Online reviews are no longer just a “nice-to-have” for dental practices. In 2026, they are a core driver of visibility, trust, and growth. On this episode of The Dental Marketing Mix, host Dan Brian is joined by Skylar Massengill, Content Manager at DentalScapes, to break down why Google reviews matter more than ever—and how dental practices can generate more 5-star reviews without feeling salesy or uncomfortable.
The conversation goes beyond the usual “reviews are important” talking point. Instead, the episode focuses on practical, real-world strategies that work for busy dental teams, especially independent practices competing against large DSOs with massive marketing budgets.
Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever in 2026
Patients today don’t rely on word-of-mouth the way they used to. Instead of calling a friend to ask for a recommendation, most people go straight to Google. Reviews are now the digital version of word-of-mouth—and they influence decisions before a patient ever clicks your website or picks up the phone.
Dan explains that reviews matter for two major reasons.
First, reviews directly influence patient choice. Prospective patients want to know what real people think about your practice, not just what your website claims. Every practice can say they’re “the best in town,” but reviews reveal what patients actually experience day to day.
Second, reviews are a major ranking factor for online visibility. According to recent local search data discussed in the episode, review signals now account for a significant portion of how practices rank in Google’s local map pack—the three listings that appear at the top of local search results. More than 70% of clicks go to those top three spots.
Reviews also play a growing role in AI-powered search. Platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity increasingly rely on trust and authority signals when recommending local businesses. Reviews are one of the strongest signals these systems use to determine whether a dental practice is credible and worth recommending.
In short, reviews impact who sees your practice, how they perceive you, and whether they choose you.
The Real Challenge: Asking for Reviews Without Feeling Awkward
Most dentists didn’t go to dental school to learn marketing—or how to ask patients for reviews. Skylar acknowledges what many practice owners feel: asking for a review can feel uncomfortable, awkward, or even pushy.
That’s why the episode emphasizes systems and workflows that remove the pressure from individual conversations.
The goal isn’t to “sell” patients on leaving a review. The goal is to make the process so easy and natural that it feels like a small extension of good patient care.
Make It Ridiculously Easy for Patients
One of the most important takeaways from the episode is simplicity. If leaving a review takes more than 30 seconds, most patients won’t do it—especially busy parents or working professionals.
Some of the most effective tactics discussed include:
- QR codes placed in operatories or at the front desk that link directly to your Google review page
- Simple signage that invites patients to leave feedback without a verbal ask
- Review links that open instantly on a patient’s phone, with no extra steps
Skylar notes that QR codes are especially powerful because patients can scan them and leave a review on their way to the car. There’s no friction, no awkward conversation, and no complicated process.
Automate Review Requests to Remove the Awkwardness
Automation is another recurring theme in the episode. Dan explains that automated, text-based review requests are one of the most effective ways to build reviews consistently.
When review requests are automated:
- Every patient is treated the same way
- No one feels singled out or pressured
- Follow-up reminders can be sent automatically
- The process runs in the background without adding work for staff
Automation also gives patients space to be honest. Some patients may not want to share criticism face-to-face, but they’re comfortable doing so online. That feedback is still valuable and helps practices improve.
Involve the Whole Team—Especially Hygienists
One of the most insightful parts of the conversation focuses on who should ask for reviews. Skylar points out that hygienists often have the strongest relationships with patients. Patients see them regularly, know them by name, and often feel more comfortable with them than with the dentist.
Many practices have seen success by:
- Encouraging hygienists to mention reviews at the end of appointments
- Placing QR code stands directly in hygiene operatories
- Making review generation a shared team goal
Dan also discusses team incentives, such as small gift cards for meeting monthly goals. Even modest incentives can motivate staff and create buy-in across the practice.
The key is to avoid overdoing it. Patients shouldn’t be asked multiple times in one visit. Visual prompts like QR codes help reduce repetition while keeping the option visible.
Responding to Reviews Builds Trust
Another critical point Skylar raises is the importance of responding to reviews—both positive and negative.
Responding shows:
- You are engaged and attentive
- You value patient feedback
- You care about transparency and accountability
Dan notes that many patients actually trust a 4.9-star practice more than a perfect 5.0 rating. A few critical reviews, when handled professionally, make your practice feel more real and human. Thoughtful responses to negative feedback can be just as powerful as glowing praise.
Start Small and Stay Consistent
For practices that haven’t prioritized reviews in the past, the advice is simple: start small.
You don’t need 20 or 30 new reviews a month. Even five consistent reviews per month can make a meaningful difference over time. Google pays attention not just to how many reviews you have, but how often you receive them. That steady “velocity” signals an active, trusted practice.
Small wins build momentum. Once a system is in place, scaling becomes much easier.
TLDR
Reviews are one of the most powerful tools dental practices have in 2026—for both patient trust and online visibility. This episode breaks down why reviews matter and how to build a steady stream of 5-star Google reviews without awkward conversations or salesy tactics.
Key takeaways:
- Reviews influence patient choice, local SEO, and AI-powered search visibility
- Making reviews easy is more important than asking aggressively
- QR codes and automation remove friction and awkwardness
- Hygienists are often the best team members to help drive reviews
- Responding to all reviews builds credibility and trust
- Consistency matters more than volume when starting out
Rev Up Your Reviews & Scale Your Practice!
Ready to build a more profitable dental practice in 2026 with online marketing? Schedule a FREE strategy call with DentalScapes today — we’ll run a complimentary local SEO + AI visibility analysis and show you how you can boost your NP #s … without wasting time and budget you don’t have. Let’s talk!