Understanding the Roles of Our Dental Team
In busy dental practices, there are various staff members with different roles that patients may not be familiar with. These include dental providers, dental laboratory workers, administrative staff, and billing personnel.
At Gresham Advanced Dentistry, our team of office workers and dental providers collaborate to provide high-quality patient care. We strive to ensure that our patients have a seamless and positive experience, from scheduling appointments to completing treatments.
Our dental staff is dedicated to providing the best treatment for your oral health needs. To learn more about the roles of each staff member in our office, contact us at (503) 661-2828 for your next appointment and experience our commitment to patient care.
Primary Care Staff
The primary care staff members at the dental office, including dentists and dental hygienists, are the most familiar faces patients interact with. These professionals provide care by examining patients, taking X-rays, cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and more. Dentists have undergone extensive training to diagnose and treat oral conditions, while dental hygienists have also received years of preparation in the field. Both professionals have completed clinical training experiences and must meet strict licensing requirements to treat patients. Learn more about dentistry career options here.
"Both dentists and dental hygienists also must meet strict licensing requirements in order to treat patients."
Back-Office Staff
Key employees in a dental office include those who work in the back, such as dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians. Dental assistants assist primary care staff in patient care and also perform various tasks in the dental lab. Dental lab technicians work in the lab restoring dental appliances, constructing bridges and dentures, fabricating crowns, and assembling orthodontics. Some dental lab technicians obtain certifications to show their dedication to producing high-quality lab work.
" The back-office staff team mainly consists of dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians."
Administrative Staff
Patients frequently interact with the administrative team members at dental offices. The administrative staff in a large practice typically consists of a team of office workers who are not involved in patient treatment or care. Instead, they focus on 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."
Treatment Coordinator
Patients may come across a dental office treatment coordinator who assists them in understanding and planning for extensive dental care, including crowns, dentures, dental implants, or bridges. These coordinators help schedule appointments, provide cost estimates, and collaborate with the provider to determine the best treatment plan for patients.
" This position works with patients to give an overview for extensive dental care, such as crowns, dentures, dental implants, or bridges."
Billing Specialist
In a dental office, patients can also interact with a billing specialist. This team member handles billing issues for dental procedures and is the go-to person for discussing treatment options and payment plans. Billing specialists handle tasks such as processing payments, submitting paperwork to insurance companies, and contacting patients with overdue balances. They also assist in pricing out extensive treatment plans when needed.
