Dental Receptionist

Overview

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 Receptionist fields questions about clinic operations, facilitates appointment scheduling, and collects payments for non-covered services at the point of service. Efficient scheduling is a key driver of clinic resource use and patient experience.

• Patient Communication:
  Interact positively and professionally with patients and other contacts, in person or by phone; provide information and obtain information from patients and contacts; relay messages with follow-up as needed; uphold patient service expectations/standards.
• Appointment Scheduling:
  Schedule patient appointments using practice protocols to maintain efficient provider schedules; adjust appointment lengths based on treatment; determine urgency and seek guidance when unclear; contact patients to fill open time; confirm future appointments; coordinate scheduling with staff or contracted specialists; notify patients of co-payments and transfer necessary information to the referral provider.
• Patient Records and Charges for Services:
  Review patient records prior to appointments to ensure information is current, including insurance; obtain updated information as needed; ensure insurance coverages are set up in the dental practice system; communicate charges for future treatments; establish payment plans when needed; collect charges at point of service and record transactions; reconcile charges, payments, and adjustments.
• Working with Colleagues:
  Interact with coworkers courteously; participate in team problem solving and share ideas; assist coworkers to balance workloads and support smooth operation.
• General Accountabilities:
  Be capable of performing duties of other dental clerical positions as needed; collect data, track information, and prepare reports; may be asked to perform other duties consistent with the position.

• Required
• High School diploma or GED
• Meets one of the following:
  • 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 look-up 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 skills

• Preferred
• Experience working in a dental clinic

Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods; has at least limited mobility. Requires adequate speech, vision, and hearing for oral and written communications with customers. Proficiency in English is required; proficiency in other languages may be required. Use of a telephone and computer terminal. Requires adequate handwriting and manual dexterity skills.

The Dental Receptionist is typically the first contact for a patient seeking care and shares responsibility for delivering a satisfying patient experience. The role fields questions about clinic operations, facilitates appointment scheduling, and collects payments for non-covered services. Effective scheduling influences day-to-day clinic operations and resource use.

Service excellence centers on patient care and relationships. Teamwork is expected, and all employees are accountable to work as a cohesive team.

At Health Partners we believe in the power of good—good deeds and good people working together. We are a nonprofit, integrated health care organization providing health insurance in six states and care at more than 90 locations. We foster diversity and inclusion and strive for health equity in care and coverage.

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities, aimed at helping colleagues thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.