Getting online reviews has become really important for dentists today. Positive reviews can have a big impact on a dental practice’s success by attracting new patients and building trust in the community. But asking for reviews needs to be done carefully and ethically to get genuine and positive responses from patients. In this blog, we’ll look at the dos and don’ts of asking for reviews to boost a dentist’s online presence and keep a positive image.

The Dos:

1. Do Provide Great Service Start by giving exceptional patient care. Make sure your dental experience is top-notch, so patients feel comfortable, respected, and happy with their treatment. When patients have a great experience, they’ll be more likely to share positive reviews willingly.
   
2. Do Ask for Reviews in Person When patients leave your office with a smile, it’s the perfect time to ask for a review. Request their feedback in person, thanking them for their visit and letting them know their opinion matters. This personal touch can encourage them to leave a review promptly.
   
3. Do Make Reviewing Easy Make it simple for patients to leave reviews. Give them direct links to your preferred review sites, like Google, Yelp, or Health-grades, on your website or in follow-up emails. Easy access will save them time and effort.
   
4. Do Respond to All Reviews Always acknowledge and respond to reviews, whether they’re positive or negative. Show appreciation for positive feedback and reiterate your commitment to great care. For negative reviews, address concerns with empathy and offer to resolve issues privately.
   
5. Do Encourage Honest Feedback Let patients know their honest opinions are valuable for improving your services. Create a friendly and open environment, welcoming constructive criticism to help you make necessary improvements.
   
   

The Dont’s:

1. Don’t Offer Incentives for Reviews: Avoid giving rewards, like discounts or freebies, for reviews. This violates review platform rules and can harm your credibility. Reviews should be voluntary and unbiased.
   
2. Don’t Write or Encourage Fake Reviews: Don’t create or ask friends and family to write fake reviews. It’s unethical and damages your practice’s reputation. Fake reviews can be spotted easily, and they erode trust with potential patients.
   
3. Don’t Get Defensive About Negative Reviews: When addressing negative reviews, stay professional and avoid arguing. Show empathy and be willing to solve the issues privately. Taking the conversation offline is best.
   
4. Don’t Write Fake Negative Reviews for Competitors: Don’t write negative reviews about your competitors to make your practice look better. It’s dishonest and can backfire. Instead, focus on offering excellent service to stand out.
   
5. Don’t Ignore Reviews: Ignoring reviews, whether positive or negative, can give a bad impression to potential patients. Regularly check review platforms and respond promptly to show you value patient feedback.

Asking for reviews is a powerful way for dentists to gain trust, attract new patients, and maintain a positive online reputation.

By following the dos and don’ts we’ve mentioned, dental practices can get genuine and positive reviews from satisfied patients. Authentic reviews not only boost a dentist’s credibility but also show their dedication to providing exceptional care for every patient.