In a world where marketing fads change overnight, one principle holds true for every private practice: a strong reputation is still your most valuable asset. But how you build and protect that reputation has evolved.
In a recent conversation with Dr. Len Tau, dental marketing strategist and author of Raving Patients, we uncovered the exact systems practices are using to move beyond vanity metrics and into meaningful patient loyalty.
If your practice wants more referrals, stronger reviews, and a better ROI on your marketing spend, this blog is your blueprint.
How Modern Dental Patients Choose a Provider
Today’s patient is digital-first. Even if they’re referred by a friend, they’re still googling your practice. And what they find matters. According to Dr. Tau:
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94 percent of patients look at reviews before choosing a provider.
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Practices with 200+ reviews and 4.9-star ratings dominate in trust and conversions.
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Negative reviews are not the problem. The lack of authentic responses is.
This shift means it’s no longer enough to rely on word of mouth. Dentists need to build referral-ready practices online and in-office.
5 Essentials to Build a Reputation That Fuels Growth
If you want to scale your practice’s reputation and referrals, start with these five focus areas:
1. Make Reviews Easy and Routine
Patients are more willing to leave a review than you think. The key is when and how you ask. Dr. Tau recommends using automated software or QR codes to prompt patients immediately after a great visit.
2. Respond to All Reviews (Even the Bad Ones)
Your tone, professionalism, and willingness to resolve concerns reflect your brand. Thank patients publicly. Address concerns with care. Your future patients are reading.
3. Use Reviews to Drive SEO
Google rewards relevance and activity. By steadily collecting reviews and responding, you build local SEO authority. This improves your visibility where patients are searching.
4. Maximize the RAVING Formula
Dr. Tau’s RAVING acronym helps practices build patient advocates:
- R: Reassure and educate
- A: Ask for reviews
- V: Value feedback
- I: Incentivize word-of-mouth (ethically)
- N: Nurture existing patients
- G: Grow with gratitude
5. Train Your Team on Language and Timing
Marketing isn't just a department. It’s a team sport. Your front office, clinical staff, and hygienists all impact a patient's impression. Equip them with phrases and systems to reinforce your reputation at every touchpoint.
Results You Can Expect
We’ve seen practices double their new patients simply by implementing review protocols and improving online presence. And as Dr. Tau emphasized, referrals and reviews are the lowest cost, highest trust marketing channel available.
If you want patients who are already warm, loyal, and ready to accept treatment, it starts with reputation.
Ready to Upgrade Your Practice's Reputation Strategy?
If you're struggling to attract new patients, your reviews may be working against you—or simply not working hard enough.
Let The Dental A Team and Dr. Len Tau’s insights help you transform your marketing strategy into a reputation machine that brings in loyal, high-quality patients.
And if you're ready to supercharge your own practice, check out SuperchargeYourDentalPractice.com and use code RAVING to save $100.
If you want guidance creating systems for your team, your operations, and yourself, we’d love to help. Schedule A Free Strategy Call today!
For more tips, check out our podcast.
Last updated: September 2025
Written by Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team