When was the last time you picked a new dentist without checking reviews?
Probably never.
According to a survey, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, which changes what your practice has to do.
Local dentist reviews build trust and move your search rankings, which is how new patients find you. Google sees reviews as a sign of credibility and relevance, which means the more fresh, detailed, and positive reviews you have, the better your practice ranks in local search results.
Want to turn reviews into a growth tool?
We’ll cover why they matter, how they impact SEO , and the best ways to use them to fill your schedule.
Why reviews matter: the numbers
A few numbers worth keeping in mind:
- 75% of consumers always or regularly read online reviews before choosing a local business. ( BrightLocal, 2024 )
- 38% of consumers expect a local business to average at least 4 stars before they will consider it. ( BrightLocal, 2024 )
- Google is the most-used review platform, relied on by 81% of consumers, so your Google profile carries the most weight. ( BrightLocal, 2024 )
Turn your reputation into patients with our dental SEO services and branding .
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO helps your dental practice show up when people nearby search for a dentist. So, when someone types "dentist near me," they will see your practice first.
It’s like having a digital “open for business” sign that directs potential patients straight to your door. By optimizing your online presence, you build trust with the people looking for dental care in your area.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nearly 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information. That means users are actively looking for information about local businesses or locations near them. So, if your dental practice isn't optimized for local SEO, you might be missing out on a huge chunk of local traffic!
Local SEO for Dentists: Why Is It Important?
- Attracts New Patients. When your practice ranks high in local searches, more potential patients will find you when they need dental care.
- Helps You Stand Out in the Crowd. A well-optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) and positive reviews set you apart and build trust.
- Encourages Online Engagement. More visibility means more website visits, calls, and scheduled appointments.
- Cost-Effective Marketing. Local SEO drives long-term results without the high cost of paid ads.
- Enhances Community Presence. Optimizing your online profiles will highlight your practice in local maps and directories. This helps you become the go-to dentist office for exceptional care in your area and establishes your reputation in the community.
Look at the image below. When somebody searches for a dentist near San Francisco, CA, the well-optimized GBP has a strong chance of appearing on top.
Why Are Online Reviews Important for a Dental Practice's Local SEO?
Boosts Your Search Ranking
Online reviews impress potential patients and help your practice climb the search rankings. When people leave positive feedback about your great patient care, search engines see your practice as trustworthy and relevant. The more quality reviews you have, the easier it is for new patients to find you online.
PRO TIP
Encourage satisfied patients to leave detailed reviews that mention specific services they received. This can boost your SEO with relevant keywords and give potential patients a picture of what to expect from your practice.
Brings in More Patients
When people see real patients praising your care, they’re more likely to check out your practice for themselves. Positive reviews build trust and make potential patients feel confident about booking an appointment. The more great feedback you have, the more likely you are to turn visitors into actual patients.
Engages With the Community
Responding to reviews, positive and negative, shows that you value patient feedback. A thoughtful reply reassures current patients and encourages others to share their experiences, creating a stronger connection with your community.
Establishes Credibility
New patients want proof that they’re choosing the right dentist. Reviews give them a firsthand look at patient experiences, reinforcing your reputation for professional care and quality service. The more positive feedback you have, the more trust you build.
Boosts Click-Through Rates
A high star rating and strong reviews make your practice stand out in search results. When people see positive feedback, they associate it with quality and are more likely to click your listing and book an appointment.
According to a study by BrightLocal, star ratings influence click-through rates (CTR) in search results:
Attracts Quality Leads
Detailed, authentic reviews draw in patients who are actively looking for dental care. The more insight they get from others’ experiences, the more confident they’ll feel about choosing your practice.
Influences Patient Decisions
For many, online reviews are just as powerful as personal recommendations. A strong review profile makes it easier for potential patients to trust your practice over others, turning their search into an appointment.
PRO TIP
Share compelling success stories, including before and after photographs, alongside reviews. This content clearly illustrates the patient journey and encourages positive decisions to choose your practice over others.
Top 7 Review Platforms for Dentists
1. Google
Google is a powerful review platform for dental practices. This is why having a Google Business Profile (GBP) is important for those looking to boost local SEO. Reviews on your Google Business Profile appear right in search results and offer potential patients a quick snapshot of your dental services and quality before they even click on your page.
Here’s what it looks like in Google:
2. RateMDs
RateMDs is a dedicated platform for reviewing healthcare providers and a great place to highlight your expertise in oral health and preventative care. Engaging with patient reviews on RateMDs also shows your commitment to providing professional treatment and maintaining high patient satisfaction.
3. Vitals
Vitals is another dedicated review and an avenue for patients to share experiences specific to healthcare services. It offers insights into quality ratings and patient satisfaction that show the range of care your dental team provides, which is essential for drawing in new faces to your office.
4. Zocdoc
Zocdoc carries reviews and lets patients book appointments directly. This makes it a convenient option for prospective patients who are scouting for dentistry services and scheduling visits all in one place.
