Dentist review examples and reply templates that protect patient privacy

The one rule for every dental review reply

A reply on Google is public. If it confirms that someone is your patient, or mentions what was done, when, or what it cost, it discloses health information. Thanking a reviewer by name is fine. Saying “we're glad your root canal went well” is not, even when they mentioned it first.

In the US, the HHS Office for Civil Rights announced a $23,000 settlement in December 2022 with a California dental practice that had disclosed patients' names, treatment and insurance details in replies to online reviews. In the UK, health information is special category data under UK GDPR, and the ICO says appointment details can count when they reveal something about a person's health. UK dental professionals are also expected to keep the same standards online as in person; Denplan's practice guidance puts it simply: never disclose patient information online, even indirectly.

How often dental practices reply

Dentists get plenty of reviews but answer fewer of them than tradespeople do, often because staff aren't sure what they're allowed to say. A short, general reply is always allowed, and the examples below show how.

8 dentist review examples, with reply templates

Every review below is an illustrative example written for this guide. It shows the kind of thing patients write, not a real review of any practice. Replace [square brackets] with your own details.

Illustrative example, 5 stars, friendly team: “Best dental experience I've had. Reception were lovely, everything was explained clearly and I was in and out on time. Highly recommend.”

Illustrative example, 5 stars, nervous patient: “I've avoided the dentist for years because of anxiety. Dr Shah was so patient and talked me through every step. I actually feel OK about going back!”

Note what the reply leaves out: it doesn't name the dentist, confirm the visit or mention anxiety or treatment, even though the reviewer did.

Illustrative example, 5 stars, no text, star rating only: “(No written review.)”

Illustrative example, 4 stars, parking: “Great dentist, really thorough. Only downside is parking. I drove round for 15 minutes.”

Illustrative example, 3 stars, waiting time: “Treatment was fine but I waited 40 minutes past my time with no explanation.”

The reply apologises for the experience in general terms and talks about what the practice is changing. It doesn't confirm an appointment, the time or the wait.

Illustrative example, 1 star, price or billing: “Charged far more than I was quoted. Nobody explained the extra costs. Avoid.”

Illustrative example, 1 star, pain or clinical complaint: “Still in pain a week later and couldn't get a call back. Terrible care.”

For clinical complaints, follow your practice's complaints procedure as well as replying. Keep the reply short and move the conversation to the phone; never argue the clinical facts in public.

Illustrative example, 1 star, looks fake or wrong practice: “Rude staff and they lost my X-rays. Worst orthodontist in town.”

This reply doesn't say “you're not our patient”, which would itself reveal information about who is. It points to the mismatch with your services and invites a call. If a review looks fake, report it to Google from Read reviews in your Business Profile and keep screenshots; our guide to removing fake Google reviews covers what qualifies.

What makes a strong dentist review

You can't tell patients what to write, but it helps to know what other people reading your reviews look for. The reviews that help a practice most tend to mention:

• How they were made to feel, especially if they were nervous.
• Whether things were explained clearly, including costs.
• How easy it was to book, and whether they were seen on time.
• The front desk and the whole team, not only the dentist.

Google's rules say you can't ask for specific content, including a staff member's name, or offer anything in return for a review. Ask every patient the same neutral way: “How did we do? We'd love your honest review on Google.”

How to get more dentist reviews, the right way

1. Get your direct Google review link, so patients go straight to the stars.
2. Send it to every patient after their visit, by text or email, not only the ones who seemed happy. Picking who to ask is review gating, and Google bans it.
3. Put a review QR code at reception, with neutral wording and nothing about treatment.
4. Reply to every review within a day or two, using the replies above. Our guide to responding to Google reviews covers every other situation.
5. Sharing a review on Facebook or Instagram? Check the consent and testimonial rules for your country first: our dental social media guide sets them out for the US, UK and Australia.

Flexi Local's Reviews plan sends your review link after each visit and drafts a privacy-safe reply to every new review for you to check. It has a 14-day free trial: card needed, cancel before day 14 and you pay nothing. See plans, read how we work with dental practices, or start with a free audit of your Google profile and reviews.