What DSOs Really Think About Your Patient Reviews

Dear Reader,

Imagine this: A DSO is reviewing your practice. They’re impressed by your numbers, your patient flow, and your facility. But then they dig into your online reviews.

Now the question is: Do your reviews tell a story of excellence, trust, and loyalty? Or are they filled with red flags that could cost you tens—if not hundreds—of thousands of dollars in your final valuation?

Here’s a truth that few dentists know: Your online reputation can make or break your practice’s value in the eyes of a DSO.

Why Patient Reviews Matter More Than Ever

In today’s digital world, patient reviews are more than just feedback—they’re social proof. They reflect the trust and satisfaction of your community and give DSOs a crystal-clear picture of your practice’s true value.

Here’s why DSOs care so much about your reviews:

1. Reviews Are Revenue Indicators
   High ratings mean happy patients, and happy patients mean consistent revenue. DSOs see glowing reviews as a sign of strong patient loyalty, which translates directly into stable profits.
   
   
2. First Impressions Count
   DSOs know potential patients read reviews before booking appointments. If your online reputation is stellar, it becomes an instant marketing tool for them post-acquisition.
   
   
3. Negative Reviews Spell Risk
   Low ratings or unresolved complaints raise red flags. A pattern of poor patient experiences can signal deeper issues—whether it’s disorganization, staff turnover, or declining care quality.

Let’s get personal for a moment.

Think about how hard you’ve worked to build your practice. Every 5-star review reflects your dedication to your patients—their smiles, their gratitude, their trust. But every negative review? It stings.

That’s not just about your pride. It’s about your legacy. You didn’t pour your life into your practice to have it judged by a handful of angry keyboard warriors.

Yet, here’s the harsh reality: DSOs WILL judge your practice by those reviews.

The $100,000 Oversight Most Dentists Make

Too many dentists overlook the impact of online reviews during the DSO negotiation process. They focus on financials and forget that their online reputation directly influences the offer on the table.

We’ve seen it happen:

• A practice with 4.9 stars and hundreds of glowing reviews secures a top-tier deal.
• Another practice, identical in revenue but plagued by poor reviews, walks away with an offer that’s six figures lower.

Can you afford to make that mistake?

Leveraging Reviews for Better DSO Offers

Here’s how you can turn your online reviews into a powerful bargaining chip:

1. Audit Your Online Presence
   Review your ratings on Google, Yelp, and other platforms. Are they consistent? Are there unresolved complaints? Address them now before a DSO sees them.
   
   
2. Showcase Patient Loyalty
   Highlight testimonials and long-term patient relationships. DSOs value loyalty because it indicates stability.
   
   
3. Respond to Negativity Proactively
   A few bad reviews won’t ruin your valuation, but how you handle them can. Show DSOs that you care about patient feedback by responding professionally and resolving issues.
   
   
4. Encourage Positive Reviews
   Create systems to gently remind satisfied patients to leave reviews. More 5-star reviews mean higher perceived value.
   
   
5. Document Your Reputation
   Include key metrics like your average star rating, number of reviews, and notable testimonials in your DSO presentations. These numbers speak volumes.

Your online reviews are more than a marketing tool—they’re a reflection of everything you’ve built. They show how your community sees you, trusts you, and values your care.

And when it’s time to sell your practice, they could mean the difference between an average offer and an exceptional one.

How We Can Help You Protect Your Value

At Everything DSO, we understand how critical patient reviews are in the DSO valuation process. We’ve worked with dentists across the country to ensure their online reputations are not just intact—but leveraged to secure top-dollar offers.

Here’s how we help:

• Conducting a comprehensive review of your online presence.
• Helping you implement strategies to boost your ratings.
• Positioning your reviews as a key asset during negotiations.

The dental market is changing fast, and DSOs are looking for practices with strong reputations. If your reviews aren’t telling the story you want, the time to fix it is now.

Don’t let something as simple as a Google star rating rob you of your practice’s true value. Let us help you turn your patient reviews into a tool for growth, profit, and a seamless transition.

Reach out to us today!

Your patients believe in you. Your community believes in you. Now let us help DSOs believe in your value.

Sincerely,

Your Team at Everything DSO