The best ways to earn 5-star client reviews

Patient reviews are the digital word-of-mouth that drives new business to your dental practice. Whether you’re a general dentist, orthodontist, endodontist, or pediatric specialist, glowing reviews build credibility and improve your local search engine rankings. In today’s digital-first world, if you’re not actively encouraging reviews, you’re missing out on free, high-converting marketing.

Why Patient Reviews Matter More Than Ever

According to a BrightLocal study, 98% of people read online reviews for local businesses, and 81% of patients say they trust reviews as much as personal recommendations. Google even factors reviews into its local SEO ranking algorithm, which means more 5-star reviews = higher visibility for your dental office.

Top 7 Proven Ways to Get More Reviews for Your Dental Practice

1. Automate the Ask After Every Appointment
   Use tools like WSForm or integrations with your practice management software (Dentrix, OpenDental, etc.) to automatically send review requests via SMS or email. Platforms like Birdeye and Reputation.com make this effortless and HIPAA-compliant.
2. Create a Dedicated Review Landing Page
   Use your Flourish Web-powered site to create a branded “Leave a Review” page with direct links to your Google, Yelp, and Facebook review forms. Consider using schema markup for SEO boost and include patient-friendly instructions for how to leave a review.
3. Leverage QR Codes in Your Office
   Print stylish QR codes on signage, checkout cards, or bathroom mirrors that link directly to your Google review page. With Flourish Web’s DynamicQR feature, you can even rotate links or embed tracking to see which touchpoints work best.
4. Incentivize Your Team, Not Patients
   It’s generally against policy to offer incentives to patients for reviews (especially on Google), but you can motivate your front desk and hygienists with a simple “review bonus” program. The more they ask, the more reviews you’ll get.
5. Respond to Every Review—Even Negative Ones
   A thoughtful response shows prospective patients that you care. Keep it HIPAA-safe (don’t mention names or treatment specifics). Use responses to negative reviews as an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and empathy.
6. Feature Reviews Throughout Your Website
   Use dynamic sliders or cards to show recent reviews on your homepage, service pages, or contact page. Flourish Web makes it easy to pull in live Google reviews and display them beautifully without slowing down your site.
7. Train Your Staff to Normalize It
   Have your hygienists or front-desk team simply say: “If you had a great experience, we’d love it if you left us a Google review. It really helps!” It’s low-pressure but powerful—especially when said at the right time, like after a compliment.

Bonus: Use AI to Personalize Follow-Ups

If you’re using Flourish Web, our integrated Garden-AI tool can generate custom post-visit thank-you emails and review requests tailored to each service or patient type. This adds a modern, personalized touch that increases response rates without added manual effort.

Ready to Grow Your Reviews—and Your Practice?

At Flourish Web, we specialize in helping dental offices just like yours simplify their digital presence and attract more of the right patients. From automatic review integrations to beautifully branded websites optimized for local SEO, we help you grow with ease.

Book a Free Demo to see how Flourish Web can help your practice stand out—and earn the 5-star reputation it deserves.

Further Reading & Resources

• Google: Encourage Customers to Write Reviews
• How to Respond to Negative Reviews (HubSpot)
• Google Reviews Best Practices (BrightLocal)