How can a dental practice get more Google reviews?
Ask every patient at the end of their appointment, then send your direct Google review link by text the same day, with no rewards and no screening of who gets asked. When you reply, never confirm that someone is a patient or mention their treatment, because patient confidentiality applies online too.
By Sammy Morgan, who runs M1 Studio in Chichester. Updated .
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- Industry
- Dental practices
- Problem
- Too few Google reviews
- The fix
- Local Search Fix, £800
- Do it yourself?
- Yes, the first steps below
Why it happens to dental practices.
- Patients search “dentist near me” and compare stars
- Several practices show side by side on Google Maps. A practice with a handful of old reviews looks quieter than it is.
- Happy patients rarely think to post
- A routine check-up that goes well isn’t memorable. An unhappy patient is far more likely to write something unprompted.
- Replying is a confidentiality risk
- GDC guidance on social media expects dental professionals to protect patient information online. A reply that says “when you came in for your root canal” confirms someone is a patient and what they had done.
- Publicity must be honest
- GDC guidance on advertising says practice publicity must be legal, decent, honest and truthful. Hand-picking only glowing reviews to quote on your website can mislead.
What to do, in order.
Get your review link
Copy it from your Google Business Profile and put it on a card at reception and in your appointment follow-up text.
Ask every patient the same way
At the desk, as they pay or book their next visit. No discounts, prize draws or rewards for reviews: Google doesn’t allow them.
Don’t screen who gets asked
Asking only patients you think are happy is review gating, which Google doesn’t allow. UK consumer law also bans fake reviews and hidden incentives.
Agree how you reply
One person replies, in a set style: thanks for positive reviews, and for complaints an invitation to contact the practice manager, without confirming any detail. Ask your indemnity provider if you’re unsure.
Have review requests set up
The Local Search Fix fills in your Google profile with treatments and hours and sets up review requests to every patient, with no screening.
Where M1 can do it for you.
Fixed prices, or a fixed quote before any work starts. No VAT is charged. Any running costs are listed before you agree.
- Local Search Fix £800
Your profile filled in with treatments, opening hours and accessibility details, and a review request sent to every patient with no screening.
Look right when locals search for what you do.
- Missed-Call Rescue £800
It adds automatic review requests and appointment reminders, along with a text back for calls reception can’t reach.
Missed calls get a text back, automatically.
- Growth Plan £1,000 a month
It keeps review requests running every month and includes review management, with replies kept general.
Keep enquiries turning into bookings.
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Before you decide.
Something else? Ask Sammy on WhatsApp.
Does the GDC allow patient reviews on a practice website?
GDC guidance on advertising doesn’t set out rules on reviews by name, but it does say practice publicity must be honest and not misleading. Genuine reviews, shown fairly and with permission where you use a name or photo, are the safe approach. M1 doesn’t give regulatory advice, so check with the GDC or your compliance adviser.
How should we reply to a bad review?
Calmly, briefly and without confirming the person is a patient or saying anything about their care. Invite them to contact the practice manager directly. Your indemnity provider can advise on difficult cases.
Can we offer a discount for a review?
No. Google doesn’t allow incentives for reviews, and UK consumer law bans reviews that hide an incentive. Ask plainly and make it easy. The guide to getting more Google reviews covers the rules.
Keep reading.
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