At a private dentist’s office, joint practice, or clinic, a dental office manager is responsible for administrative and human resource functions. He or she is in charge of payroll, scheduling, accounting, and patient case management, among other things. A manager may serve primarily as a supervisor or perform the majority of clerical duties, depending on the size of the practice. Although a dental office manager is rarely involved in actual patient care, it is still critical for a professional to have a thorough understanding of medical terminology and the procedures available at his or her clinic in order to provide quality service.
Hygienists, dental assistants, cashiers, medical billers and coders, and, of course, practicing dentists are all common employees in large clinics. Setting employee work schedules, maintaining their benefits packages, and administering paychecks are typically the responsibilities of the office manager. When more staff is needed in the office, the manager usually posts job openings and hires new employees. To make the office run more smoothly, he or she might create training materials and conduct regular performance reviews.
A dental office manager may also be in charge of the practice’s general finances. He or she may be responsible for paying utility, rent, or mortgage bills, purchasing office supplies, and restocking common dental supplies such as gauze and gloves. When dentists determine the need for new equipment, such as a cutting-edge x-ray machine, they usually consult with the office manager to see if the budget will allow such a large purchase.
Smaller practices frequently have managers who answer phones, address patient concerns, schedule appointments, and handle billing. To ensure that patients receive excellent customer service, a dental office manager must have excellent communication and organizational skills. Managers may help patients set up payment plans by coding and submitting forms to insurance companies. Because most modern offices keep electronic patient files, computer skills are also required.
Employer-specific requirements for becoming a dental office manager vary. The majority of managers have associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in business administration, and many have prior experience as a secretary or dental assistant. Some aspiring managers enroll in management-specific vocational training programs to improve their credentials and understanding of the job. Internal promotions to managerial positions are common in large clinics after employees have gained several years of experience and demonstrated strong leadership potential.