Dental Clinic Receptionist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary: The Dental Clinic Receptionist serves as the primary front-desk point of contact for patients and community members of the Pueblo of San Felipe. The position supports efficient access to dental care through professional patient communication, accurate scheduling and registration, secure records management, and coordination with the dental team. The incumbent works under the direction of the Lead Dentist and collaborates with Health & Wellness and Business Office staff to support clinic operations and patient-centered service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Greet patients and community members in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner; answer incoming calls, route messages appropriately, and provide accurate information regarding clinic services, hours, appointments, and general program processes.
•    Manage patient scheduling for dental providers and hygiene services in accordance with clinic scheduling protocols. Update provider schedules promptly and communicate changes to patients and clinical staff.
•    Support access and schedule utilization by maintaining appointment waitlists or unscheduled-treatment lists, contacting patients when openings become available, and documenting cancellations, no-shows, rescheduling activity, and contact attempts according to clinic policy.
•    Complete patient check-in and check-out functions, including confirming demographic information, assisting with required forms, consents, and signatures, and ensuring required documentation is complete before or after the visit as appropriate.
•    Maintain accurate and organized electronic and/or paper dental records. Create or update patient records, scan or file documents, process records requests as assigned, and protect the security and confidentiality of protected health information at all times.
•    Verify and update patient eligibility, coverage, or other registration information as required by clinic procedures and route questions outside the Dental Clinic Receptionist role to the appropriate staff member.
•    Coordinate routine administrative aspects of referrals, outside records, and consultation documentation as assigned, including transmission, receipt, tracking, and routing to the appropriate clinical team member.
•    Communicate daily with dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and other clinic staff regarding schedule changes, patient needs, delays, and front-office issues that may affect clinic flow.
•    Promote smooth patient flow through the reception and waiting areas and help maintain a welcoming, clean, safe, and professional front-office environment. Report housekeeping, facility, safety, or maintenance concerns through the appropriate chain of command.
•    Monitor front-office forms and supplies, notify the appropriate supervisor of supply needs, and assist with purchasing, receiving, and inventory processes as assigned.

Provide administrative support for community oral-health activities, meetings, outreach events, and Health & Wellness Department functions as assigned.
•    Follow Pueblo of San Felipe, Health & Wellness, and Dental Clinic policies and procedures, including requirements related to attendance, patient privacy, safety, communication, documentation, and professional conduct. Provide timely communication regarding absences or schedule changes in accordance with Pueblo policy.
•    Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year of related dental office experience required.
• Working knowledge of computers, email, internet applications, and Microsoft Office applications; ability and willingness to learn the clinic’s electronic dental/health record, scheduling, and registration systems.
• Ability to pass required employment background checks and meet Pueblo of San Felipe employment requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required CPR, First Aid, or other training/certifications within timeframes established by Pueblo or department policy.
• Valid state- or government-issued driver’s license when driving is required for assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, requirements governing medical/dental records, protected health information, confidentiality, and applicable privacy practices.
• Strong customer-service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate calmly and respectfully with patients, families, community members, and staff.
• Ability to organize competing priorities, maintain attention to detail, and complete tasks accurately in a busy clinical environment.
• Ability to use sound judgment, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and refer clinical, financial, or administrative questions to the correct staff member when outside the scope of the Dental Clinic Receptionist role.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Dental, Oral Health, Health & Wellness, and Business Office personnel.
• Knowledge of the customs and community practices of the Pueblo of San Felipe, with respect for traditional ways of life and language.
• Bilingual in Keres and English preferred.