Office Roles – Who Am I Talking To Kelso, WA
Most busy dental practices have lots of different staff members with unique roles. Patients may not know who all of the different people are in the office. Dental staff teams feature dental providers, dental laboratory workers, administrative workers, and billing personnel.
Our dental office provides a variety of services at Meadowlark Family Dentistry in Kelso and the surrounding area. The office workers and dental providers work together to deliver quality patient care. Our goal is for our patients to get a smooth and positive experience, from the first phone call contact when making an appointment to finishing up a dental treatment.
The team of dental staff at our office works to give you the most appropriate treatment for your oral health. Learn about each type of staff member in our office and what they do. The next time you need an appointment, call us at (360) 218-2322 and witness our commitment to our patients.
Primary Care Staff
The most familiar people patients know and interact with at the dental office are the primary care staff members: dentists and dental hygienists. These dental professionals deliver care to patients by examining the patient, taking X-rays, cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and more.
Dentists have acquired years of training to be able to diagnose and treat oral conditions and issues. Dental hygienists have also undergone several years of preparation in the field to do their jobs. These professionals have additionally taken part in clinical training experiences in their preparation. Both dentists and dental hygienists also must meet strict licensing requirements in order to treat patients.
“Both dentists and dental hygienists also must meet strict licensing requirements in order to treat patients.”
Back-Office Staff
Other key employees in a dental office are those working in the back. The back-office staff team mainly consists of dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians. Dental assistants may work alongside primary care staff members delivering patient care. They also work with back-office staff doing a variety of tasks related to the dental lab.
Dental lab technicians usually do not work directly with patients. Instead, they typically work in the dental lab restoring dental appliances, constructing bridges and dentures, fabricating crowns, and assembling orthodontics. Some dental lab technicians earn certifications demonstrating a commitment to high-quality lab work.
“The back-office staff team mainly consists of dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians.”
Administrative Staff
Patients interact frequently with the dental staff members on the administrative team. The administrative staff for a large practice may feature a big team of office workers. Administrative staff members for a dental office do not participate in the treatment or care patients get. They are instead facilitators and coordinators for scheduling, communication, and insurance paperwork.
- Receptionist: Dental receptionists are administrative workers who primarily focus on communication. They often answer phones and take messages for dental providers. In the office, they may also greet patients and direct them to fill out paperwork.
- Administrative Assistant: Some practices also have administrative assistants working with dental providers. Dental office administrative assistants generally are responsible for communication and office tasks for specific providers. They may also help with organizing patient files, data entry, and other essential administrative tasks.
- Office Manager: Most dental practices have an office manager who supervises the administrative staff and tasks for the entire practice. This key position may also be responsible for recruiting staff, hiring team members, and training new employees.
“Administrative staff members for a dental office do not participate in the treatment or care patients get.”
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Treatment Coordinator
Patients may encounter a dental office treatment coordinator. This position works with patients to give an overview for extensive dental care, such as crowns, dentures, dental implants, or bridges. Coordinators help plan out the series of appointments and give patients a financial estimate of the cost for the treatment plan. They also work with the provider to determine the optimal course of treatment for patients.
“This position works with patients to give an overview for extensive dental care, such as crowns, dentures, dental implants, or bridges.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is part of primary care staff?
Q. Who is a part of back-office staff?
Q. Who is a part of administrative staff?
Q. Who is considered a treatment coordinator?
Q. Who is the billing specialist?
People Also Ask
Q. What services does a general dentist provide?
Q. What parts of treatment do dental hygienists help with?
Q. What should I look for in a dental provider?
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Billing Specialist
Another staff member that patients may communicate with in a dental office is the billing specialist. As part of the front-office team, this role manages billing matters for dental treatments. They are generally the person for which patients can speak with about treatment options and payment plans.
Billing specialists may be responsible for taking payments from patients, forwarding paperwork to the insurance company, and calling patients who have past-due balances. When there is a need for extensive dental treatment, the billing coordinator helps price out the treatment plan.
“Billing specialists may be responsible for taking payments from patients, forwarding paperwork to the insurance company, and calling patients who have past-due balances.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Staff
Q. What should patients look for when choosing a dental office team?
A. WebMD suggests that patients needing a new dental provider can start by asking friends and family members for recommendations. They should learn about the dental office's hours and the education and training of the dental providers. Then, they can check out the staff members and their approach to patient care when finding a new provider.
Q. Who should I talk to in the dental office if I have a concern about the practice?
A. The supervisor overseeing the dental practice is typically the office manager. If patients have a question or concern about the practice, they should ask to contact the office manager. In some practices, the dentists may also be part of the supervisory team.
Q. How do I schedule an appointment with dental staff?
A. Patients can schedule their next visit by calling the office. The office administrative staff can help patients find an appointment time with their preferred provider. The administrative office staff may also assist patients with canceling or rescheduling appointments.
Q. How does the dental staff assist patients during the first visit?
A. At the first visit, the administrative staff may ask the patient to fill out medical history and insurance forms. Then, primary care staff members such as a dental hygienist and dentist may perform an examination. At the end of the visit, patients usually check out with a billing coordinator or administrative office staff member.
Q. Who do I contact in the dental office for billing questions?
A. Patients who have questions about billing or their account should contact the administrative staff. The office staff may refer these questions to the billing coordinator. Some dental administrative assistants may also be able to answer your questions.
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Dental Terminology
- Receptionist
- A dental receptionist is a front desk administrative worker who answers phones, takes messages for dentists and staff, and greets patients as they enter the office. The typically assist patients in filling out paperwork.
- Treatment Coordinator
- A dental treatment coordinator is responsible for providing the patient an overview of a course of treatment, explaining the cost and helping them plan out the series of appointments. The TC will also follow through with the provider and patient to ensure completion of treatment.
Contact Our Team for Your Next Appointment
No matter what their role is, every member of our staff is committed to giving patients a great experience. Call us at 360-218-2322 for an appointment. Our team offers comprehensive dental care for patients in Kelso.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Meadowlark Family Dentistry was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cowlitz County and Clark County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Kelso, Longview, Castle Rock, Kalama, Clatskanie, Rainier, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Yacolt, Woodland, Long Beach, Astoria, East Side, and Oregon
- WA. View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1144550773). View NPI Registry Information
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