5. Yelp
Yelp is a popular choice among various businesses, including dental offices. Many people use it to read detailed reviews about experiences, making it a key platform for reaching people who care about range of care and quality ratings.
If you want to read detailed reviews about a business, you can find it on Yelp.
Here’s an example of reviews of a certain dental office in Washington, DC.:
6. Facebook
The vast audience of Facebook makes it a valuable platform for connecting with the community. Facebook reviews allow your existing and potential patients to see real-time feedback from others, which can help enhance your credibility and draw in more interest through praise shared by the community.
7. Healthgrades
Known for its focus on healthcare providers, Healthgrades provides a platform where patients can leave feedback about their dental care experiences. It’s a go-to site for those seeking dental professionals they can trust with their oral health.
Here’s an example of reviews in Healthgrades. This platform also shows some specific feedback like “Trusted the provider’s decisions,” “I felt respected,” and “Explained conditions well.” Clients will vote, and potential patients will decide if they can trust your dental practice.
Expert Local SEO Tips for Dentists
Boosting your dental practice's visibility online doesn't have to be complicated. By working on your local SEO, you can attract more patients looking for dental services in your area.
Here are some straightforward tips to help you get started:
Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Make sure your practice's Google Business Profile is complete with up-to-date information like hours, contact details, and office environment photos. This helps potential clients find the info they need quickly.
The image below shows a well-optimized GBP with complete NAP:
Use Local Keywords in Your Content
Incorporate local-specific keywords into your website's content to better align with how people search for healthcare providers in your area. This can help improve your search rankings.
Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush can help you discover the most relevant search terms for your area. The better your keyword strategy, the higher your chances of appearing in local search results and attracting more patients.
Encourage Positive Reviews
Think about the last time you tried a new restaurant or booked a service. Chances are, you checked the reviews first. Your potential patients do the same!
Make it easy and natural. When a patient has a positive experience, don’t be afraid to kindly ask them to share their thoughts. A simple, “We’d love to hear about your experience. Would you mind leaving us a quick review?” can go a long way.
Also, show appreciation! A thank-you email or a friendly response to their review makes patients feel valued and encourages even more positive feedback. The more glowing reviews you collect, the stronger your reputation, and the more new patients you’ll attract.
Source: Brightlocal
Nearly half of all consumers, 48% to be exact, won’t consider a business unless it has at least a 4-star rating. That means if your dental practice has anything lower, you could be losing out on potential patients before they even visit your website.
Connect With Your Community Through Localized Content
Want to stand out in your area? Speak directly to your community! Write blog posts about local health events, share tips on maintaining a healthy smile, or highlight community partnerships. When people see your practice as a trusted local resource, they’re more likely to turn to you for their dental care.
Here are some sample content ideas you can use:
Category
Sample Content Ideas
Local Health & Wellness Topics
- Upcoming Health Fairs & Free Dental Checkups in [Your City]
- How [Your City]’s Water Quality Affects Your Oral Health
- Seasonal Dental Care Tips for [Your Location] (e.g., Cold Weather, Allergy Season)
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- How Our Dental Practice Supports Local Schools & Charities
- Meet the Dentist: Our Team’s Favorite Spots in [Your City]
- Local Businesses We Love: Partnering for Better Oral Health
Patient-Focused & Lifestyle Content
- Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in [Your City] with Smile-Friendly Options
- How to Find a Family Dentist Near You: A Guide for [Your City] Residents
- Why More [Your City] Residents Are Choosing Preventative Dental Treatments
Be Social: Engage With Locals Online
Social media builds trust and visibility. Share patient testimonials, post special promotions, and interact with followers. A quick reply to a comment or a shoutout to a local event can make your practice feel more approachable and engaged.
Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Most people search for dentists on their phones, so if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you could be losing potential patients. A smooth, easy-to-navigate website makes it simple for visitors to learn about your services, schedule appointments, and get in touch without friction.
Here’s how:
- Use a Responsive Design. Ensure your site adapts to all screen sizes.
- Optimize Page Speed. Compress images and use a CDN for faster loading.
- Simplify Navigation. Keep menus clear and easy to use.
- Make Buttons & Links Tap-Friendly. Ensure they’re large enough for easy clicking.
- Enable Click-to-Call & Click-to-Text. Let users contact you with one tap.
- Use Mobile-Friendly Forms. Keep forms simple with dropdowns and autofill.
- Test on Multiple Devices. Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check performance.
Want More Patients? Let’s Make It Happen With Local SEO!
Your dental practice deserves to be the first choice for patients in your area. The right local SEO strategy and strong online reviews can make that happen.
At Simple Impact Media , we help dentists like you build a powerful digital presence, attract more patients, and grow your practice without the guesswork. Our tailored strategies highlight your expertise, connect you with the right audience, and deliver real results.
Ready to stand out and grow your practice? Let’s talk! Partner with Simple Impact Media today and take the next step toward long-term success.