Dental Receptionist

Dental Receptionist

The Dental Receptionist is generally the first point of contact for a patient seeking care in a dental clinic and shares responsibility with other staff for providing a satisfying experience for patients and other customers. The Dental Receptionist fields a wide range of questions about the operations of a clinic, facilitates the process of appointment scheduling and collects payments for non‑covered services at the point of service.

Service excellence is centered on patient care and patient relationships and is the responsibility of all employees.

• High School diploma or GED
• Graduate of a formal training program in medical reception, an equivalent program, or a customer service program
• Two years experience as a medical or dental receptionist, or medical/dental insurance processing
• Two years experience in a customer service position
• One year experience using data lookup and data entry functions on a PC‑based computer system
• One year customer service experience either via telephone or in‑person within the last five years
• Demonstrated ability to organize work under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to function with multiple priorities and interruptions
• Excellent oral communication skills
• Excellent written communication skill

• Experience working in a dental clinic.

Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time, adequate speech, vision and hearing, proficiency in English required (other languages may be required), use of telephone and computer terminal, adequate handwriting and manual dexterity.

• Patient Communication
  • Interacts positively and professionally with patients and other customer contacts, both in person and through phone communications.
  • Understands operations of the clinic and policies and procedures of the company.
  • Takes and relays messages requiring follow-up to appropriate persons.
  • Is knowledgeable about and behaves in a manner consistent with the company’s patient service expectations/standards.
• Appointment Scheduling
  • Schedules patient appointments using principles and protocols to productively schedule and maintain efficient provider schedules.
  • Exercises sound judgment in determining urgency of patient’s need to be seen by a provider.
  • Takes initiative to contact patients potential with short notice to fill open time in provider schedule.
  • Contacts patients to confirm future appointments.
  • Coordinates scheduling of treatment with staff or contracted specialty providers.
• Patient Records and Charges for Services
  • Reviews patient records prior to appointment to assure necessary information is available and updated, including insurance information.
  • Communicates patient charges for future appointed treatment.
  • Establishes payment plans with patients for treatment plans and charges that aren’t complex.
  • Collects patient charges at point of service for co‑insurance or non‑covered services.
  • Reconciles own charge, payment and account adjustment activities.
• Working with Colleagues
  • Interacts with co‑workers in a courteous and respectful manner.
  • Participates in the work unit’s efforts to share ideas and concerns and problem solving.
  • Assists co‑workers in performing tasks within the scope of the receptionist position.
• General Accountabilities
  • Is capable of performing the duties of other dental clerical positions and to act on backup to these positions when necessary.
  • Collects data, tracks information and prepares reports as required.
  • May be called on by management of the clinic to perform other duties not specified here that are consistent with the skills and responsibilities of the position.

Seniority level:
Entry level

Employment type:

Full-time

Job function:
Health Care Provider

Industries:
Hospitals and Health Care