What Are the Duties of a Dental Receptionist?

A dental receptionist serves a variety of administrative and customer service functions within a dentist's office. Because there is no certification or required training for dental receptionists, job descriptions and specific duties may vary from office to office. However, there are some general duties that most receptionists are responsible for.

Primary Customer Contact

Oftentimes, a dental receptionist is the first staff member that a patient encounters upon arriving to the dentist. Receptionists greet patients, have them sign in to record their presence, verify if any personal or insurance information has changed since the last visit, and notify the office staff of the patient's arrival.

Scheduling and Billing

Dental receptionists schedule appointments for patients both in person and over the telephone. They also may be responsible for submitting payment requests to insurance companies, collecting payments from patients and reconciling patients' accounts.

Records

In some offices, dental receptionists are responsible for organizing, accessing and filing patient dental records and charts. They may also have the duty of updating them when necessary or transcribing the dentist's notes concerning visits and provided services.

Communication

Dental receptionists are required to serve as intermediaries among patients, the dentists and any hygienists or assistants the dentist employs. This involves taking messages, answering questions and updating the staff about changes in the day's schedule.

Administrative Duties

Dental receptionists may be responsible for ordering dental supplies and equipment, reconciling bank accounts and making deposits, typing letters or other correspondence on behalf of the dentist, and making photocopies and faxes.