Hire Dental Receptionists
The work of a dental receptionist can be easily cast as a typical desk job that includes answering the phone and keeping a log of day-to-day office activities. However, dental receptionists provide many more valuable services to a dental clinic’s daily operations.
In hiring a dental receptionist, it should be a priority to highlight the role’s importance in providing care to dental clinic patients. A job description is the first point of communication between candidates and the hiring medical facility or institution. Create a job description that is clear, concise, and detailed. Are you looking for candidates who live in a specific area? What is the schedule? Is prior experience required? Outline the responsibilities and requirements clearly. Keep in mind that the job description should be more than just a list of expectations. Highlight what you can offer the candidate as well. Additionally, be clear about the schedule, the number of hours, and location. Depending on the need, dental receptionists may work in hospitals or stand-alone dental clinics on a part-time or full-time basis.
Once you have a compelling job description, posting your job announcement is the next step. Aside from general job boards, it is best for hiring managers to post job announcements on dental-specific job boards, online groups, and in community groups as well.
Dental Receptionist Responsibilities
A dental receptionist has an array of duties and responsibilities that help both dentists and patients. A dental receptionist ensures maintenance of a clean and tidy reception area and assists in office security in the workplace by logging visitors’ information. Additionally, they sort the dental office mail and parcels, schedule or reschedule appointments, and conduct follow-up calls as needed. Other administrative tasks include copying, storing documents, updating patient records, and answering telephone inquiries.
Upon the arrival of patients at the dental office, dental receptionists greet them warmly, validate their appointment, and assist them in filling out patient forms before endorsing them to the dentist. For patients who are required to make co-payments, dental receptionists communicate with medical insurance providers. They also assist in collecting payments after consultation. Lastly, dental receptionists treat patients with respect, compassion, and empathy. They uphold patient confidentiality and professionalism at all times and follow safety standards.
Dental Receptionist Skills and Qualifications
To be successful in the role, candidates must have excellent communication and people skills. A friendly and helpful attitude is useful for a dental receptionist. For educational background requirements, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED.
Dental receptionists should be professional at all times. Candidates must be able to multi-task and maintain composure in different situations that may arise. It is possible to encounter a rude or unpleasant patient, so customer service techniques will be necessary. Lastly, knowledge of computer systems and office tools like Microsoft Office and Google applications is a job requirement. Previous experience may also be required.
When a patient walks into a dental clinic or office, the dental receptionist is typically the very first person he or she will interact with and the first representative of the dental clinic. A dental receptionist has the opportunity to initiate a positive patient experience through a friendly greeting, a sincere smile, and a polite conversation.
