guide interactions, making them feel natural rather than forced.

Develop a few simple, approved phrases that team members can adapt. For example:

• Front Desk (at checkout): "Mrs. Smith, we're so glad you had a good experience today. If you have a moment, we'd really appreciate you sharing your feedback on Google. It helps other patients find us."
• Hygienist/Dentist (chairside, after positive comment): "That's great to hear, John! Patient experiences like yours are why we love what we do. Would you be open to leaving us a quick online review later?" Role-playing these scenarios during team meetings can build proficiency. Emphasize a friendly tone, the importance of choosing the right moment, and always providing an easy way for the patient to leave the review (e.g., a card with a QR code).

9. Turn Positive Verbal Comments into Online Dental Reviews

Turning positive verbal comments from patients into online dental reviews involves training your team to recognize these opportunities and gently guide satisfied patients to share their praise publicly. When a patient spontaneously expresses satisfaction, it's a golden moment to ask.

If a patient says, "My cleaning was fantastic!" or "Dr. Lee is the best!" staff should first thank them sincerely. Then, they can follow up with, "That's wonderful to hear! So many people look for patient experiences online when choosing a dentist. Would you be willing to share that thought in a quick review on Google? It would mean a lot to us." Having a review card or a tablet ready can facilitate this. This proactive approach capitalizes on genuine positive sentiment and is a highly effective method within your strategy for how to ask dental patients for reviews.

10. Send "Thank You" Notes (Digital/Physical) with a Gentle Review Nudge

Sending personalized "thank you" notes, whether digital via email or as a physical postcard, after a significant treatment or to new patients, offers a thoughtful way to include a gentle review nudge. This approach reinforces the caring image of your practice and can make a review request feel less transactional.

In your thank you message, express sincere appreciation for their trust in your practice. Towards the end, you can add a soft call-to-action, such as: "We always strive to provide the best care and value your feedback. If you'd like to share your experience, you can do so here: [Link to Review Site]." For physical cards, a QR code can be included. This method emphasizes the patient relationship first, making the review request a secondary, polite suggestion.

11. Create Simple "How-To-Leave-A-Review" Guides for Patients

Creating simple "How-To-Leave-A-Review" guides, either as a small printed handout or a page on your website, can be very helpful for patients who are less familiar with online review platforms. This removes a potential barrier and shows you're considerate of their ease.

The guide should be step-by-step, using clear language and possibly screenshots. For example: "Leaving a Google Review in 3 Easy Steps: 1. Click this link: [Direct Link]. 2. Select your star rating. 3. Write a brief comment about your experience and click 'Post'." For patients who might say, "I'd love to, but I'm not sure how," this guide is the perfect answer and supports your efforts in how to ask dental patients for reviews effectively.

12. Highlight the Impact: Explain How Their Review Helps Other Patients

Highlighting the impact of their feedback by explaining how their review helps other patients can be a powerful motivator for them to take the time to write one. This shifts the focus from benefiting your practice to helping the wider community make informed healthcare decisions.

When asking, you can say something like, "Your honest feedback is incredibly valuable, not just for us to improve, but it also really helps other people in our community who are looking for a dentist they can trust." This appeals to a patient's sense of altruism and makes the act of leaving a review feel more meaningful. Framing the request this way shows that you understand how to ask dental patients for reviews in a way that resonates with their desire to help others.

13. Use Your Patient Portal for Discreet Review Solicitations

Using your secure patient portal for discreet review solicitations can be an effective and HIPAA-compliant way to reach engaged patients who regularly use the portal for communication or accessing their records. This method feels less intrusive as it's within a platform they already trust.

After an appointment, you could send a secure message through the portal thanking them for their visit and including a link to a satisfaction survey or directly to a review site. The message could read: "Hi [Patient Name], we hope you're doing well after your recent visit. We value your feedback. If you have a moment, please consider sharing your experience here: [Link]." This is a subtle way to ask, respecting their privacy and leveraging an existing communication channel.

14. Monitor Key Review Platforms and Understand Where Patients Leave Feedback

Monitoring key review platforms like Google Business Profile, Facebook, and Healthgrades helps you understand where your patients are already leaving feedback and where your efforts should be focused. While Google is often primary, some patients might prefer other platforms, and being aware of this allows you to tailor your approach.

Regularly check these sites to see which ones have the most activity for your practice. If you notice many patients use Facebook recommendations, for example, ensure that link is easily accessible. This understanding informs your strategy on how to ask dental patients for reviews, ensuring you guide them to platforms where their reviews will have the most impact and where they feel comfortable sharing.

15. Conduct Follow-Up Phone Calls (Care Check + Review Nudge)

Conducting brief follow-up phone calls, primarily to check on a patient's well-being after a procedure, can also present a natural opportunity for a gentle review nudge if the patient is happy and recovering well. This personal touch shows you care and builds rapport.

During the call, after confirming they are comfortable and answering any questions, if the patient expresses satisfaction, you could say, "That's excellent to hear! We're always looking to improve, and patient feedback is a big part of that. If you felt your experience was positive, we'd be grateful if you shared it online when you have a moment." This personal, care-focused approach is a considerate way of how to ask dental patients for reviews.

