Dental receptionists assist in the day to day
operations of a dental office. While formal education isn't required
for the position, many schools offer certificate and diploma programs in
dental assisting. Some of these programs are available partially or
fully online.
Overview of Online Dental Receptionist Courses
Dental receptionists handle a variety of office administrative
duties. They are responsible for setting appointments, updating dental
records and filing bills. Dental receptionists also work closely with
dentists to assist in patient treatment. Most training programs and
courses do not require previous experience or prerequisites aside from a
high school diploma or GED. While some schools offer dental
receptionist programs, others may provide broader
medical receptionist
training that applies to many types of clinics and medical offices.
Formal training in dental assisting is often not required to become a
dental receptionist, but it can lead to increased job opportunities.
Course Requirements
Courses require the use of a computer with Internet access and word
processing software. Students use online discussion boards and e-mail to
communicate with instructors and fellow students. Some courses may
require on-campus coursework or hands-on training at a local dental
office.
List of Online Courses
Dental Terminology Course
Dental terminology is taught to students in order to familiarize them
with the proper terms and names they will be using in the office and in
medical records. Oral anatomy, dental procedures and terminology are
common topics. In order to communicate with dentists, clients, insurance
and pharmaceutical companies, students must be comfortable using
specific dental terms.
Customer Service Course
Dental receptionists are usually the first person seen at a dental
office, and they handle customer billing and insurance. Receptionists
also engage in most telephone correspondence with patients, and
therefore they must have a professional and courteous manner. This type
of course teaches students how to effectively communicate with patients
while maintaining consistent professionalism. Proper phone manner,
letter writing and computer correspondence are also covered.
Students learn how to manage procedure estimates and setup dental
payment plans for clients. The course discusses dental fee guides,
software usage and codes. A dental receptionist has frequent
communication with various insurance companies, and this course
familiarizes students with insurance protocol and communication.
HIPAA Course
Laws, ethics and regulations are covered in this course. The Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) covers patient
privacy laws; this course explains compliance requirements and the
penalties for breaking them. Students learn procedures to keep patient
medical and financial information in a manner compliant with the HIPAA.
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