Here’s what I discovered after helping 500+ dental practices boost their patient flow:
Your reviews decide everything. While you’re perfecting procedures, patients are reading dental clinic reviews and patient testimonials before they even call.
Here’s the reality: 71% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a local business, and 65% are more likely to choose a business that responds to reviews. Even more striking? 80% of local searches convert into customers – making your clinic reviews the ultimate conversion tool.
But here’s what most dental practices miss:
It’s not just about getting reviews. It’s about getting the right reviews and responding like a pro.
I’ll show you 10 real dental review examples – both amazing and awful – plus the exact response templates that turn browsers into patients.
Why Reviews Are Crucial for Dental Clinics?
In today’s search-driven world, dental reviews are often the first deciding factor for potential patients. A strong review profile doesn’t just enhance credibility—it directly impacts appointment bookings, local visibility, and long-term growth.
1. Builds Patient Trust
According to BrightLocal, 86% of patients read online reviews before choosing a healthcare provider. For dental clinics, this trust-building element is especially important given the anxiety many people associate with dental care.
2. Boosts Local SEO
According to our study, 46 % of all Google searches have local intent, and 76 % of users who perform a local search visit a business within 24 hours. That urgency makes having a consistent flow of recent, high-quality reviews essential.
3. Shapes Public Image
In a crowded market, reviews become your competitive edge. Patients comparing multiple dental clinics often choose the one with more detailed, recent testimonials that showcase specific services and outcomes.
4. Real-World Impact
A 2023 report by Podium found that dental practices with over 100 Google reviews see 30% more bookings on average compared to those with fewer. This proves that a well-managed review strategy doesn’t just build reputation—it drives real business results.
5 Real Positive Dental Review Examples (with Best Responses)
When searching “Dental clinics near me,” one of the top results was Portland Dental, known for a warm team culture and consistently high patient satisfaction. Below are 5 actual, public Google reviews from their listing—each with a strategic breakdown and a suggested professional response.
All reviews below are publicly available and attributed to real patient feedback from Google.
1. Empathy and Consistency Build Long-Term Patient Trust
What clinics should note: Delivering compassionate care consistently over time leads to loyalty and visible health results—key ingredients for glowing reviews.
Why It Works:
- Highlights long-term trust (over a year of visits)
- Links dental care to real health improvements
- Reflects emotional comfort, not just clinical expertise
What It Tells Future Patients:
You’ll be cared for consistently—and your oral health will show it.
Suggested Response Template:
“Thank you for your continued trust in our care! We’re thrilled to hear about your health improvements and truly appreciate you highlighting our team’s empathy. Your progress motivates us every day.”
2. Maintaining Kind Atmosphere Creates Loyalty Beyond the Chair
What clinics should note: A welcoming atmosphere, caring staff, and experienced leadership help turn one-time visitors into lifelong advocates.
Why It Works:
- Touches on both clinical skill and environmental comfort
- Signals consistency from every part of the team
What It Tells Future Patients:
You’re not walking into a clinic—you’re stepping into a warm, safe space.
Suggested Response Template:
“It means so much to hear that you felt the warmth and care throughout your visit. We’re proud of the environment we’ve built and are glad it made a difference in your experience!”
3. Personal Connection with Hygienists Turns Cleanings into Comfort
What clinics should note: Encouraging team members to be personable can transform routine visits into moments patients look forward to.
Why It Works:
- Reflects personal connection with specific staff
- Emphasizes repeat visits and comfort level
What It Tells Future Patients:
You’ll be heard, remembered, and treated like a person—not a procedure.
Suggested Response Template:
“We’re so happy to hear Sheila made your visits relaxing and enjoyable! Creating strong, friendly relationships with our patients is one of our favourite parts of the job.”
4. Going Beyond Expectations Leads to Emotionally Powerful Praise
What clinics should note: Exceptional outcomes paired with genuine emotional support inspire heartfelt, unforgettable testimonials
Why It Works:
- Emotionally transformational narrative
- Highlights cosmetic results and empathy
- Shows staff going above clinical duties
What It Tells Future Patients:
This clinic goes beyond treatment—they deliver hope.
Suggested Response Template:
“Your words truly moved us. Thank you for trusting us with something so meaningful—we’re honored to have played a part in your journey and will share your praise with Dr. Kaveendra and Brie!”
5. Reducing Dental Anxiety Earns Respect From Nervous Patients
What clinics should note: A calm, respectful environment with great communication can convert anxious patients into confident promoters.
Why It Works:
- Appeals to nervous patients and skeptics
- Highlights ease of experience over technical jargon
What It Tells Future Patients:
Even if you hate the dentist, this team can change your mind.
Suggested Response Template:
“It’s always our goal to make every patient feel at ease—especially those who usually find dental visits stressful. Thank you for sharing your story and trusting us!”
How to Respond to Positive Dental Reviews
Responding to positive reviews strengthens patient trust and improves your online presence. Here are a few tips you can follow:
- Personalize your reply by using the patient’s name
- Express genuine gratitude for their feedback
- Highlight specific positive aspects they mentioned
- Encourage them to return for future care
- Invite them to refer friends or family
- Keep the tone warm, professional, and concise
- Respond promptly, ideally within 24–48 hours
Sample Response:
“Thank you, [Name]! We’re thrilled your visit was comfortable and clear. Our team is dedicated to compassionate care and using the best technology. Looking forward to seeing you again!”
5 Real Negative Dental Review Examples (with Best Responses)
Many dental clinics such as Portland Dental respond to praise but ignore criticism. But silence isn’t neutral—it’s harmful.
94% of consumers say a bad review has convinced them to avoid a business (ReviewTrackers), while 45% are more likely to visit if the business responds professionally. Every review is a chance to build trust—or lose it.
