Best Practices for Dentist Review Management in 2025

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) profile is one of the most important listings for your dental practice. Google uses your GBP listing to display your business in local searches and on Google Maps, and it’s where most patients will find your reviews. Optimizing your profile and actively managing your reviews on Google should be a top priority.

Best practices for your GBP profile:

• Claim your listing if you haven’t already, and ensure all your business details are accurate and up to date.
• Encourage reviews by requesting feedback from patients at the end of each visit. Google makes it easy to link directly to your review page.
• Respond to reviews – Google rewards businesses that engage with their customers, so make sure to reply to both positive and negative feedback.

A well-maintained GBP profile with frequent reviews and responses will improve your practice’s visibility, enhance your SEO rankings, and build trust with potential patients.

2. Make It Easy for Patients to Leave Reviews

One of the biggest barriers to getting reviews is patient convenience. If you want to build a robust online reputation, make the review process as easy as possible for your patients. The more streamlined and user-friendly you make the process, the more likely they are to leave feedback.

How to simplify the review process:

• Provide review links: After each appointment, send patients a follow-up email or text message with a direct link to your review page. This can be through Google, Yelp, or other review platforms like Healthgrades or Facebook.
• Use QR codes: In your office, place QR codes on appointment cards, brochures, or at the front desk, which patients can scan with their smartphones to quickly leave a review.
• Send reminders: Remind patients about the importance of their reviews, and thank them for taking the time to provide feedback.

By removing the friction in the process, you can increase the number of reviews your practice receives, boosting your online credibility and visibility.

3. Respond to Reviews: Engage with Patients

Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, is crucial to reputation management for dentists. It shows that you care about patient feedback and are committed to providing excellent care. Responding promptly and professionally to reviews can also help resolve issues quickly, showing potential patients that you care about their experience.

Best practices for responding to reviews:

• Be timely: Respond to reviews within 24-48 hours to show that you value patient feedback.
• Thank patients for positive reviews: Always thank patients for their kind words and let them know you appreciate their feedback.
• Handle negative feedback with care: Respond calmly, remain professional, and aim to resolve concerns without being defensive. Avoid apologies that may imply fault—focus instead on understanding and offering support.
• Keep responses neutral and respectful: Do not mention the reviewer’s name or confirm they are a patient or received treatment. This maintains privacy and avoids making assumptions.
• Stay professional and courteous: Never show frustration or aggression, even when addressing unfair or negative comments.
• Personalize your responses: Tailor responses to reflect the tone and content of the review, without including any personal or health-related details.

Remember, review management is not just about boosting your online ratings—it’s about fostering a connection with your patients and improving their overall experience.

4. Leverage Positive Reviews in Your Marketing Strategy

Your positive reviews can be a powerful asset for your dentist marketing strategy. Don’t just let them sit idle—use them in your marketing campaigns to attract new patients and showcase your practice’s strengths. Sharing glowing testimonials and reviews can build trust and establish your practice as the go-to provider in your community.

Ways to use positive reviews in marketing:

• Feature reviews on your website: Dedicate a page to testimonials or display reviews prominently on your homepage.
• Share reviews on social media: Post customer reviews as social media content to build trust with your followers and engage your audience.
• Incorporate reviews in paid ads: Use positive feedback in your Google Ads or Facebook ads to promote your practice and encourage new patients to book an appointment.

Leveraging positive reviews helps you maintain a strong online reputation and reinforces your credibility, encouraging more potential patients to choose your practice.

5. Monitor Your Online Reputation Regularly

In 2025, it’s more important than ever to be proactive about reputation management for dentists. Regularly monitoring your online reviews ensures that you stay on top of any feedback, both positive and negative, and allows you to address issues before they escalate.

Best practices for monitoring your reputation:

• Set up Google Alerts: Use Google Alerts to get notifications whenever your practice is mentioned online. This helps you keep track of any reviews or feedback about your practice.
• Use review management software: There are several tools and platforms available, such as BirdEye, Reputation.com, or Podium, that allow you to monitor all your reviews from different platforms in one place.
• Track feedback trends: Look for patterns in your reviews. If patients consistently mention a certain issue (e.g., long wait times), it’s an opportunity to address that in your practice’s operations.

By staying proactive in managing your online reputation, you can maintain a positive image and address concerns quickly, keeping patients satisfied and loyal.

6. Educate Your Patients on the Importance of Reviews

Review management is a critical aspect of your dental marketing strategy in 2025. By proactively managing your online reviews, you can enhance your practice’s visibility, improve patient relationships, and establish your reputation as a trusted provider in your community. Remember, the key is to engage with patients, encourage feedback, and use reviews as a tool to showcase the high quality of care you provide.

At Dr. Marketing, we specialize in reputation management for dental practices and can help you develop a comprehensive review strategy that boosts your online presence and attracts new patients. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage your reviews and grow your practice.

Let us help you grow your practice!