How Do You Politely Ask for a Review from a Dental Patient?

Politely asking for a review from a dental patient involves choosing the right moment (like after they express satisfaction), using gentle language that emphasizes their feedback's value, and making the process incredibly simple for them. The key is to be sincere and respectful, ensuring the patient never feels pressured or obligated.

When the time feels right, perhaps as they are checking out after a positive experience, you could say something like, "We're so glad you had a good visit today, [Patient Name]! We really value patient feedback as it helps us serve our community better. If you have a spare moment, would you consider leaving us a quick review online? We can give you a card with a simple link." Phrasing it as a question, highlighting the benefit to others, and offering an easy way to do it are all crucial elements of a polite request. Avoid repeated asks in the same visit and always accept a "no" or hesitation gracefully.

What is the Best Way to Get More Google Reviews for My Dental Practice?

The best way to get more Google reviews for your dental practice is to consistently ask satisfied patients, provide a direct link to your Google Business Profile review page, and ensure your GBP is fully optimized and active. Google is the most influential review platform for local businesses, so focusing efforts here yields significant benefits in visibility and attracting new patients.

To maximize Google reviews:

1. Optimize Your GBP: Ensure your profile is 100% complete with accurate NAP, hours, services, high-quality photos, and that you regularly post updates or answer Q&A's.
2. Get Your Direct Review Link: From your GBP dashboard, obtain the specific "share review form" link. This link takes patients directly to the review submission window.
3. Make it Ubiquitous: Include this link (or a QR code leading to it) in post-appointment emails, SMS messages, on your website ("Review Us on Google" button), on appointment cards, and on signage in your office.
4. Ask Specifically for Google Reviews: When making an in-person or digital request, specifically mention Google: "Would you mind leaving us a review on Google?"
5. Respond to All Google Reviews: This shows engagement and encourages more reviews. Consistently applying these tactics will significantly boost your Google reviews and online presence, helping you to get more patients to your clinic.

Is it Okay to Offer Incentives for Dental Reviews?

No, it is generally not okay to offer incentives (like discounts, gift cards, or contest entries) specifically in exchange for dental reviews, as this practice violates the terms of service of major platforms like Google and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines against undisclosed paid endorsements. Doing so can undermine the authenticity and trustworthiness of your feedback and potentially lead to penalties from these platforms.

While the temptation to quickly boost review numbers with incentives is understandable, the risks outweigh the benefits. Reviews should be genuine reflections of a patient's experience. If patients are compensated for reviews, especially if there's an implication that the review should be positive, the feedback loses its credibility. Instead of offering direct incentives for reviews, focus on providing such exceptional service and care that patients want to share their positive experiences organically. You can also offer small tokens of appreciation to all patients (like a branded toothbrush) as part of their visit, completely separate from any review request.

Managing Your Online Reputation: Responding to All Dental Patient Reviews

Effectively managing your online reputation involves promptly and professionally responding to all dental patient reviews, both positive and negative, to show you value feedback and are committed to patient satisfaction. This engagement is highly visible to prospective patients and can significantly influence their perception of your practice.

For positive reviews, thank the patient by name, acknowledge their kind words, and reiterate your commitment to providing excellent care. This reinforces their good experience. For negative reviews, respond quickly (within 24-48 hours). Start by thanking them for their feedback and empathizing with their stated concerns, even if you don't agree with the specifics. Crucially, invite them to discuss the matter privately offline (e.g., "Please contact our practice manager at [phone/email] so we can better understand and address your experience"). 

Never discuss Protected Health Information (PHI) or specific patient details in a public response due to HIPAA regulations. A well-handled negative review, showing you listen and care, can sometimes be more impressive to onlookers than a stream of unacknowledged positive ones. This active management is key to how to get more patients to your clinic.

Measuring the Impact of Your Review Strategy on Attracting More Patients

Measuring the impact of your review strategy involves tracking key metrics like review volume, average ratings, and new patient sources to understand how your efforts to get patient reviews contribute to attracting more patients to your clinic. Without measurement, it's difficult to know what's working or how to optimize your approach.

Key metrics to monitor include the total number of reviews on each platform (Google, Facebook, etc.), the average star rating, and the frequency of new reviews (review velocity). If you're using automated systems, track the open and click-through rates of your review request emails/SMS. Most importantly, try to correlate these metrics with your new patient numbers. When new patients call or fill out intake forms, ask how they heard about your practice. If "online reviews" or "Google search" are frequent answers, and these correlate with improvements in your review profile, you have a clear indication of impact. Tools like Google Analytics can also show referral traffic from your Google Business Profile. Regularly analyzing this data will refine how to ask dental patients for reviews and demonstrate its value in practice growth.

This comprehensive approach to understanding, soliciting, and managing patient reviews will not only enhance your online reputation but also serve as a powerful, ongoing strategy to get more patients to your clinic.