Dental Receptionist-Bilingual Preferred

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

Job Overview:

Under the direct supervision of the Dental Office Manager, the Dental Receptionist facilitates the smooth transition of patients through the dental practice and provides a range of critical tasks that support an efficient, effective, and financially sustainable dental program. This position ensures an orderly and appropriate atmosphere in the clinic. The Dental Receptionist participates in the ongoing evaluation of Dental Program operations to ensure the delivery of high-quality services that support the program's financial sustainability.

Responsibilities:

• Reviews and prepares the daily schedule for dental staff, monitoring it and working to keep it full.


• Answers the telephone, schedules patient appointments, and greets patients entering the clinic.


• Generates and checks the encounter form for each patient at the end of the visit to ensure it is filled out accurately and completely.


• Makes patient appointments according to the clinic's scheduling policy; confirms appointments; follows up with patients who have broken their appointments according to the clinic's broken appointment policy.


• Registers patients in the clinic computer system (verifying, updating, and correcting names, addresses, phone numbers, employers, insurance status, etc.); ensuring each patient coming in for services has an accurate record; creating new records as needed.


• Confirms with insurer (via computer, telephone, or POS) that the insurance covers the patient, verifies coverage limitations and eligibility for the services to be provided, and determines the patient's estimated co-payment responsibility.


• Assists patients in completing dental history, consent, and financial forms as needed.


• Completes the check-out process with the patient; collects co-pays and outstanding balances on patient accounts; and schedules follow-up appointments as needed to complete the treatment plan.


• Manages all aspects of the prior approval/authorization process—submits required documentation (via mail and/or computer as appropriate); monitors and tracks status of requests.


• Triages walk-in or emergency patients in accordance with the clinic's walk-in/emergency policy and works those who meet emergency criteria into open slots in the daily schedule; schedules future appointments for patients whose needs are not urgent or emergent, as available.


• Reconciles daily payments and prepares deposits.


• Inputs patient data into disease registries/tracking systems as appropriate.


• Performs photocopying, scanning, and other clerical duties.


• Notifies supervisor or other appropriate staff of conflicts or problems.


• Manages inventory of office supplies; orders and restocks as necessary.


• Attends and participates in staff meetings to review the team's progress toward meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program.


• Opens and distributes mail.


• Other duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Ability to learn and use the Electronic Dental Record/Practice Management system and any other computer programs used by the dental clinic


• Knowledge of dental terminology


• Working knowledge of office procedures and equipment. 


• Team player


• Accepts and offers guidance and supervision as appropriate


• Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence


• Adheres to office dress code and standards of behavior


• Maintains patient confidentiality


• Excellent organizational skills


• Professional manner and appearance


• Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills


• Responds professionally to high-pressure situations and time limits


• Works independently with a minimum amount of supervision


• Bilingual Spanish knowledge preferred

Experience:

One to two years of experience in a dental office environment.

Education Requirement:

• High School Diploma or GED


• Current CPR certification


• Previous medical or dental reception, registration, or billing experience preferred


• Previous clerical experience preferred


• Health services experience preferred

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.