1.Lack of Communication and Intimidation
What Clinics should note: Ignoring patient outreach signals indifference and erodes credibility fast.
How it affects your business:
This signals weak front-desk service and poor patient communication.
What it tells future patients:
Your concerns might be ignored—and you’ll be left to navigate your own care.
Suggested Response Template:
“Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re very sorry you felt unsupported and unheard. Your feedback is being reviewed with our team to ensure we’re meeting our patients’ needs with greater compassion and clarity.”
2. Insurance Confusion at Check-In
What Clinics should note: Mismanaged insurance details create frustration before care even begins.
How it affects your business:
Highlights poor internal coordination and front-desk oversight.
What it tells future patients:
You might waste your time, even after following all instructions.
Suggested Response Template:
“We sincerely apologize for the insurance misunderstanding. We’re reviewing our intake process to prevent this in the future. If you’re open to it, we’d love to reconnect and clarify your coverage options directly.”
3. Unexpected Fees and Billing Frustration
What Clinics should note: Hidden charges feel exploitative and can drive loyal patients away.
How it affects your business:
Billing issues—even small ones—can seem dishonest and harm patient trust.
What it tells future patients:
There may be hidden fees and unclear financial policies.
Suggested Response Template:
“We appreciate your feedback and apologize for the billing experience. Transparency is important to us, and we’re currently reviewing all service fees. Please reach out—we’d be happy to walk you through the charges.”
4. Painful Procedures and Disorganized Records
What Clinics should note: Emotional discomfort and disorganized records suggest systemic carelessness.
How it affects your business:
Signals emotional distress, procedural pain, and long-term administrative failures.
What it tells future patients:
You might not feel safe, seen, or well cared for—especially if you have special concerns.
Suggested Response Template:
“We’re truly sorry that your experience left you feeling this way. Your feedback has been shared with both our clinical and administrative teams for urgent review. We’d welcome the chance to speak with you privately and make this right.”
5. Long Wait Times and Poor Parking Validation
What Clinics should note: Poor scheduling and limited parking solutions can instantly damage trust.
How it affects your business:
Patients may assume your practice is disorganized and inconsiderate of their time.
What it tells future patients:
Expect delays and added costs, even with a scheduled appointment.
Suggested Response Template:
“We’re very sorry for the extended wait and inconvenience with parking. We’re currently reviewing our scheduling system to improve timeliness. Thank you for your patience—we hope to offer you a better experience in the future.”
Key Takeaway: Silence Amplifies Negative Perception
Responding to negative reviews doesn’t just improve public perception—it also strengthens patient retention and conversion. Even a brief, empathetic reply can shift a reader’s impression from “unresolved issue” to “trusted provider.”
How to Respond to Negative Dental Reviews
Ignoring negative reviews signals indifference, while a thoughtful response can restore trust and show future patients that you care about accountability.
Best Practices:
- Stay Calm and Empathetic
Never argue or get defensive—respond with compassion and professionalism.
- Acknowledge the Concern
Show the reviewer their issue was heard, even if you don’t fully agree.
- Invite Private Resolution
Offer to move the conversation offline for a more personalized response.
- Address Internally
Share the feedback with your staff to prevent repeat issues.
Sample Response Template:
“Thank you for your feedback, [Name]. We’re sorry your experience didn’t meet expectations. Your concerns have been shared with our team, and we’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss further. Please call us at [Phone Number] so we can make it right.”
How to Get More 5-Star Reviews for Your Dental Clinic
Getting authentic, glowing reviews isn’t about luck—it’s about creating a consistent patient experience and having the right systems in place to capture feedback. Here’s how top-performing dental clinics are driving 5-star reviews across platforms.
1. Ask Patients at the Right Moment
The best time to ask for a review is right after a successful appointment—while the patient’s experience is still fresh.
Tip: Train your front desk team to ask politely as patients check out, or display a review prompt card at the reception desk.
2. Use SMS or Email Automation
Automated follow-ups are one of the easiest and most effective ways to collect reviews. Platforms like Krofile let you send personalized review requests via SMS or email after appointments, with direct links to your Google or Yelp profile.
According to Birdeye, Clinics using SMS follow-ups see 3x more reviews on average than those relying on verbal asks alone.
3. Place QR Codes Strategically
A printed QR code on appointment cards, thank-you notes, or treatment summary handouts can seamlessly lead patients to your Google review page. Make sure it opens to your profile’s review form, not just the homepage.
Bonus: You can use Krofile to generate QR codes for your review links and make it easy for customers to drop reviews. Just a scan, and they can drop a review. Its that easy, plus you can track every metric from the app itself. Isn’t this is cray deal?
4. Deliver a Remarkable Patient Experience
No system will work unless your care actually stands out. Practices that invest in comfort, clear communication, short wait times, and patient follow-up are the ones that earn consistent praise.
5. Highlight the Value of Their Feedback
Many patients don’t realize how important their voice is. Reinforce the impact: “Your review helps other patients find a provider they can trust, and helps us grow as a practice.”
This simple reminder turns casual satisfaction into active advocacy.
Turn Reviews into Your Dental Practice’s Growth Engine
Patient reviews are no longer optional—they’re the new front door to your clinic. Whether glowing or critical, every review shapes your digital reputation and influences your next appointment.
Clinics that actively respond, learn, and improve from feedback stand out in a crowded market and earn long-term trust.
If you’re ready to collect more 5-star reviews and respond efficiently without spending hours managing it all, try Krofile.
It helps dental clinics automate review generation and boost local SEO—all from one clean dashboard. Start building your reputation where it matters most.
