Effective Reputation Management for Dentists

Erica YlimäkiErica Ylimäki
Last edited: April 9th, 2024

Stop wondering what your patients think about you – ask them instead!

Get more reviews from patients

Effective reputation management for dentist is vital in today’s competitive market.

With countless options available to patients, it is important to ensure that your practice stands out and is viewed favorably by both current and potential clients.

In this article, we will explore a range of effective reputation management techniques that can help you enhance your professional image and attract more patients to your dental practice.

Let’s go over:

  • Leveraging online platforms to harness the power of patient testimonials
  • Tried and tested strategies
  • What leads to long-term success for your dental career

Essential Tips for Dentists on Effective Reputation Management Techniques

For dentists, effective reputation management techniques are vital for building a positive online presence.

Taking a proactive approach to reputation management is crucial for dentists looking to establish trust and credibility in the digital age.

Here are the tips:

  1. Actively engage with patient reviews and feedback
  2. Respond promptly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews. This demonstrates a commitment to dental patient satisfaction.
  3. Regularly update website content,
  4. Share informative dental tips on social media platforms, and
  5. Utilize search engine optimization techniques to boost online visibility and attract new patients

Luckily for you, Trustmary can help you with all of those.

Let’s dive into them in more detail.

Put Effort into Your Google Profile and Reviews

Google considers dental practices to be a local business.

So you need to act like one.

Make sure you have created (or claimed) your Google My Business, and can be found on Google Maps.

You can also learn about local SEO tricks other industries are using.

Get Patients to Leave a Review

Never forget that getting great 5-star reviews is super important.

You can easily get them by asking them on-site to leave a review by using a QR code that directs them to leave a Google review.

Another great tip is to send them an automated review request a few hours after they leave your dental practice.

One great way to get more reviews in bulk and FAST is to create a review campaign with Trustmary.

It’s the easiest way to create and send a review request campaign in few minutes.

Add Reviews to Website

Keep tabs on how you are reviewed by your patients on review sites. These can be, for example, Google reviews, Yelp reviews, and other niche sites for reviews, such as Zocdoc.

Did you know that you can add those reviews to your website?

For example, using a free Google review widget ensures that potential patients won’t leave your site to look for reviews once you’ve gotten them lured it.

If you aren’t a technical wizard, don’t worry. Here’s a short tutorial on how reviews can be imported and how a widget is created.

tutorial video for creating a google review widget and embedding it on your dental practice website

Share Patient Reviews on Social Media Pages

Have you already created a Facebook Business page or an Instagram account for your dental practice?

Or a TikTok handle?

Dental practice reputation management is more than just checking what people think about you, it’s also about sharing positive online reviews with potential patients searching for a new dentist.

If you have imported your reviews to Trustmary, you can easily create a social media post from individual reviews.

example of google reviews shared on social media

Sharing reviews from existing customers is a form of content marketing, and can play a critical role in the digital footprint of your dental practice.

Understanding the Importance of Reputation Management for Dentists

Maintaining a Positive Online Presence

Ensuring a positive online presence is crucial for dentists when it comes to reputation management. By actively managing their online reputation, dentists can

  1. Establish trust,
  2. Attract prospective patients, and
  3. Retain existing patients

This involves regularly monitoring and responding to online reviews, engaging with patients on social media platforms, and maintaining an up-to-date website with relevant information and educational content.

For example, proactively addressing patient concerns or complaints can demonstrate a commitment to patient satisfaction.

Additionally, sharing success stories or informative articles can showcase expertise and build credibility. Taking these steps can help dentists maintain a positive online reputation and foster a strong digital presence.

Adding reviews to website can help with getting star rating to search results. This can do wonders for your organic visibility in search engines!

reporting feedback survey results

Handling Negative Feedback and Complaints

Addressing negative feedback and complaints is a crucial aspect of reputation management for dentists.

When faced with negative feedback, it is important to respond promptly and professionally, addressing the specific concerns raised.

By acknowledging the complaint and offering a solution, dentists demonstrate their commitment to patient satisfaction and highlight their dedication to providing quality care.

For example, if a patient expresses dissatisfaction with the wait times at the dental office, the dentist can apologize for the inconvenience and explain any measures taken to improve efficiency, such as implementing a streamlined appointment scheduling system.

By addressing the specific issue and offering a practical solution, dentists can not only resolve the complaint but also showcase their commitment to continuous improvement.

Building Trust and Credibility

When it comes to reputation management for dentists, ensuring trust and credibility is of utmost importance. Patients want to feel secure in the knowledge that their oral health is in capable and trustworthy hands.

