Why enroll in an Dental Receptionist Diploma program?
A receptionist in a dental office plays a very important role, as the receptionist is the first one to greet patients as well as being the one to schedule appointments, provide information, and process payment and insurance information.
Career possibilities
The dental field is one of the fastest-growing industries today, as an increasing and ever more health-conscious population requires more and more dental services, so your skills as a dental receptionist will be in demand anywhere you choose to go. You may also choose to use your knowledge of dental procedures to go on to pursue additional training as a dental hygienist.
Occupational Outlook
The number of dental receptionist openings is expected to grow more than 27% up until the year 2014, as reported in the 2006 Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.BlS.gov). With your training, you should have no trouble whatsoever landing a job as a dental receptionist wherever you live.
Salary Information
Dental receptionists earn an average of $13.62 an hour, according to the 2006 Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.BLS.gov). Most full-time dental receptionists also receive excellent benefits including paid vacation time, and 90% of dental practice employees (both part-and full-time) receive free dental coverage according to the American Dental Association (www.ADA.org).
Coursework requirements
- Dental Office Procedure
- Ethics
- Dental Knowledge and Terminology
- Office Administration
- Tooth Numbering Systems
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Scheduling and Appointment Procedures
- Communication/Telephone Skills
- Inventory Control and Billing Procedures
- Management of Insurance Plans and Claims
- Accounts Receivable/Payable
- Computer programs for the dental office
Skills you will learn
Upon completion of your diploma, you will be skilled in the following areas:
- Dental education of the public
- Insurance for dental patients
- Accounts receivable/payable
- Scheduling patients for appointments and treatment
- Customer service
- Dental terminology
- Billing procedures
- Communication skills
- Telephone etiquette skills
- Computer (programs for the dental office) skills
- Problem solving skills
- Troubleshooting skills
- First Aid skills
