Dental Receptionist Jobs
As the representative of the dental practice, the dental receptionist plays a vital role. Whether a patient steps into the office or calls, their first interaction is going to be with the dental receptionist – and it will set the tone for the entire experience.
The role of a dental receptionist is not always an easy one. Most days will be filled with a lot of things to do - and the ability to multi-task is a necessity. There may be a patient standing at your desk trying to get checked in, the phone may be ringing with a patient wanting to schedule an appointment, another patient may need to be checked out. Everyone who has already been treated for the day left you with a stack of insurance claims that need to be filed and you still need to check the supply closet to make sure the staff has everything needed to make it through their day tomorrow. Phew.
Let’s break it down a little clearer. A dental receptionist handles a variety of tasks, including:
Welcoming patients as they arrive for their appointments.
Answering phone calls and handling them appropriately.
Scheduling and canceling dental appointments.
Updating records, documenting treatments and procedures.
Handling patient forms, collection of insurance information.
Determining insurance coverage and filing claims.
Verifying payments and collecting payments.
Handling referrals for specialists.
Monitoring and ordering office supplies as needed.
Handling incoming and outgoing mail.
Keep the reception area tidy and clean.
As you can tell by the long list, an ideal dental receptionist candidate is someone who enjoys a fast-paced, busy position that will constantly keep them on their toes. There is often little downtime with things often coming to you rapidly - and at the same time. Like we said, the ability to multi-task is a necessity. If you are someone who likes a challenge and excels when things are busy, then you may enjoy the role of a dental receptionist.
There are many people out there looking to get their foot in the door with a professional, thriving dental office. If you are applying for a dental receptionist position, there is a good chance you are not alone. So, what can make you stand out from everyone else? What qualities are they looking for that you possess?
Having a high school diploma or GED
Strong interpersonal skills, such as responsibility, teamwork, dependability, and patience
Highly detail-oriented and very organized
Punctuality and great time management skills
Professional demeanor
Computer literacy in basic applications - and willingness to learn new applications
An understanding of dental office procedures
Outstanding customer service skills are crucial due to the high level of interaction with patients. This includes communication skills, conflict resolution, patience, attentiveness, adaptability, and more.
Working in some office positions can be long and the days can move slow - especially when there isn’t a lot to do. Some people like working this way. Dental receptionists, however, not so much. Dental offices move fast and they require someone who can move with them. Are you ready to take on this role?
Doc Hunters carries forward with our vision of finding the best possible dentist for your practice and your patients. Our “90 Day Guarantee” and “No Hire, No Charge” contract means that we stand behind our work and believe in our ability to deliver on our promise. For job seekers looking to get hired now, learn more about current orthodontist job openings on our job seekers page.