Quick Tip: Can I Remove a Fake Google Review?
Sometimes, but only if it breaks Google’s rules. You can’t delete a review yourself. You can report it, and Google decides. If it’s spam, a conflict of interest, or otherwise violates policy, it has a good shot at coming down. If it’s a real patient with an opinion you disagree with, it stays.
Why?
Google only removes reviews that violate its content policy. That generally covers things like spam or fake engagement, off-topic content, conflicts of interest (think a competitor or a former employee), harassment, offensive content, and impersonation. What it doesn’t cover is a real patient leaving a negative review, even if you think it’s unfair or inaccurate.
So the first step is a gut check. Is this actually fake, or is it just a bad day for someone who really did visit you? If it’s a real patient, your best move is a calm, professional reply instead of a removal request.
If it truly looks fake, report it through your Google Business Profile. Google typically evaluates reports within several days, though it can take longer, and you can track status in the Reviews Management Tool. If the report is denied, each review typically gets one appeal, so make it count with specific evidence like the reviewer’s profile history or proof they’re a competitor.
Best Practices
✔ Report the review through your Google Business Profile and choose the closest violation type
✔ Keep your report factual and tied to a specific policy issue
✔ Screenshot the review and document any evidence before you report
✔ Appeal once if denied, with details that back up your case
✔ Reply publicly in a calm, brief, professional way while you wait
Common Mistakes
The biggest one is replying in anger, or worse, replying with patient details. As a dental practice, never confirm that the reviewer is a patient or mention any treatment in a public reply, since that can create privacy problems. Keep it generic, something like “We take all feedback seriously, please contact our office so we can look into this.” Another classic is paying a “reputation fixer” who promises guaranteed removals. Nobody can guarantee what Google will do, and if someone asks you for money to take reviews down, do not pay, and report it to Google instead.
Fake vs. Real Negative Review
| Fake or Policy-Violating | Real but Unflattering | |
| Example | Competitor, spam, harassment, or someone who never visited | Real patient unhappy with wait time or cost |
| Removable? | Possibly, if Google agrees | No |
| Your move | Report with evidence, appeal if denied | Reply with empathy and invite them to call |
| Reply tone | Calm and generic, no patient details | Calm, empathetic, generic |
Learn More
Want more on keeping your online reputation in great shape?
Online Reviews for Dentists: 2026 Patient Review Statistics
How Should Dentists Respond to Google Reviews?
3 Ways To Get More Google Reviews for Dentists (Without Making It Weird)
Do Google Reviews Help Your Dental Practice Show Up in AI Search?
Can You Incentivize Google Reviews? What Dental Teams Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a Google review myself?
No. Only the reviewer can delete their own review. You can report it for Google to review, but Google makes the final decision.
How long does Google take to remove a fake review?
Google typically evaluates reports within several days, though it can take longer. You can track the status in the Reviews Management Tool.
What if Google says the review doesn't violate policy?
You can usually appeal once, so include specific evidence this time. If the review stays up, a thoughtful public reply and a steady stream of new, real dental reviews will do the heavy lifting.
Should I reply to a review I believe is fake?
Yes, briefly and professionally. Don’t confirm the person is a patient or mention any treatment details. Something like “We can’t find a record of this, please call our office so we can help” works well.
What's the best defense against fake reviews?
Collect lots of real ones. A steady flow of authentic reviews makes a single fake one-star review much less damaging, and a dental marketing reputation management service makes it easy to ask every patient.
Adrian Lefler is the CEO and Co-Founder of My Social Practice and a recognized dental marketing expert with nearly two decades of experience. He is a trusted voice in dental marketing, AI in dentistry, and emerging technology, and he hosts BYTE SIZED, a podcast focused on dental AI, innovation, and technology.
