New patients compare dentists on Google before they call. BrightLocal's 2026 survey found that 97% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. A dental practice with a steady flow of recent reviews wins that comparison before the phone rings.
Dentists face one extra rule that most businesses don't. Patient privacy law shapes what you can say in a request and, even more, in a reply.
When to ask a dental patient for a review
The best moment is right after the appointment, while patients still feel the relief. For most dental practices, that's checkout.
- At checkout, the front desk thanks the patient and mentions a short review would help.
- That afternoon, a text goes out with your direct Google review link.
- Three days later, one reminder goes to patients who haven't reviewed yet.
- After big cases, such as implants or a smile makeover, the dentist asks in person at the final appointment.
Send the request to every patient, including those who seemed unhappy. Google's policy forbids selective requests aimed at positive reviews, and Google removes reviews it sees as manipulated. Don't hand patients a tablet at the desk either, since Google also bars pressuring patients to review while they're still in the office.
What to say, without sharing health details
A review request can reach a shared family phone or a work inbox. Keep treatment details out of it. "Your visit today" is safe, while "your root canal" tells anyone holding the phone something private.
"Hi Sarah, thank you for coming in today. If you have a minute, would you share your experience at our practice on Google? [review link] Thank you, Dr. Patel's team"
"Hi Sarah, a quick reminder in case you missed our last note. Your review helps neighbors find a dentist they can trust. [review link] Thanks again"
For practices that send recall and appointment emails, an email version works the same way. Use a plain subject line, such as "How was your visit with Dr. Patel?"
"Hi Sarah, thank you for choosing our practice. We'd value your honest feedback about your visit on Google. It takes about a minute. [review link] Thank you, Dr. Patel and the team"
Never ask for a five-star rating, and never offer a discount, a free whitening or a raffle entry for a review. Google treats any reward for a review as fake engagement. Our review request scripts cover the general rules and more channels.
How to reply to dental reviews safely
Dentists can and should reply to reviews, but replies are where dental practices get into trouble. A reply that confirms a reviewer is your patient, or mentions their care, can count as a disclosure of protected health information.
HHS has acted on this more than once. In 2019, Elite Dental Associates in Dallas paid $10,000 to settle over patient details shared in replies to online reviews. In 2022, California's New Vision Dental paid $23,000 over the same kind of disclosure, and both agreed to corrective action plans.
- Says the person is a patient
- Mentions the visit date or treatment
- Argues the facts of the case
- Shares billing or insurance details
- Thanks the person for the feedback
- States your general care standards
- Invites a call to the office manager
- Gives no detail about any visit
A safe reply sounds like this. "Thank you for your feedback. Concerns like this matter to us. Our office manager would be glad to talk with you by phone." It confirms nothing about the reviewer, yet it shows future patients you care. Our HIPAA guide for social posts and reviews goes deeper. For tone and timing, see our steps on replying to Google reviews.
Make reviews part of your patient flow
Reviews come in steadily when the request is part of every appointment, not a campaign the team remembers twice a year. Add the text to your checkout routine, and check new reviews each week against completed appointments. If 120 patients came in and three reviewed, the requests aren't going out.
Put the review link where patients already look, too. Add a "Review us on Google" button to the practice website and a line to your appointment emails. Link it from your social media profiles as well. A small QR code sign at the front desk suits patients who prefer to scan later, as long as nobody stands over them. The review QR code guide explains how to make one.
Our dental website guide covers where reviews belong on your pages, so online visitors see them before they book. To have a team handle review management, rankings and new patient calls together, see our dental marketing and dental SEO services.
Common questions about dental reviews
Is it legal for dentists to ask patients for Google reviews?
Yes. Asking is fine. The risk sits in what you write, so keep treatment details out of requests and replies.
Can a dentist reply to a negative review?
Yes. Keep the reply general, never confirm the reviewer ever visited your practice, and leave out any care details. Move the specifics to a private phone call.
Should we use review software?
It helps busy practices send requests after every visit. Pick one that lets you edit the message, so no treatment details slip into it.