Dental Assistant / Receptionist

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $26.00 to $35.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant / Receptionist is a hybrid clinical and front-office position responsible for supporting dental providers while also managing patient-facing administrative duties. This role is essential to maintaining efficient clinic operations, ensuring regulatory compliance in California, and delivering a positive, welcoming experience for patients. The ideal candidate is flexible, detail-oriented, and comfortable transitioning between chairside assisting and reception responsibilities.

Essential Duties

Dental Assistant Responsibilities (Clinical)

• Assist the dentist during examinations and dental procedures within the scope of practice permitted under California law.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials before patient visits.
• Take and process dental radiographs in accordance with California Dental Board regulations (if certified).
• Prepare patients for treatment and provide post-operative instructions as directed by the dentist.
• Perform infection control, sterilization, and operatory turnover in compliance with CDC, OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and clinic policies.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient charting in the electronic dental record.
• Monitor dental supply inventory and report ordering needs.
• Ensure patient comfort, safety, and confidentiality at all times.

Receptionist / Front Office Responsibilities

• Greet patients in person and by phone with professionalism and courtesy.
• Schedule, confirm, and manage patient appointments.
• Register patients and verify demographic, insurance, and consent information.
• Verify dental insurance eligibility and assist with authorizations and claims processing.
• Collect co-payments, deductibles, and outstanding balances; post payments accurately.
• Answer phones, manage voicemail, and respond to patient inquiries.
• Coordinate communication between providers, clinical staff, and patients.
• Maintain patient records in compliance with HIPAA and California privacy laws.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Education and Skills

• Knowledge of California dental assisting scope-of-practice requirements.
• Familiarity with dental terminology, procedures, and insurance billing.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Proficiency with dental practice management software and basic office technology.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and sit for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle dental instruments and office equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and dental equipment typical of a clinical setting.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• This hybrid role requires flexibility to perform both clinical and front-office duties based on daily operational needs.

Reasonable accommodations will be given to qualified disabled applicants pursuant to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,29 U.S. Code 791, Title 29, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).