How to Ethically Increase Google Reviews Without Chasing Patients
Google reviews are essential for building trust with new patients and strengthening your practice’s online reputation. They influence search visibility, help patients decide who to book with, and can even highlight specific treatments in local searches. But constantly asking patients to leave reviews can feel awkward and inefficient.
The solution is to build an ethical review system that encourages patients to share feedback naturally – not by chasing them or offering inappropriate incentives.
Make Leaving Reviews Easy and Well-Timed
A key principle in getting more dental reviews is timing. Patients are far more likely to leave feedback when their experience is still fresh in mind and they are feeling positive about the care they received. Studies and marketing strategies recommend sending requests shortly after appointments, ideally within 24 hours, while the good feelings are strongest and the experience is clear in memory. Tools that automate text and email follow-ups with direct review links make it simple for patients to respond without any extra effort on your part, and that convenience results in higher participation rates.
It’s also important that the review process itself is effortless. Patients should be able to tap a link or scan a QR code and land directly on your Google review page. Removing barriers like multiple clicks or unclear instructions increases the chance that someone will complete a review.
Use Automation, Not Pressure
Automation is a powerful way to get more dental reviews without putting staff on the spot or relying on awkward in-person asks. By integrating your appointment system with a review management platform, you can trigger automatic review requests whenever a booked appointment is marked as complete. This system means every satisfied patient gets a personalised invitation to share feedback, without extra manual work or repetitive reminders.
Automated systems also help you track which patients have been asked, who has responded, and which reminders may be due. This visibility ensures your review requests remain compliant and respectful, not relentless or intrusive. Practices that automate review requests consistently build a stronger pipeline of genuine feedback over time.
Train Your Team to Ask Naturally
While automation handles follow-up, your team still plays an important role in signalling that reviews matter. Train reception staff and clinicians to mention reviews in a natural, ethical way — for example, “If you’ve enjoyed your visit, an honest review on Google would really help us reach others like you.” This brief, friendly prompt doesn’t pressure the patient but acknowledges that their feedback matters. It reinforces that reviews are about honest experiences rather than a quota to hit.
Offer Ethical Appreciation, Not Rewards
It’s crucial to follow Google’s policies and avoid incentivising positive reviews. Offering freebies or discounts specifically for positive feedback violates guidelines and can put your Google Business Profile at risk. However, small gestures of appreciation that are framed as a thank-you for feedback, not a reward for positive sentiment, are acceptable. Examples include a thank-you card, a small gift like a toothbrush kit, or a general raffle for all participants. The key is transparency: patients should know that you value honest feedback, not just five-star reviews.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To get more dental reviews ethically, focus on automation, good timing and a compliant process that respects patients’ time and experiences. Make it easy for them to share feedback, involve your team positively, and avoid incentives tied to review outcomes. These systems build a steady flow of authentic Google reviews that improve visibility and trust for years to come. If you want help automating your review process and building a robust ethical system that boosts your online reputation, Dentify Digital can help — get in touch to turn your patient feedback into a reliable source of growth and trust.
