Dental receptionist training varies depending on the type of preparation required by an employer or desired by a dental receptionist. In some cases, dental receptionist training is completed entirely on the job and consists of basic office procedures, insurance billing, and, in some cases, dental assisting. A dental receptionist training course can also be completed at a vocational school. Formal training in office administration, insurance billing, and information on handling x-rays and patient charts may be included in these courses. Completing a dental assisting course, which typically combines clinical training with office management skills, is another path to becoming a dental receptionist or front office manager.
Without formal education, a person hired as a dental receptionist will most likely be trained by other office staff, a dental hygienist, or even the dentist himself. The proper way to answer phones, transfer calls, or take messages if the caller is unable to use the voic email system is usually covered in this training. Most office administration tasks, including dealing with insurance companies and product vendors, may fall to the receptionist in small dental offices. He or she may also be trained to perform basic clinical tasks like sterilizing instruments and assisting the dentist during procedures as a dental assistant.
Dental receptionist training at a vocational school or community college requires students to complete the school’s curriculum, which varies depending on the type of program they enroll in. If the program’s focus is on office skills, students may be required to take a touch-typing course, as well as classes in word processing and spreadsheet management, as well as training in database and file management. In addition, these programs may require dental terminology and clinical skills coursework.
Dental assistant training can also help you prepare for a job as a dental receptionist. These programs are also taught at vocational schools and community colleges, though they may focus more on clinical skills like assisting dentists during procedures and providing basic dental services to patients. However, it is not uncommon for these programs to include a component that teaches dental office management skills as well. However, such programs may be longer than those designed specifically to prepare students for careers as dental receptionists or office administrators.