For dentists, patient reviews aren’t just helpful — they’re essential. A steady stream of positive feedback can boost your local SEO, build trust with prospective patients, and set your practice apart. But the question most dentists ask is: how do you ask dental patients for reviews — and actually get them to follow through?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to ask dental patients for reviews in a way that feels natural, professional, and highly effective. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to boost your current strategy, this blog covers the best tips, tools, and timing to grow your online reputation with ease.
Why Reviews Matter So Much for Dentists
Before we dive into the how, let’s quickly touch on why you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your dental patients for reviews:
- 90% of patients read reviews before choosing a dentist
- Positive reviews improve local search rankings (especially on Google)
- Social proof builds immediate trust with new patients
- They can help mitigate the impact of a rare negative review
With reviews being the new word-of-mouth, asking for them should be a routine part of your practice operations.
When Is the Best Time to Ask Dental Patients for a Review?
Timing is everything. The best moment to ask is immediately after a successful appointment, when the patient is still in your office or has just left with a positive experience fresh in their mind.
Key touchpoints to request a review:
- After a hygiene appointment with positive feedback
- Following a cosmetic treatment with great results
- During a follow-up appointment after successful care
- When the patient expresses gratitude verbally (“Thanks, Doc!” is your cue!)
How to Ask Dental Patients for Reviews (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to do it without sounding pushy or awkward:
1. Use Automated Review Requests
Manual requests only go so far. That’s why many successful dental practices use automated review request software that sends a text or email to the patient shortly after their appointment.
Platforms like MINA Reviews make this seamless — just set it and forget it. You can customize messages, track who left a review, and follow up automatically.
2. Make It Personal
Whether you’re asking in person or via text/email, keep it conversational and sincere.
In-person script idea: “We’re so glad you had a great visit today! If you don’t mind, would you be willing to leave us a quick review on Google? It really helps other patients find us.”
3. Make It Easy
The #1 reason patients don’t leave a review? It’s too complicated. Don’t just say “Leave us a review” — send them the exact link to your Google or RateMDs profile.
Tools like MINA Reviews generate direct review links that open the star rating screen immediately, removing all friction.
4. Train Your Team
Empower your front-desk staff and hygienists to make the ask part of the checkout or treatment wrap-up process. Patients often feel more inclined when it comes from someone they’ve bonded with during their visit.
Where Should Dental Patients Leave Reviews?
Google Business Profile (Formerly Google My Business)
The most important review site for dentists is Google. These reviews show up in search results and on Google Maps, directly influencing your practice’s local visibility. Ever notice the top local results in Google’s 3-pack always seem to have hundreds of 5-star reviews? That’s not a coincidence. More reviews = More revenue.
If you’re wondering how to get more Google dental reviews, the answer is simple: ask consistently and make it easy. Patients are usually happy to support you if they had a good experience — they just need a gentle nudge and a direct link.
Pro Tip: Ask for reviews on Google first, then encourage patients to share their feedback on platforms like RateMDs, Facebook, and Healthgrades later via follow-up automation.
RateMDs (Best for Dentists in Canada)
If your dental practice is based in Canada, RateMDs is one of the most important platforms to monitor and collect reviews on. It’s widely used by Canadian patients looking for trusted healthcare providers — including dentists — and ranks highly in Canadian search results.
Patients can rate your practice based on helpfulness, punctuality, staff, and knowledge, as well as leave written comments. While RateMDs doesn’t have the same search dominance as Google, it plays a huge role in shaping your online reputation within the Canadian healthcare space.
Tip: Use a review automation tool to request Google reviews first, then follow up by inviting satisfied patients to also share their feedback on RateMDs.
Healthgrades (Important for U.S. Dental Practices)
If you’re a U.S.-based dental practice, Healthgrades is a major platform patients use to research and compare dentists. It’s one of the top-rated healthcare directories in the United States and includes detailed provider profiles with verified patient reviews.
Although Healthgrades doesn’t offer real-time booking like Google or Zocdoc, it does serve as a trusted research tool, especially for patients looking for dentists through insurance networks.
Tip: Make sure your Healthgrades profile is claimed and up-to-date with your correct location, specialties, and bio — then request reviews from happy patients via post-visit follow-up using your review management platform.
Best Practices To Ask Dental Patients for Reviews
Keep it brief – Your message should be under 30 seconds or 1–2 sentences in text/email.
Be authentic – Patients can sense a scripted or robotic ask. Personal touches matter.
Don’t offer incentives – Google’s policies prohibit incentivized reviews. Focus on experience, not rewards.
Respond to reviews – Whether positive or negative, thank your reviewers. It shows professionalism and boosts your credibility.
Monitor results – Use a review management tool to track reviews across platforms and catch negative feedback early.
Automate the Process with MINA Reviews
If asking for reviews manually feels overwhelming — or if your current system isn’t delivering results — MINA Reviews, a medical and dental online reputation management software is here to help. Our platform is purpose-built for dental practices and automates the entire process of collecting, managing, and showcasing patient reviews.
With MINA Reviews, you can:
- Send automated SMS/email review requests after appointments
- Collect more 5-star reviews on Google, RateMDs, and Facebook
- Monitor and respond to reviews from one simple dashboard
- Get real-time insights and reputation analytics
All on autopilot.
Final Thoughts: Asking Dental Patients for Reviews
Knowing how to ask dental patients for reviews is a skill every modern practice should master. It’s not about begging or being salesy — it’s about confidently inviting patients to share their honest experiences. And with the right timing, tools, and tone, you’ll be surprised how many are happy to do so.