Building trust and credibility can be achieved through consistent delivery of high-quality dental services and positive patient experiences. This can include:

  • Establishing clear communication channels to address any concerns or questions promptly
  • Demonstrating expertise through continued education and staying up-to-date with the latest dental advancements
  • Incorporating modern technologies and techniques to provide efficient and effective treatments
  • Maintaining a clean and welcoming dental practice environment
  • Encouraging patient feedback and testimonials to showcase the positive experiences of others

By consistently prioritizing trust and credibility, dentists can actively build a strong reputation and gain the confidence of their patients.

Utilizing Social Media for Reputation Management

Utilizing social media for reputation management in the field of dentistry can have a significant impact.

With social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, dentists can engage with their patients on a more personal level, showcasing their expertise and building trust.

For example, sharing educational and preventive dental care tips through informative posts can position dentists as reliable sources of oral health information.

Furthermore, responding promptly and professionally to patient reviews and feedback on social media demonstrates a commitment to patient satisfaction.

Working with Online Reputation Management Tools

Working with online reputation management tools can greatly benefit dentists in maintaining a positive image and attracting new patients.

These tools allow dentists to monitor online reviews, manage their social media presence, and track their online reputation.

For example, dentists can receive real-time notifications whenever a new review is posted, enabling them to promptly address any negative reviews or concerns.

Additionally, these tools provide insights into patient satisfaction, allowing dentists to identify areas of improvement and enhance the overall patient experience.

By utilizing online reputation management tools, dentists can effectively manage their digital presence and establish themselves as trusted professionals in their field.

Reviews Matter in Dental Industry

Dentists can benefit from implementing effective reputation management techniques to maintain a positive image.

A marketing agency Kaleidoscope specializes in orthodontic digital marketing, and they see huge value in having reviews as a dental practice.

Reviews build trust and attract new patients. We leverage email invitations after appointments, encourage online reviews directly, and offer incentives for feedback.

Patients have mentioned finding us through reviews, specifically citing our rating and positive feedback. It’s incredibly rewarding to know reviews guide them to our practice.

Udemezue John, Digital marketing expert @Kaleidoscope

💡 Protip! If you decide to use incentives to get patient feedback, offer it to everyone and not only for positive patient reviews.

If you reward only good reviews, you’re breaking Google’s guidelines as well as general moral code. You’re basically paying for reviews.

Don’t do this.

Best Way to Get Positive Reviews? Offer Superb Service

Online dental reputation management becomes a walk in a park, when you only have happy patients.

To get an idea whether you’re already providing high quality service:

  • Check dental review sites how dental patients have already reviewed you (Healthgrades, Zocdoc, 1-800-dentist to name a few)
  • Ask from your front desk person, if you have one. They probably know…
  • Check if you have dental reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp

Once you have a baseline of your possible pain points, fix those.

Only after that, encourage patient reviews in all possible ways.

Create a Review Process – and Stick to It

Your dental clinic need a review process. One example would be to:

  • Have a QR code in your reception or front door that directs dental patients to a review form
  • Send an email or text message a few minutes after they’ve left (Make sure it’s tied to making a payment and not when an appointment was supposed to end)
  • Send a follow-up email after 5 days to those who didn’t reply
  • After 1-2 months, send an email asking how they feel now

Healthcare Providers: Remember These Tips

One crucial tip is to actively engage with online reviews, addressing both positive and negative feedback promptly and professionally.

Responding to patients’ concerns demonstrates accountability and can help mitigate potential damage to the practice’s reputation.

Additionally, creating and regularly updating a user-friendly website allows potential patients to access important information easily, reinforcing a professional image.

It is also essential to utilize social media platforms to connect with patients, share educational content, and build credibility.

Finally, actively seeking and encouraging patient testimonials can further enhance the practice’s reputation and attract new clients. By following these tips, dentists can effectively manage their reputation and cultivate a positive online presence.

Guides for adding Google reviews to different websites

Should I buy Google reviews for my dental practice?

No. A big fat no.

People notice fake reviews easier than you think. In fact, 75% of consumers are worried about fake reviews.

There are now services that spot and uncover fake reviews, such as the Fake Review Watch. In fact, that company helped the The New York Attorney General’s Office to give a  $100,000 fine to a NYC surgeon who faked reviews.

Instead of buying fake reviews, focus your efforts on good quality service and collecting new reviews.


Erica Ylimäki
Erica Ylimäki
Erica Ylimäki is a Growth Marketer at Trustmary. She is an expert in how to grow the organic traffic of a business with effective SEO strategies, and how to utilize reviews on different CMS and platforms.


Trustmary

Trustmary is the most effective way to convert more sales by improving digital trust.