Job Description

Purpose of Role

As the first point of patient contact, the Dental Receptionist plays a key role in creating a welcoming, professional and efficient front?of?house experience. You will support the dental team by managing appointments, patient enquiries, payments and administrative tasks, ensuring the smooth running of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

Greet patients and visitors in a friendly, professional manner as they arrive at the practice. Answer incoming telephone calls and emails, respond to enquiries and route calls/messages as appropriate. Schedule, reschedule or cancel patient appointments using the Dentally software; send reminders and confirm bookings as needed. Welcome new patients, assist them with completing intake forms and ensure all required registration details are collected and entered into the patient management system. Update and maintain accurate patient records, including medical/dental history, contact details and treatment progress. Process patient payments (cash, card, cheque) and assist with billing, invoicing queries where applicable. Manage the reception and waiting area: ensure it is tidy, organised and welcoming, and that patients are made comfortable while waiting. Liaise with dental clinical staff to communicate patient arrivals, delays or changes in schedule; facilitate smooth patient flow throughout the day. Maintain and order front?office supplies and coordinate with practice staff on general administrative tasks (filing, scanning, photocopying, sorting mail) as required. Adhere to confidentiality and data?protection policies at all times, ensuring sensitive patient information is handled with discretion. Support the practice in delivering excellent customer service, building positive patient relationships and contributing to a professional team environment.
Person Specification - Experience & Skills

Essential:

Prior experience in a customer?facing or administrative support role (ideally in a dental or healthcare environment). Excellent verbal and written communication skills; confident on the telephone and in person. Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise in a fast?paced environment. Basic competency using computer software (email, Microsoft Office, and practice management/diary systems) and the ability to learn new systems quickly. Professional, welcoming and patient?focused approach; empathy and understanding when dealing with anxious or nervous patients. Good standard of literacy and numeracy (e.g., GCSE?level English and Maths or equivalent).

Desirable:

Previous experience working in a dental practice or familiarity with dental terminology and workflows. Experience with dental practice management software. Knowledge of dental insurance/billing processes. Ability to support front?office supply/inventory tasks.
Personal Attributes

A warm, friendly and professional demeanour. High levels of reliability and punctuality. A flexible, adaptable mindset, happy to support the wider team when required. Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all tasks. A proactive attitude: identifying improvements, assisting in streamlining the front?desk process.
Working Hours & Benefits

The role will typically be Monday to Friday during practice opening hours (exact hours to be confirmed; some early or late finish times may apply depending on practice schedule) as is common in dental settings.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 32 per week

Work Location: In person