How do Google reviews affect dental clinic patient communication ratings?

Our analysis of 4,314 Canadian dental clinics found a clear pattern: clinics with patient communication complaints in their Google reviews averaged 0.26 stars lower than clinics without such complaints. The most common complaint phrases were "no response," "couldn't reach," and "never called back." At scale, a 0.26-star difference affects how clinics appear in Google Maps search results, directly impacting new patient acquisition. Clinics below 4.5 stars are systematically passed over by patients searching "dentist near me."