Choose the category that fits your practice, like "Dentist," "Cosmetic dentist," or "Pediatric dentist." Add your services, an appointment link, and real photos of your office and team. Ask patients for reviews, but never confirm that someone is a patient or mention their treatment when you reply. That can violate HIPAA.
Set up your listing
- Main category: the one that matches most of your patients. A general practice is usually "Dentist." A practice focused on children may fit "Pediatric dentist."
- Services: cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants, whitening, emergency dental care, and anything else you offer.
- Booking: add your online appointment link so patients can book directly from your listing.
- Hours: keep them exact, including lunch closures and holidays.
Office listings and dentist listings
Google allows some individual professionals, including dentists, to have their own listing in addition to the practice's, with conditions. Review Google's guidelines for individual practitioners before creating extra listings, so you don't create duplicates that compete with each other.
Photos that make new patients comfortable
- Your front entrance and signage, so patients can find you
- Your waiting area and treatment rooms
- Your dentists and team (with permission)
Avoid photos that show patients unless you have written permission.
Replying to reviews without breaking privacy rules
Reviews are one of the biggest reasons new patients choose a practice. Ask patients after their visit with a simple text or email link.
When you reply, don't confirm the person is a patient, and don't mention their visit, treatment, or history, even to correct them. Federal regulators have fined healthcare providers for revealing patient information in review replies.
A safe reply sounds like this: "Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review." For a complaint: "We take all feedback seriously. Please call our office so we can talk with you directly."
Your dental office checklist
- Main category matches your practice
- Services and appointment link added
- Exact hours, including holidays
- Photos of your office and team
- Review requests after visits
- Replies never confirm patient details