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Although it may be a rare patient who likes going to the dentist, dentist visits are typically filled with a bit of nerve and uncertainty. This is where dental receptionists can shine as a patient's first point of contact before they start to be treated at a dental office. 

So . . . 

A friendly and helpful receptionist makes all the difference! 

In this article, we'll go through our top dental receptionist ideas to help you give exceptional customer service and turn newcomers into regular dental patients!  

Wondering how? 

We have put together a dental receptionist skills checklist! If you are looking for tips as a dental receptionist, we have those as well! 

What skills do you want to demonstrate that you have to offer as a dental receptionist throughout your resume? 

Our dental receptionist skills checklist can help with that too. 

Let's get started. . .

What Skills Does a Dental Receptionist Need?

As a dental receptionist, a professional appearance, an organized demeanor, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are ideal and recommended. 

Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as a cheerful, sympathetic, yet firm nature, would be advantageous.

You may want to approach work, coworkers, and patients in a professional, compassionate, courteous, and confident manner. It's crucial to be understanding because you can be working with folks who are scared or in pain.

A personal interest in teeth, dentistry, or oral hygiene, as well as a flexible personality capable of adapting to changes in the daily schedule, is also very helpful! 

Aside from those, the most important skills for a dental receptionist that we will be reviewing checklists for are:

1. Interpersonal skills  
2. Customer service skills 
3. Professionalism 
4. Computer and technology skills 
5. Organizational skills 

Next, let's get into each skill checklist for dental receptionists. . .

1. Interpersonal Skills Checklist 

In a dentist's office, dental assistants engage with patients, dentists, dental assistants, and other staff members on a regular basis.

Dental receptionists with strong interpersonal skills can effectively communicate and relate to others, as well as help these individuals build and network with other professionals in the dental field. 

Question: As a dental receptionist, do you consistently and regularly connect with patients and help them feel comfortable: 

• When a patient first enters the dental office? 
• When a patient checking into their appointment? 
• When a patient checking out of the office and either paying or making their next appointment? 
• When a patient calls and has a question? 

2. Customer Service Skills Checklist

The primary responsibility of a dental receptionist is to assist and support patients. 

They are frequently the first person a patient sees when they walk into the dentist's office and the last person they see as they pay and depart.

 Strong customer service abilities guarantee that the dental receptionist is aware of patients' demands, effectively manages patient issues and needs, and leaves a positive impression on patients.

Question: As a dental receptionist, do you consistently and regularly: 

• Customer Interest: Show interest in the patients who call, email, or enter the dental office? 
• Friendliness: Show and express friendliness to the patients being seen and treated at the dental office? 
• Responsiveness: Demonstrate responsiveness to the needs of the patients? 
• Active listening: Use active listening when interacting with the patients who either call, email or are at the dental office? 
• Empathy: Demponstate empathy to patients?
• Gratefulness: Show and express gratefulness to those you interact with?  

3. Professionalism Skills Checklist 

Dental receptionists must maintain a high level of professionalism during their shift. The capacity to operate in a professional and respectable manner is referred to as professionalism. Competence, honesty, accountability, and emotional intelligence are examples of professionalism abilities required of dental receptionists.

Question: As a dental receptionist, do you consistently and regularly: 

• Appearance: Present a professional appearance? 
• Attendance and Punctuality: Show up to work on time?
• Collaboration: Demonstrate the ability to work in collaboration with others (such as patients, dental assistants, and dentists)?
• Communication: Utilize respectful and professional verbal and written communication techniques? 
• Problem Solving: Demonstrate the ability to problem-solve effectively? 

4. Computer and Technology Skills Checklist 

To execute the activities associated with this position, most dental receptionists require basic computer skills.

Hardware abilities, or the ability to physically operate a computer, are the most common computer skills required by dental receptionists. 

Basic software abilities, such as how to operate any essential applications, spreadsheets, and email, are also required. 

Some dental receptionists are also expected to be proficient in accounting software.

Question: As a dental receptionist, do you consistently and regularly: 

• Look at growing your technology skills? 
• Develop your software skills?  
• Expand your knowledge of hardware skills? 

5. Organizational Skills Checklist

The majority of the organization in a dental office is handled by dental receptionists. These workers require great organizational skills to successfully manage all of the information that comes into and out of the office, from filing patient information to sorting and distributing mail.

Question: As a dental receptionist, do you consistently and regularly: 

• Find files when needed? 
• Locate phone numbers for patients or the dentist as needed? 
• Maintain a clean work area and reception area in the dental office? 

More Information 

• Dental Front Office Receptionist Tips
• Dental Receptionist Working Interview
• Thank You Letter After Interview for Dental Front Office Receptionist

 

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