Dental Office Receptionist Job Description
Location: Burbank, CA Job Type: Full-Time
Position Mission
The Dental Office Receptionist is a key member of the dental practice team, responsible for creating a positive first impression for patients and ensuring the smooth, productive flow of the schedule. This role combines front office administrative responsibilities with scheduling coordination to keep the practice running efficiently.
The Dental Office Receptionist oversees appointment scheduling, manages patient communications, verifies insurance, collects payments, and supports clinical staff by maintaining an optimized daily schedule. This position is vital to patient satisfaction and the overall productivity of the practice. The receptionist is the face of the office—answering phones, greeting patients, updating records, and being the first and last point of contact during each visit.
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent required
2+ years experience in a dental field
Knowledge and experience with dental treatment plans and HMO/PPO insurance requirements
Strong background in customer service
Insurance verification (full PPO breakdown and ability to give accurate insurance estimates)
Ability to multitask front office duties including answering phones, scheduling, check-in/out, and verification
Strong communication skills to present and explain treatment plans and financial options to patients
Experience with electronic health records (EHR)
Working knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
Bilingual (Armenian/Russian)
Job Responsibilities
Greet all patients warmly and professionally; update patient information and insurance data as needed
Answer all incoming calls as the first responder; direct calls or take accurate messages as appropriate
Register new patients, explain office policies, and provide necessary forms (welcome letter, information sheets, etc.)
Schedule, confirm, and follow up on all patient appointments; maintain productive and efficient schedules for doctors and hygienists
Review and prepare patient records for daily appointments, including noting outstanding treatment needs
Ensure lab cases are received before scheduled appointments
Check voicemails before the morning huddle; update the team on changes
Monitor and manage the daily schedule to reduce gaps or delays in patient flow
Maintain a short-call list and fill last-minute cancellations promptly
Call any patients who are late and inform clinical staff accordingly
Determine and communicate any continuing care needs before patients leave
Note chronic cancellations or no-shows in patient records to aid in future scheduling decisions
Present treatment plans to patients and make financial arrangements when needed
Confirm patient appointments 48 hours in advance via phone, text, or email
Check patient balances and collect co-pays and fees at time of service
Verify insurance benefits for all new patients and update existing patients’ insurance records
Text or email welcome packages to all new patients before their first visit
Keep patients informed about delays or waiting times
Maintain a clean and organized reception and file area
Comply with all HIPAA, OSHA, and infection control standards
The absence of specific duties in this description does not exclude them from the role if they are similar, related, or logically associated with the position. Additional responsibilities may be assigned or requested by management or executive leadership as needed.
Job Benefits
Paid and Unpaid Vacation
Sick Leave: 24 hours paid sick days annually.
Company Paid Holidays: 5 major holidays per year
Performance Based Incentives may be available
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law