Let’s be honest: dental practice marketing isn't getting any easier. More clinics are opening up, all targeting the same group of patients in your area. The result? Intense competition, making it harder for you to stand out.

A few years ago, spending $500 to $1,000 per month on Google ads for dentists might have been enough to bring in a steady flow of patients. Today? You might need to double or triple that budget just to stay visible.

So, what’s the solution if you’re not looking to burn cash on ads? The answer lies in one of the most effective and underutilized marketing tools available: Google reviews.

Why Google Reviews Matter

Have you ever bought something on Amazon? Chances are you have. Maybe it was a pair of headphones, or perhaps you were just restocking on toilet paper. Amazon makes the process easy: you visit their website, type in what you want, and you’re presented with hundreds of options to choose from.

But how do you decide what to buy? Every pair of headphones claims to offer exceptional sound quality, even the budget options. Without the ability to test them out, how do you know which ones to trust? Most people turn to the reviews. Reading what other customers have to say helps you make an informed decision without the hassle of ordering multiple products and dealing with returns.

Dentistry works the same way.

When someone Googles “dentist near me,” they’re shown a long list of local practices. Every one of them says they offer amazing care and treat patients like family. So how do people decide? They check the Google reviews.

That’s why getting more (and better) reviews is one of the most powerful dental practice marketing strategies available. It builds instant trust, improves visibility, and influences real patient decisions — all without a massive ad budget.

Which dental practice would you choose?

How to Get More Reviews Than Your Competitors

Most dental practices understand that Google reviews are critical. But the real question is: how do you get more reviews than your competition? Should you print out a QR code to stick on your front desk? Sign up for a review management tool like Swell or Trustpilot?

While these tools can help, they are widely used by other practices too, meaning you'll only grow your review count at the same rate as everyone else in the area.

So, what's the real secret to winning the Google review game? It’s simple:

• Ask Your Staff to Personally Request Reviews
• Hold Staff Accountable
• Incentivize Your Team

Let’s break each of these down:

1. Ask Staff to Request Reviews Personally

When patients feel personally invited to leave a review, they’re far more likely to do so. Instead of sending automated emails or SMS messages, have your staff personally ask patients for reviews. After a positive interaction, the receptionist can ask, “How was your visit today? How did everything go with Dr. John?” 

If the patient responds positively, the receptionist can follow up with, “That’s great to hear! If you have a moment, would you mind sharing your feedback in a Google review? I can send you a link right now.” 

This approach feels more personal and engaging, making patients 10-20 times more likely to follow through compared to receiving an impersonal request days later.

This personalized approach is incredibly effective and will enhance your dental practice's marketing strategy. Patients who feel valued and appreciated are more inclined to share their experiences, and by getting your team involved, you can build a positive cycle of feedback and engagement that attracts more patients and boosts your reputation.

2. Hold Staff Accountable

Accountability is key to ensuring your team follows through with requesting reviews. Receptionists may forget, feel awkward, or resist asking patients for reviews if there’s no follow-up. To address this, create a simple tracking system—like a whiteboard visible to all staff members—that shows the number of reviews your practice has compared to local competitors. 

Update it weekly and celebrate wins when your team surpasses competitors in review collection. This creates a sense of urgency and friendly competition, motivating your staff to stay focused on gathering reviews. If your team isn’t performing well, use it as an opportunity to discuss strategies for improvement and remind them how important reviews are for the growth of the practice.

Using this competitive element can spark motivation and help you improve the number of reviews you collect without relying on expensive review management tools. It’s about keeping your staff engaged and showing them the direct impact of their efforts, making it easier for them to stay committed to the practice’s review-building goals.

3. Incentivize Staff

Motivating your team to collect reviews can be a challenge, especially when they feel overwhelmed by their daily duties. To prevent staff from feeling burdened, introduce a reward system that acknowledges their efforts. 

Simple incentives like $5-$10 gift cards to coffee shops or restaurants can go a long way in motivating staff. For example, one dentist provided gift cards as rewards, and within a week, their team secured more reviews than in the entire previous year. This kind of positive reinforcement shows staff that their efforts are valued, making them more likely to engage in review collection.

For even greater motivation, consider setting bigger goals with more significant rewards. One dentist offered an all-expenses-paid vacation to his team if they became the highest-reviewed practice in the area. 

The team reached this goal in just two months, and the practice saw an impressive $1.3 million increase in revenue over the following year. By offering incentives, your team becomes more invested in the practice’s success, which leads to more reviews, increased patient trust, and ultimately, business growth.

Why This Works

Here’s the truth: getting more Google reviews isn’t about using fancy tools or automated messages. It’s about creating a system where your staff asks, engages, and is motivated to help you become the highest-reviewed practice in the area.

When your team is invested in building reviews, they become ambassadors for your practice. This leads to more trust, more patients, and more growth.

In today’s competitive dental practice marketing landscape, outworking your competition can be even more powerful than outspending them.

By following these strategies and focusing on personalization, accountability, and incentivization, you can dominate the Google review rankings and stand out in a crowded market.