Dental receptionists help patients complete medical records and notify a dentist when a patient has arrived for an appointment. These professionals also must know how to place orders for dental equipment and supplies, send and receive faxes and type correspondence for dentists. They additionally file patient records and access patient charts regularly in addition to handling billing information for a patient. Dental receptionists must contact health insurance companies to ask for required payments or find out the company's coverage of various dental proceduresl. Dental reception training programs teach students how to complete these many critical tasks.
Individuals who are interested in becoming dental receptionists usually need only a high school diploma or GED. However, receiving advanced training through a college program makes them more competitive. Some schools provide one-year certificate programs that teach dental reception, focusing on the skills many employers look for when searching for employees. Students also can pursue a an associate's degree in dental assistance. Even though this degree program prepares students to become clinical dental assistants, the curriculum also is helpful for aspiring dental receptionists because both occupations have several overlapping skills. Individuals also can complete associate's degree programs in fields such as medical administration or office administration. To get into these programs, students usually need a high school diploma or GED.
Classes in a dental reception training program cover topics such as how to greet customers, how to operate telephones and how to file. Students also learn how to use office computer programs, as well as medical billing methods. Dental reception program courses additionally teach students typing skills along with dental office procedure, ethics, dental terminology, inventory control and tooth numbering systems, according to DiplomaGuide.com. Students study how to schedule appointments, how to use spreadsheet software, how to manage insurance plans and accounts receivable/payable concepts as well.
With dental reception training, students can find work at a variety of private general dentist offices. They also can land jobs in specialty dentist offices, which include those of prosthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, endodontists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists and periodontists. These dental professionals also can work for state, federal or local governments or in the offices of physicians.
Employment of overall receptionists and information clerks was projected to climb 15 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Population growth, more focus on preventive care and the fact that more middle-aged and elderly people are retaining their natural teeth will create a demand for dental services. Dental receptionists in 2010 earned between $24,586 and $36,961, according to Payscale.com.