Dental Assistant/Receptionist - Position Description

Sep 13, 2026

Uploaded by Stanley

Position description for a Dental Assistant/Receptionist within the Dental Department covering all sites under the supervision of the Chief Dentist and Dental Office Manager. Defines requirements including office experience, computer data entry, familiarity with medical and dental terminology, willingness to learn patient record management, CPR certification timeline, and completion of HIPAA regulations and training. Details responsibilities across dental assisting, infection control, front-office reception, patient recall and confidentiality, electronic dental records, appointment coordination, and accurate entry of encounter and billing information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Position Summary

Qualifications

Duties and Responsibilities

Review and Sign-off

TOIYABE INDIAN HEALTH PROJECT, INC. POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: Dental Assistant/Receptionist WORK STATION: Dental Department – All Sites SUPERVISOR: ChiefDentist /Dental Office Manager SUPERVISES: None NON-EXEMPT POSITION SUMMARY: Assist in the efficient operation of the dental department. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. High school graduate or equivalent. 2. One year general office experience, hands-on computer data entry experience desired. 3. Knowledge of medical/dental terminology helpful. 4. Must be willing to learn proper methods ofpatient record management. 5. CPR certified or certified within three months of hire. 6. Interest in successfully passing the California State Registered Dental Assisting Licensing Program as needed and required. 7. California State Board X-Ray Safety Certificate or ability to obtain within three months of hire. 8. Successfully pass and maintain current HIPAA regulations and training. 9. Possess a current CA driver’s license and be insurable with company insurance. 10. Must be sensitive and possess an awareness and keen appreciation of Indian traditions, customs, and socioeconomic needs of the Indian community. 11. American Indian preference in accordance with Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U. S. Code, § 472 & 473) . DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Dental assisting duties – serve as support staff for the dentist during operative dentistry as required, should develop the ability in covering the full range of dental assisting duties, i.e. dental radiographs,“four handed” chairside assisting, taking quality impressions, etc. 2. Learns and performs proper infection control methods of the dental operatory and associated instruments and equipment under the direction of the dentists and dental hygienists. 3. Assist the department dentists, dental hygienists, and other registered dental assistants in the performance of their duties as needed and required. 4. Receptionist / Front Office duties-Perform dental receptionist duties as needed and required providing assistance to patients in filling out dental and health appropriate forms, making appointments, checking and receiving registration. Assists in making phone calls of appointment changes and reminders, as required. Assists in maintaining a dental patient recall system. 5. Assists in maintaining the confidentiality of patient records in accordance with HIPAA protocols. 6. Assists in tracking of patient visits as needed and required. Assists in the enforcement of the dental failed appointment policy, mailing cards as needed, managing routine and urgent recalls per policy of the department. 7. Assists the other dental staff as required in maintaining a good patient flow. 8. Learns, understands, and utilizes the Electronic Dental Record system (EDR) as needed and required including the digital radiograph system. 9. Enters patient encounter and billing information, verifying insurances prior to appointments, updating patient records, etc. 10. Performs all duties while maintaining a professional appearance and attitude and follows the departmental communication chain of command. 11. Other job related duties as assigned. Job Description Reviewed: Employee: ______________________________ Date: _____________ Supervisor ______________________________ Date: _____________ TIHP-Position Description Page 2 of 2 Dental Department Dental Assistant/Receptionist (12/13)

FAQs

What are the key qualifications required for this Dental Assistant/Receptionist role?

The role requires a high school education, one year of general office experience with desired computer data entry skills, willingness to learn patient record management, CPR certification within three months of hire, and completion of HIPAA regulations and training. It also requires a California driver’s license and, depending on timelines, a California State Board X-Ray Safety Certificate.

What dental assisting duties does the position include?

The position supports the dentist during operative dentistry, including preparation to perform the full range of dental assisting duties such as four-handed chairside assisting and taking quality impressions. It also includes learning and performing infection control methods for the operatory and related instruments and equipment.

What front-office responsibilities are expected from the receptionist?

The role includes dental receptionist duties such as helping patients complete appropriate dental and health forms, scheduling appointments, checking in and receiving registration, and handling appointment change and reminder calls. It also supports maintaining a patient recall system and enforcing the dental failed appointment policy, including managing routine and urgent recalls and related mailing tasks.

Sep 13, 2026

Uploaded by Stanley