Getting more Google reviews as a dental practice is one of the highest-impact things you can do — reviews drive local ranking and reassure anxious patients — but dentists face a rule no other local business does: AHPRA’s ban on testimonials about clinical care. Get the system right and you build a strong, compliant review profile. Get it wrong and you risk penalties of up to $30,000 per breach. Here’s how to do it safely.
What the AHPRA rules actually mean for reviews
Under Section 133 of the National Law, you can’t use testimonials that refer to clinical aspects of care in your advertising. A “clinical aspect” means a symptom, a diagnosis or treatment, or an outcome. Here’s the practical translation: patients are free to leave whatever reviews they like on Google — that’s their platform, not your advertising. What you can’t do is take a review that mentions a treatment or result and feature it in your marketing — on your website, social media or ads. You can display your overall Google star rating and link to your profile. It’s reposting individual clinical reviews that crosses the line.
Reviews that only mention non-clinical things — friendly staff, easy parking, short wait times, clear communication — aren’t testimonials under the law and are safer to work with. But the simplest safe policy is: gather reviews freely, show your star rating, link to Google, and don’t cherry-pick clinical reviews into your ads. For the full compliance picture, see AHPRA advertising rules for dentists.
Ask at the right moment
The best time to ask is right after a positive visit — a comfortable appointment, a treatment finished, a relieved patient. Ask in person, then follow up with a text containing your Google review link so they can do it in seconds. You’re asking for a review, not steering what they say — never offer incentives or coach patients toward mentioning treatments.
Make it effortless
Every extra step loses reviews. Use your Google review short link or a QR code at reception and in follow-up texts so patients don’t have to search for you. A simple, consistent ask after appointments — built into your practice’s routine — produces a steady flow of fresh reviews, which matters more for ranking than a big burst long ago.
Respond to reviews carefully
Reply to reviews, but mind confidentiality — never confirm someone was a patient or reference their treatment in a public reply, which can breach privacy obligations. Keep responses warm, general and professional: “Thanks so much for the kind words — we appreciate you taking the time.” For negative reviews, stay calm, avoid clinical detail, and offer to discuss it privately. How you handle criticism is judged by every future patient reading along.
Reviews feed your Google Business Profile ranking and your website’s ability to convert. See how it all connects in our pillar guide to marketing for dentists.
Want a compliant review engine that runs itself?
We set up AHPRA-compliant review systems for dental practices that keep fresh reviews flowing after every appointment. Start with a free audit. Call (02) 8357 4899 or book your free audit and consultation.