Position Summary: The Dental Receptionist performs a variety of secretarial and administrative duties and provides a positive customer service experience. The Dental Receptionist works with the team to help provide patients with the highest standards of dental care.
Essential Functions of the Job: [Other duties may be assigned.]
- Greet all patients and visitors who enter the clinic.
- Display professionalism and use a pleasant voice and friendly manner in the office environment.
- Complete all phases of patient intake, starting patient electronic records, documenting chief complaints, screening financial eligibility, and collecting fees according to the sliding fee scale.
- Accurately input patient data into patient record and update as necessary.
- Update and complete necessary financial information to determine eligibility for the clinic, asking patients for insurance card or proof of income, then verifying with financial screening information.
- Assist patients as necessary to complete forms.
- Schedule patient appointments efficiently to maximize availability and keep schedule running smoothly.
- Accurately complete checkout process. Collect and post payments, making any necessary adjustments in the ledger.
- Answer and direct clinic telephone calls. Respond to messages.
- Document patient concerns, complaints, or requests, and inform the director of any requiring additional attention.
- Help to arrange special services for patient visits, including interpreter services and transportation.
- Work with assistants to address schedule changes.
- Make calls to confirm appointments. Send patients emails and text messages about their appointments as needed.
- Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA.
- Assure that all confidential information is secure, locking computer equipment and logging off telephones at the end of the day and any other time the reception area is vacant.
- Verify daily payment collection at the end of the day, identifying the source of any discrepancies. Inform the director of any need for change.
- Collect all cash, checks and credit card receipts and verify weekly deposit report. Deliver all materials to the director. Inform the director of any discrepancies.
- Assume general clerical duties.
- Restock forms and office supplies as needed throughout the clinic. Inform the director of the need for additional forms and office supplies.
- Post signs on clinic entrance, when needed, regarding clinic closing or changed hours.
- Assist with office equipment maintenance, notifying director of any necessary maintenance.
- Provide patients with information on clinic policies and services. Redirect patients to other resources and agencies as needed.
- Collaborate with staff from other departments as needed.
- Assist and work with students and NWTC staff.
- Maintain cleanliness of the clinic reception area.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Education - High school diploma
- Experience - Previous employment in an administrative position performing customer service. Previous experience in a clinic setting is preferred, but not required.
- Expertise - Understanding of professional customer service. Training in record maintenance and infection prevention is preferred. Skilled in basic computer operation and programs, and the ability to learn new software.
- Language - Comprehend and use basic language, written and spoken, to professionally communicate information and ideas. Fluency in Spanish is strongly desired.
Preferred Skills
- Ability to display professionalism in a healthcare setting.
- Ability to work well with a diverse population with varied lifestyles.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish with patients, clinic staff, students, volunteers, and director. Ability to communicate business messages effectively.
- Ability to navigate a variety of computer programs and learn new software quickly.
Required Credentials, Certification, Licensure
None