The dental office is the administrative and business center of a dental clinic, with activities ranging from scheduling appointments to processing insurance claims. Front desk staff manage much of the business, including financial records, billing, and marketing efforts.
A dental office is the administrative and business center of a dental clinic. Depending on the size of the practice and the number of its employees, activities in the dental office range from scheduling appointments to processing insurance claims. Employees in a dental office are typically office workers, although some may have additional training or certification in processing insurance claims or administering dental offices. In small practices, a dentist may rely on a hygienist or dental assistant to manage some of the administrative work.
Dentists and dental hygienists take care of their patients’ oral health. Although much of its activity takes place in the offices and rooms established for the private treatment of patients, a dental clinic is also a business. Front desk staff usually manage much of a dental business, although in some cases the dentist may also outsource some aspects of administration, such as processing insurance claims or preparing transcripts, to outside providers.
The dental care team is typically the first point of contact for new and returning patients. Generally, patients should contact the receptionist or office manager to schedule an appointment. New patients may be asked to submit insurance information at the time they schedule an appointment so that an insurance specialist can verify coverage. When the patient arrives at the office, the dental office staff will likely take care of checking in the patient. Office staff will also maintain the patient waiting area.
Many dentists still receive payment directly from clients for their services; therefore, at least one staff member may be responsible for maintaining financial records and billing customers. This activity can be combined with the responsibility of managing insurance matters, although this is not true of all dental practices. In large practices, front office staff can be active in generating new business for the practice through various marketing efforts, including direct mail promotions.
Other front office staff duties may be interacting with vendors and suppliers. For example, a front office manager may be asked to be the contact person for owners and maintenance workers. He or she may also be responsible for purchasing office supplies, including dental equipment. Reception staff may be responsible for completing, maintaining, and transferring patient files and records. If the dentist accepts insurance, someone in the dental office will typically be responsible for processing insurance claims and educating patients about its benefits.
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