How to Ask Dental Patients Reviews Without Making It Awkward

Let’s face it: asking for reviews can feel weird, especially in a dental office where people are more focused on flossing and fluoride than filling out a Google form. But the truth is, if you’re not actively learning how to ask dental patients for reviews, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools for attracting new patients and building trust.

Online reviews are today’s word of mouth. They’re the first thing prospective patients check before deciding whether to book that first appointment — and the last thing they remember if the experience didn’t quite meet expectations. The good news? Getting those glowing 5-star reviews doesn’t require awkward conversations or bribing patients with toothbrushes.

You just need the right approach — one that feels natural, respectful, and ridiculously easy for everyone involved.

Why Dental Reviews Are So Critical

Dental care is personal. People want to know:

• Is this dentist gentle?
• Do they run on time?
• Will I feel judged for skipping cleanings for the last… decade?

Patient reviews answer those questions in a way marketing can’t. They give potential patients real-world insight into what it’s like to sit in your chair — and help remove the anxiety or skepticism that might stop someone from booking.

Plus, Google loves fresh, high-quality reviews. They boost your local SEO, push your clinic higher in search rankings, and help you stand out in crowded markets.

Step 1: Make the Experience Review-Worthy

Before asking for reviews, earn them.

This means:

• Greeting patients warmly (by name)
• Keeping appointments running on time
• Making the procedure as comfortable as possible
• Explaining what you're doing in plain English
• Following up after their visit

Patients who feel seen, respected, and cared for are far more likely to leave a review without hesitation.

Step 2: Choose the Right Moment to Ask

Timing is everything.

The best moment to ask is when the patient is feeling great about the visit, maybe after a painless filling or a thorough cleaning that leaves them feeling fresh and confident.

Avoid asking right after procedures that may have caused discomfort or during rushed check-out moments when the patient is focused on payment or scheduling.

Instead, train your staff to recognize moments when the patient is smiling and satisfied, and then mention the review gently and naturally.

Example:

“We’re so glad you had a good visit today! If you’d be willing to leave us a quick review, it really helps other people find a dental office they can trust.”

Step 3: Use Text Messages to Follow Up

Let’s be real: no one wants to open their email to leave a review.

Texting is faster, easier, and far more effective. With a 98% open rate, SMS is the best way to deliver your review request while the patient is still thinking about their experience.

Here’s a simple message format:

“Hi [Patient Name], thanks for visiting [Clinic Name] today! If you had a good experience, we’d love a quick review. It only takes a minute: [Link]”

Make sure the link goes directly to your Google or Yelp review page. No searching, no sign-ins, no friction.

Step 4: Keep It Consistent (and Automated)

Asking for reviews should be part of your routine, not an occasional “oh right, we should get more reviews” moment.

Automate your follow-up system using your dental CRM or patient engagement platform. With tools like Curogram, you can set up automatic review requests that go out via SMS after each appointment — saving your staff time and ensuring no one slips through the cracks.

Automation also helps maintain a steady flow of reviews over time, which Google values even more than a single review blast.

Step 5: Make It Easy and Mobile-Friendly

If the patient clicks your link and ends up on a cluttered page or needs to log in somewhere, they’re gone.

Simplify the process:

• Use direct links to review platforms
• Offer one-click review options
• Ensure the link is mobile-optimized

The fewer steps, the higher the completion rate.

Step 6: Don’t Offer Rewards — Offer Gratitude

Offering discounts, free products, or gifts in exchange for reviews is against most platforms' policies (like Google and Yelp) and can get your listing penalized or removed.

Instead of bribes, express sincere thanks.

Example:

“We appreciate your feedback — it helps our small practice grow and improve!”

Gratitude builds trust. Gimmicks damage it.

Step 7: Showcase Your Reviews Everywhere

Your reviews aren’t just for Google — they’re assets.

Use them:

• On your website’s homepage and service pages
• In your email newsletters
• As posts on your social media
• On digital signage in your waiting room

Social proof is powerful. Let your happy patients do the talking.

Step 8: Monitor and Respond

Responding to reviews — good or bad — shows you’re listening.

• Thank patients for their kind words
• Address concerns from unhappy reviewers with professionalism and empathy
• Use feedback to improve your services

Prospective patients don’t just read reviews — they read how you handle them. A thoughtful, calm reply to a 3-star review can say more about your professionalism than a dozen 5-star ones.

Step 9: Train Your Staff to Support the Process

Everyone on your team plays a role in creating review-worthy experiences.

• Receptionists can set the tone with friendly greetings
• Hygienists can explain the next steps and reinforce comfort
• Front desk staff can mention the review casually during check-out

Make sure your team understands the importance of reviews and is comfortable talking about them in a natural, non-pushy way.

Extra Tip: Get Inspired by the Best

Want to see what a great review game looks like? Look at other successful local dentists in your area. See how they ask, respond, and display their reviews. Learn from what’s working — and adapt it to your practice.

This Local Dental SEO Guide from Moz is a great external resource for optimizing both your review strategy and online visibility.