Office Roles – Who Am I Talking To Federal Way, WA
It takes quite a few people to run a dental office. Some of them may interact with patients during their appointment, while others handle certain duties that are behind the scenes. Each team member in a dental office plays a crucial role in making sure things run smoothly. Your dental health is always the first priority, no matter who you encounter during your time in the office.
Dental staff all work together to make sure your appointment is handled efficiently. The staff at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area are ready to assist you with your dental health needs. Call us at (253) 336-0023 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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
The back-office staff or dental assistants handle a variety of different tasks in a dental office ranging from clinical work to office duties. They can be a huge asset to the dental staff and often improve the efficiency of an office. Patients can encounter a dental assistant in the following ways:
- Assisting the dentist during a treatment procedure
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Providing post-care instructions following surgery or another treatment
- Teaching appropriate ways to maintain oral health
- Taking impressions of teeth
- Scheduling appointments
- Providing comfort before, during, and after treatment
“The back-office staff or dental assistants handle a variety of different tasks in a dental office ranging from clinical work to office duties.”
Administrative Staff
Administrative staff in a dental office help with day-to-day operations. They often include a receptionist and office manager or administrator. The receptionist is the first face you'll encounter when you walk into a dental office. Their main responsibility is patient communications, both before the visit and during.
Receptionists check patients in and out and may even book their next appointment. Other duties can include calling patients to confirm upcoming appointments and answering emails. They can also check insurance eligibility and enter insurance information into the dental office practice management software so that treatment can be accurately billed.
The office manager or administrator helps run the overall business so that the rest of the dental staff can focus on patient care. They can perform many administrative tasks including payroll, record keeping, answering phones, scheduling appointments, taking payments, accounting, and even human resources. This role also manages the employees of the dental office, assigns tasks, and is often responsible for the hiring of employees.
“Administrative staff in a dental office help with day-to-day operations.”
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Treatment Coordinator
Patients who require follow-up care, whether it is a crown, bridge, or other dental procedure, are often taken to a treatment coordinator. Treatment coordinators in a dental office create a patient's treatment plan, present it to the patient, and then get their consent to move forward.
They are often very well-versed in dental insurance and the various plans and coverage. They may help patients in communicating with their insurance provider and can inform them of open enrollment periods. Treatment coordinators are also able to communicate the importance and value of a treatment plan to the patient.
“Treatment coordinators in a dental office create patient treatment plans, present them to the patient, and then get their consent to move forward.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is part of primary care staff?
Q. Who is the billing specialist?
Q. Who is a part of back-office staff?
Q. Who is a part of administrative staff?
Q. Who is considered a treatment coordinator?
People Also Ask
Q. What parts of treatment do dental hygienists help with?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. What services does a general dentist provide?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
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. Who is in charge of cleaning my teeth?
A. A dental hygienist is the dental staff member responsible for the removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth, along with polishing and flossing. They will also do various oral health screenings. Dental hygienists can also answer any questions you may have about preventative dental health.
Q. What does a dentist do?
A. A dentist handles the more complex dental procedures such as fillings or tooth extraction. They will also come in near the end of your regular dental appointment to look for any problems with your teeth and gums. During this time, you can also ask any questions you might have about your oral health.
Q. What does a dental hygienist do?
A. Dental hygienists conduct routine teeth cleanings and examinations. They are also responsible for preventative treatments, updating a patient's health history, screening for oral health conditions, and looking for areas of concern. During routine appointments, they remove plaque and tartar from teeth, polish and floss them, take X-rays, and discuss how to properly maintain dental hygiene at home.
Q. Will I need to see a treatment coordinator?
A. If the dentist decides you need follow-up care, a treatment coordinator will likely talk to you about the suggested procedure, why it's necessary, and any costs that are involved. This person can also discuss what your insurance provider may cover. Treatment coordinators will require your consent before moving forward with any plans.
Q. I have a billing question. Who should I talk to?
A. The billing specialists or office managers can handle the majority of billing questions. The billing specialists can follow up with your insurance provider to discuss coverage. They can also talk to you about payment options.
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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 253-336-0023 for an appointment. Our team offers comprehensive dental care for patients in Federal Way.
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 and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
- National Provider Identifier Database (1770035289). View NPI Registry Information
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