Receptionist Dental Assistant Jobs

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Operational Excellence

Dental Chair Assistant Duties

• Prepare the dental surgery area each day and between patients.
• Keep the area clean, tidy, and welcoming for clients.
• Follow infection control and health safety rules as per company policy.
• Prepare the surgery daily and between patients. Order and stock enough dental supplies for treatments.
• Provide professional and friendly service at all times, following company values: Care, Truth, Participation, Compassion, and Dignity.
• Wear the uniform and name badge as required.
• Complete documents accurately.
• Ensure patient files and billing information are correct and complete.
• Handle patient arrivals professionally.
• Help patients fill out admission forms correctly.
• Check and update patient files for accuracy.
• Ensure smooth workflow between departments.
• Enter patient medical and personal details into the system quickly, focusing on their needs.
• Inform patients about any unpaid balances.
• Verify patient details on the system and let them know if issues arise.
• Guide patients to the right places, services, and staff.
• Track waiting times and update patients.
• Bill patients correctly after their visit.
• Book appointments with specialists as requested.
• Handle repeat prescription requests accurately and promptly.
• Schedule bookings based on patient preferences for doctor, date, and time.
• Sterilize instruments following protocol to maintain infection control.
• Oil and clean hand pieces as required.
• Clean electric hand pieces after each patient.
• Refill and clean developer and mixer bottles.
• Dispose of chemistry waste per medical waste rules.
• Clean and autoclave instruments.
• Clean the autoclave daily.
• Load and unload the autoclave.
• Clean and reprocess equipment.
• Report equipment issues for timely repairs or replacements.

Central Assistance

• Help the dentist by passing the right instruments and materials quickly and accurately.
• Develop X-rays if needed, or load digital plates for scanning.
• Mix materials as required.
• Provide suctioning during procedures.
• Pack materials and supplies so they are easy to access.
• Plan and maintain stock levels to avoid shortages.
• Mix amalgam, composites, or cement and prepare for the dentist.
• Prepare sterile trays with properly sterilized instruments.
• Prepare non-sterile trays.

Dental Receptionist Duties

• Handle customer complaints and refer unresolved ones to the team leader or clinic manager.
• Manage the switchboard and phones professionally.
• Answer calls and queries promptly.
• Record messages accurately and deliver them.
• Transfer calls to the right staff member.
• Maintain stationery stock.
• Perform other tasks as directed by your supervisor.
• Schedule specialist appointments promptly upon request.
• Record appointment details.
• Confirm appointments with patients and practitioners.
• Discuss medical scheme limits and patient costs with schemes and patients.
• Handle repeat script requests by getting patient details and files for the practitioner.

Best and Safest Practice

Handling Emergencies

• Refer patients to the nursing station right away.
• Help transport patients if needed.
• Hand over patients to a nurse or practitioner.
• Follow up on patient details after stabilization per procedures.
• Care for and maintain equipment.

Growing with Passionate People

Self-Management and Development

• Take responsibility for your personal and professional growth.
• Identify development needs for your role and career, and discuss with your manager.
• Create steps to improve your skills.
• Pursue development through formal studies or self-study, and share knowledge with the team.
• Follow through on development plans.
• Be punctual and professional.
• Meet deadlines.
• Stay updated on company policies.
• Focus on customer satisfaction and build relationships.
• Provide excellent service to all customers.
• Maintain good relationships with stakeholders through communication.
• Participate in dental meetings as requested.
• Provide accurate and timely information, following privacy laws.
• Report and handle complaints as assigned.
• Protect patient safety, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Help manage patient flow to reduce waiting times.

Education and Training

• Participate in all required training and get sign-offs for compliance.
• Read and understand quality tools, processes, and SOPs, then sign off.
• Review and sign off on HR and company policies.
• Provide proof of registration with the relevant body.
• Meet continuing professional development requirements and show evidence.

Teamwork

• Join monthly team meetings to discuss operations and give feedback.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the dental area.
• Cooperate with other clinics and departments for support.

Skills Profile

Education (Required)

• Matric or equivalent NQF level 4.
• Dental qualification.
• Registered with HPCSA as a Dental Assistant.

Work Experience (Required)

• 2-3 years in a dental clinic environment.

Knowledge (Required)

• Intermediate computer skills (MS Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Knowledge of medical schemes.
• SAP and ME+ systems.
• Billing procedures.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through Netcare’s official careers portal.

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