How Does an Increase in Google Reviews Affect New Patient Bookings? Verification Results from a Comparison of 3 Dental Clinics Before and After MEO Measures Released

We verified the changes in the number of Google reviews, ratings, and monthly new patient bookings before and after implementing measures for three dental clinics.

Asantech Inc. (https://asantech.co.jp/) specializes in MEO (Map Engine Optimization) measures for the dental industry. The company has now released the results of measures verified on three client dental clinics, examining changes in the number of Google reviews, review scores, and monthly new patient bookings before and after implementation.

This report introduces how changes in Google reviews may affect pre-visit comparisons and new patient bookings, based on individual cases from three clinics.

Verification Overview

Verification Target: Three dental clinics that introduced Local Tech

Verification Items: Number of Google reviews, review score, monthly new patient bookings, and responses on intake forms such as "Saw a review"

Verification Method: Comparison of numerical data before and after introduction, and organization of individual cases based on confirmation with each clinic.

Verification Period: Changes confirmed at 3-5 months after introduction for each clinic.

*Please note that this report is a before-and-after comparison based on individual cases from three clinics and does not guarantee similar results for all implementation sites.

"Even if Google reviews increase, bookings won't increase anyway" - That misconception was robbing us of patient acquisition opportunities.

"Our bookings are already quite full, so they won't increase any further."

This is what the director of a dental clinic in Fukuoka City said after introducing Local Tech.

"My thinking was wrong. The number of patients actively filling available slots has increased, and the number of people writing 'Saw a review' on their intake forms has visibly increased. It was only after trying it that I realized my perception was incorrect."

Even if bookings are full, changes in the quality and quantity of reviews can alter patient behavior – this director's experience reminds us of the power of reviews.

The reality is that many dental clinics feel the need for review measures but are unable to act.

"We don't have the time to ask patients during consultations."

"It's difficult for staff to ask."

"Even if reviews increase, we don't know if it will directly lead to bookings."

These are common sentiments heard in the field.

As more patients decide to visit after comparing clinics on Google Maps or AI search, the number of reviews, ratings, and testimonials have become important decision-making factors for pre-visit comparisons.

Our service, "Local Tech," which is strong in acquiring Google reviews, supports the creation of a sustainable system for review measures and in-house MEO operations by providing not only the tool but also training for on-site staff, MEO operation support, and ongoing post-introduction support.

Below, we introduce the changes observed before and after the introduction of Local Tech in three clinics, along with numerical data.

[Verification Results] Changes in Google Review Count and New Patient Bookings Observed at Three Dental Clinics

Case 1: Dental Clinic in 23 Wards of Tokyo (4 months after introduction)

Metric

Before Introduction

After Introduction

Number of Google Reviews

28 reviews

44 reviews (approx. 1.6x)

Review Score

★4.2

★4.5

Monthly New Patient Bookings

20 people

41 people (approx. 2x)

This clinic recognized the need for review measures but was unsure of specific actions to take, leading to a stagnant situation where instructions couldn't be given to staff.

Within four months of introducing Local Tech, the number of Google reviews increased from 28 to 44, and the review score improved from ★4.2 to ★4.5. The change in both the quantity and quality of reviews provided more decision-making material for patients comparing clinics on Google Maps.

As a result, monthly new patient bookings approximately doubled, from 20 to 41. This is a case where review measures not only gathered ratings but also led to actual new patient acquisition.

Case 2: Dental Clinic in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture (3 months after introduction)

Metric

Before Introduction

After Introduction

Number of Google Reviews

35 reviews

75 reviews (approx. 2.1x)

Monthly New Patient Bookings

51 people

92 people (approx. 1.8x)

In this dental clinic in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, the number of Google reviews increased approximately 2.1 times, from 35 to 75, within three months of introduction. The rapid accumulation of reviews created a situation where clinic information was easily accessible during searches.

Monthly new patient bookings also grew approximately 1.8 times, from 51 to 92. This individual case shows that an increase in the number of reviews provided more information for pre-visit comparisons, leading to a change in monthly new patient bookings.

Case 3: Dental Clinic in Fukuoka City (5 months after introduction)

This clinic had 6 treatment units and a relatively stable business with a certain number of bookings even before the introduction of Local Tech.

After introducing Local Tech, while there wasn't a dramatic increase in new patients, there was an increase in cases where new patients specifically booked available slots, and the number of patients answering "Saw a review" on their intake forms increased.

The accumulation of highly-rated reviews provided more decision-making material for patients checking clinic information before their visit, leading to cases where new patient bookings were made for limited available slots.

Director's Comment (Summary):

"The number of treatment units hasn't increased since April 2024, so the clinic was already full. I thought it wouldn't increase further, but my perception changed after actually implementing it. In my estimation, it can provide significant value to clinics that haven't exceeded 120 patients per treatment unit."

This is an individual case where changes in patient behavior were observed after implementing review measures, even in clinics that already had a certain number of patients.

*The figures presented are individual cases based on confirmation with each clinic and do not guarantee similar results for all implementation sites.

Why Many Dental Clinics Ultimately Fail to Continue Using Tools for Review Measures

Clinics where review and MEO measures do not take root often share common issues, with on-site problems significantly impacting the situation, not just the tools themselves.

Even if the clinic director understands the importance of reviews, it is the on-site staff, such as dental hygienists and assistants, who actually ask patients. It is not uncommon to hear the following from these staff members:

"It's awkward to ask for reviews."

"We're busy enough as it is."

"Honestly, don't we need to collect reviews?"

Unless this mindset changes, any tool introduced will become a mere formality. This is why we do not "just hand over the tool and end it."

Asantech's Three Support Pillars Support Retention and Reproducibility

1. "Google Review Training" for On-Site Staff

To alleviate the psychological barrier to requesting reviews, we provide training for on-site staff alongside the tool. We have focused on review marketing since 2022 and have trained over 500 staff members to date. Enabling all staff, not just the director, to act naturally leads to a continuous increase in reviews. This training serves as a catalyst for changing mindsets and behaviors.

2. "MEO Operation Training" Without Relying on Outsourcing

In parallel with review measures, we also recommend improving Google Business Profile operations (MEO measures). We have supported the MEO operations of nearly 200 companies to date. We conduct "MEO Operation Training" from the month following introduction, enabling staff to manage operations continuously. We support the creation of an in-house system for patient acquisition measures while reducing outsourcing costs.

3. Companion Support That Prevents "It's Over When You Don't Understand"

Even after introduction, we maintain a system where questions can be asked anytime via LINE or chat if something is unclear on-site. In an industry where dissatisfaction with "no contact after the tool is provided" is common, we emphasize continuous, supportive care for staff. Each clinic is assigned a dedicated customer success manager for thorough follow-up.

We have achieved significant results with other dental clinics not introduced in this article. Interview videos of clinic directors are available on YouTube.

We also share other MEO improvement methods for dental clinics.

Offering Free MEO Sessions to Understand Your Clinic's "Current Position" on Google

"How is our clinic perceived now?" "What are our weaknesses compared to competitors?" Understanding these points is the first step toward improving patient acquisition.

Asantech Inc. offers free research and proposals on the following MEO improvement points for dental clinics:

Current visibility on Google Maps

Effectiveness of reviews in patient acquisition

Visibility in AI search results

Weaknesses and improvement points based on comparison with competing clinics

A dedicated MEO consultant will provide individual proposals tailored to each clinic's situation. We welcome inquiries even at the "just want to talk" stage. You can contact us through the official website below.

Apply for a Free Individual Session Here