How to Ask for Dental Patients for Reviews in 10 Simple Way

You’ve trained your team, upgraded your equipment, and built a welcoming space patients love. They leave with smiles... but your online reviews don’t tell the same story.

If your Google listing has only a few reviews (or none), it’s not a reflection of your care. It’s simply because most happy patients won’t leave a review unless you ask the right way.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to request reviews naturally so it feels comfortable for you and your patients... and turns great experiences into lasting online trust and growth.

Why Ask Your Patients for a Dental Review?

Here are the top three reasons why dental reviews matter more than ever:

They Build Trust with New Patients

Most people searching for a new dentist rely on Google reviews before booking. Seeing a steady stream of authentic 4–5 star reviews builds immediate confidence.

It helps skeptical patients feel like they’re making the right choice.

They Improve Your Local SEO

Google uses review volume, frequency, and ratings to determine which businesses show up in the local map pack.

The more high-quality reviews you earn, the higher your chances of showing up when someone nearby searches “dentist near me.”

They Provide Social Proof That Reinforces Referrals

Even when patients are referred to your office by friends or family, they’ll still check your reviews before calling.

Having a strong reputation online validates those referrals and nudges them to take action faster.

How Do I Ask My Dental Patients for a Review?

Getting more reviews doesn’t require aggressive sales tactics… it simply comes down to the right timing, the right tools, and consistent effort.

Here are proven ways for dental practices to ask patients for reviews while keeping it natural in daily operations.

1. Ask Right After a Positive Experience and Provide a QR Code

The best time to ask for a review is right after the appointment, especially when the patient is visibly satisfied.

This could be after a smooth cleaning, a successful cosmetic treatment, or a compliment to your hygienist or staff.

Instead of making the patient search for your business, hand them a review card with a QR code that links directly to your Google review page.

Keep it simple, short, and easy to scan while they’re still in a positive mindset.

You can say something like:

“We’re really glad you had a great visit! If you don’t mind, here’s a quick link to leave a review—it helps more than you’d think.”

2. Automate SMS Review Requests Post-Appointment

Text message review requests tend to get higher open and click-through rates than email, especially when sent shortly after the appointment (within 1–3 hours).

Automation tools like SurgePoint Reviews make this easy by triggering a review invite based on check-out time, visit completion, or status updates in your system.

Keep the message short and friendly:

“Thanks for visiting [Practice Name]! If you have a moment, we’d love your feedback: [review link]”

This method works great because it removes the need for manual follow-ups and ensures consistent outreach to every patient.

3. Send Personalized Email Follow-Ups with a Clear CTA

Email works best when it’s personalized, timely, and visually clear.

Avoid sounding robotic—mention the patient’s name, the service they received, and include a prominent button or link to leave a review.

Example:

“Hi Sarah, thanks for trusting us with your dental care today. If you’re happy with your visit, we’d truly appreciate a quick review. It only takes a minute.”

Make sure the email:

• Sends within 24–48 hours
• Comes from a recognizable address (like frontdesk@yourclinic.com)
• Has a short, clear subject line: “How was your visit today?”

4. Display QR Codes In-Office at Key Touchpoints

Make your review links visible and accessible without needing to speak up every time.

Place QR code displays:

• On the front desk
• Inside the operatory (near the chair or mirror)
• On posters in the waiting room
• On treatment folders or printed aftercare instructions

Design them with simple copy:

“Loved your visit? Scan here to leave a quick review!”

This passive strategy encourages patients to take action on their own, especially while waiting or right after care.

5. Add Review Prompts to Post-Visit Satisfaction Surveys

If your clinic sends follow-up satisfaction surveys, that’s a perfect place to request a review—only if the feedback is positive.

Use logic-based forms to show the review link only after a positive rating.

Prompt:

“Thanks for your feedback! Would you be willing to share it with others by leaving a quick Google review?”

This method turns happy, private feedback into public proof without coming off as pushy.

