Review Management

Dentist review management: The root of a great reputation

Extract feedback from your happiest patients and fill any cavities in your ratings

Joshua SaxonApril 19, 20245 min read
Quick summary
  • Dentist review management is the enamel protecting your practice’s reputation and attracting new patients.
  • Replying to both positive and negative feedback builds trust and can have a direct impact on rankings.
  • Semrush Local aligns your online presence, ensuring your practice stands out in the digital landscape.

Just as regular check-ups are vital for oral health, dentist review management is essential for your practice's image. Dentist review management requires precision, patience, and the right tools. Like a winning smile versus neglected teeth, your reputation can either attract new patients or turn them off entirely.

Opening up to both the positives and negatives of online review management is key to a healthy online presence. As we drill down into dentist review management, remember that every opinion is an opportunity to grow your practice.

Positive reviews: The foundation of trust and growth

Choices for dental care abound, so you need a nice set of positive reviews to guide potential patients right into your chair. Glowing reviews do more than just showcase satisfaction; they help your practice climb higher in search results. Google itself has revealed that good reviews are an important local ranking factor, and replying to them helps as well. But the impact of good dentist review management doesn't stop with attracting new patients; it helps retain them too. Patients who leave positive feedback are more likely to become loyal advocates and recommend you via word of mouth.

Encouraging patients to leave positive reviews is a marketing strategy that requires a proactive approach. Whether it's sending a follow-up SMS or gently reminding patients as they leave, making the process simple is key. Place QR codes in your waiting room and include a Google reviews link in messages so there are no obstacles to getting five stars.

A link to send customers to generate Google reviews

A link to send customers to generate Google reviews

Like the fluoride strengthening your teeth against decay, positive reviews fortify your practice’s image. But that doesn’t mean that negative reviews don’t add value to your dental reputation management strategy too…

Local SEO hygiene: Elevate your practice with Semrush Local, the essential tool for turning patient experiences into a shining reputation.

Soothing the pain of negative reviews: A strategy for dentists

Similar to a sudden toothache, negative feedback demands immediate and careful attention.  No dental practice is immune to the occasional critic, but the true test lies in how you handle it. 

A response to a negative dentist review on Google

A response to a negative dentist review on Google

If approached correctly, you can turn a negative review into a showcase of your practice's dedication to patient satisfaction. Use the opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to resolving issuesReplying to reviews signals to search engines that your practice is active and responsive, potentially improving your rankings.

Managing negative reviews requires time and a cool head—resources that are hard to come by at busy practices. Review management services and tools can help you reply to patients and give your dental SEO a clean bill of health.

Won’t hurt a bit: Semrush Local makes tackling negative reviews as pain-free as an expertly administered anesthetic.

HIPAA compliance: The do's and don'ts of patient reviews

When soliciting online dental reviews in the US, providers must remain HIPAA compliant. HIPAA regulations require that patient reviews do not share sensitive information without explicit consent. Offering incentives for reviews is potentially unethical, so it's important to approach reputation management for dentists carefully​​. Practices should train staff, monitor all review sites, and handle feedback proactively to ensure compliance. International dentists should consult with regulatory bodies in their country to understand any restrictions regarding reviews.

Filling holes in your practice’s listings and Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile (GBP) and other listings are common places for patients to leave reviews, so it’s important to keep them in order. Enhance your dental marketing by ensuring all your listings are accurate and comprehensive. Include the services offered, a detailed description, dentist category, opening hours, website and contact details. Post high-quality images of your practice to engage potential patients and help them feel confident about leaving reviews.

A five-star dentist practice in New York

 A five-star dentist practice in New York

The Q&A on your GBP is a handy way to answer common questions preemptively and boost local SEO for dentists. Similarly, Google Posts let you share updates, promotions, or dental tips, keeping your profile engaging and informative.

Perfect alignment: Connect your GBP and other listings to Semrush Local so you can be sure nothing is out of place.
Check your<br /> local listings for free

Semrush Local: Polishing your dental practice's online reviews

With so many platforms for your patients to leave reviews, you’ll need a giant set of digital braces to keep it all straight. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Semrush Local gives dentists the tools to keep their reputation sparkling.
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Shape responses with AI

Replying to reviews with the right mix of professionalism and empathy can be as tricky as a root canal. Thankfully, Semrush Local's AI reply assistant steadies your hand, crafting responses that resonate with patients. It helps your practice respond to reviews promptly and professionally, keeping your patient relations healthy and vibrant. You can also fully automate this tool for immediate AI responses.
A review response written with the help of AI