6. Turn Verbal Compliments into Online Reviews

Patients often say things like:

• “This is the best dental cleaning I’ve ever had!”
• “You guys are always so gentle and friendly.”

Train your team to respond:

“We’re so glad to hear that! Would you be open to sharing that in a quick Google review? It helps others looking for a great dentist.”

Timing is key here—wait until the patient expresses genuine appreciation before asking.

7. Include Review Links in Appointment Confirmations and Receipts

You’re already sending appointment reminders, confirmations, and receipts—why not embed a review link there?

Examples:

• Add a subtle review link in the email footer
• Include a sentence in the confirmation: “Happy with your visit? Leave us a review [here].”
• On printed receipts or digital invoices: “Let us know how we did — Scan this QR code.”

Since these messages are part of your patient flow, patients won’t feel like they’re being spammed with separate emails or texts.

8. Showcase Recent Reviews in Your Waiting Area

Use recent 5-star reviews as visual social proof. Print them on a poster, display them digitally on a screen, or create a rotating slideshow.

You can title it:

• “What Our Patients Are Saying”
• “Your Feedback Means Everything to Us”

This subtle reinforcement encourages patients to contribute their own review—especially if they recognize a name or comment similar to their own experience.

9. Create a Simple “How to Leave a Review” Page on Your Website

Some patients want to help but aren’t tech-savvy. Others aren’t sure how to leave a Google review, especially older patients or first-timers.

Create a dedicated landing page with:

• A direct Google review link
• Step-by-step visual instructions (with screenshots)
• A mobile-friendly layout

Then link to this page from your email signature, QR code, or SMS review requests to reduce confusion and boost conversion.

10. Train Staff with Scripts and Timing to Ask Confidently

Even the best review strategy fails if your team feels awkward asking. Train your front desk and hygienists during team meetings on what to say and when to say it.

Provide go-to scripts like:

“If everything went well today, we’d love your feedback—it really helps us grow. Here’s a quick link.”

Also, teach when not to ask:

• If the patient is visibly frustrated
• If there were billing issues or long delays

Consistency and tone matter. When the ask feels natural, patients are more likely to respond.

Things to Avoid When Asking Your Dental Clients for a Review

While asking for reviews is essential, how you ask is just as important.

Here are key mistakes to avoid:

Don’t Offer Rewards or Discounts for Reviews

Incentivizing reviews with discounts, raffle entries, or free products is against Google’s review policy and can lead to removed reviews or penalties.

Even if well-intended, it can make your reviews seem less authentic.

Stick to genuine, voluntary requests. The goal is to collect honest feedback, not trade favors for 5 stars.

Don’t Ask During a Negative Interaction

Timing is everything. If a patient just experienced a billing issue, long wait, or painful procedure, do not ask for a review right away—even if the issue is resolved.

Asking at the wrong time can turn a neutral patient into a public critic. Focus on smoothing over the experience first, then follow up later if appropriate.

Don’t Overcomplicate the Process

The more steps it takes to leave a review, the less likely a patient will follow through. Avoid making them search for your practice, sign into unfamiliar platforms, or jump through hoops.

Instead:

• Use direct Google review links
• Provide QR codes and clear CTAs
• Include simple instructions, especially for older patients

Make it quick, accessible, and mobile-friendly to boost conversions.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to turn those five-star moments into consistent online proof, we’d love to help.

Our Reviews tool makes it easy to automate the review request process, while Referrals and Repeat help you keep those happy patients coming back—and bringing friends.

For more on how we support dental offices, check out our dedicated page for Dental Practices, or explore how we serve other industries like law firms, medical offices, med spas, plumbing services, and landscaping services.

We also cover more tips on reputation marketing and patient engagement over on our blog. Or if you have questions about how to get started, feel free to reach out directly at info@thesurgepoint.com.

Good luck turning your patient experience into powerful social proof—we’re here to help every step of the way.

Explore more at thesurgepoint.com.

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