About this role
Job summary
Do you have excellent customer service skills? Are you able to work under pressure, multitask and deal with queries in an efficient and professional manner? If you answered yes, we've got the perfect role for you!
We are looking for a dental receptionist to be based at our clinic in Dartford West Health centre.
You will be greeting people on a daily basis; whether it be face-to-face or over the phone. The post involves using our IT system to make appointments, generate letters, check patient details, take payments and answer patients queries.This can be an extremely busy role so you must be able to work under pressure and be able to organise your time efficiently.
There may also be a need to work at other clinics on an adhoc basis.
The position is for 15 hours a week on Wednesdays and Fridays.You are not required to work weekends.
Main duties of the job
To ensure the smooth running of the community dental service (CDS) clinic providing full reception support to the department. The post holder will be required to provide administrative support for the dental service using dental software (training will be provided). Maintaining concentration in a busy office/reception environment Be able to multitask, dealing with a variety of queries. Remain patient focused to ensure quality of service delivery. We pride ourselves in demonstrating our service values to the patients we see. When required to assist patients with mobility difficulties within the dental reception
About us
So what else?
This is your chance to join a progressive and innovative service in a social enterprise that is patient and staff focused - you'll even have the opportunity to become an MCH shareholder. We encourage staff to get involved in exploring new ways of working and service development. We'll provide well established, in-service training, one to one supervision, and appraisals with regular support. You'll be able to develop your skills in a friendly and supportive team. The small print
Informal visits can be arranged on request. We will offer you the Scottish widows group pension scheme. MCH is considering merging with Kent Community Health Foundation Trust (KCHFT). If the merger goes ahead, the proposed transfer date is 30th September 2026 and this role will be subject to TUPE transfer to KCHFT.
Job description Job responsibilities
Communication and relationship skills Working closely with the duty dentist and dental nurse ensuring all necessary paper work is ready for them to be able to carry out their duties Ability to put patients at ease, dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds with varying degrees of need, this may include communicating with carers and support workers as and when required Contacting interpreters service to book as and when required Dealing with phone calls from patients, parents, carers, general dental practices and other medical professionals Regular contact via the phone with dental HQ, providing information as and when requested Communicating with other CDS receptionists regarding transfer of patient notes and sharing of information Attend team meetings when necessary to discuss existing procedures and future plans for the service Occasional note taking at team meetings Knowledge, training and experience Good customer care skills Professional telephone manner Good standard of education Computer skills Microsoft office / excel Maintain relevant statutory and mandatory training Flexibility to work in other dental clinics when required to ensure smooth running of service Work as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility in a changing environment. Ability to work independently using own initiative Analytical and judgement skills The post holder should:
Managing cash transactions taken when patients who are not exempt from NHS charges, including necessary banking processes. Ability to follow archiving procedures for archiving of patient records To be responsible for dealing with petty cash requests All of the above to be carried out in accordance with MCH policies and procedures.
Planning and organisational skills The post holder should:
Produce daily lists for clinics and inpatient sessions To contact patients that are on the clinics recall list to book appointments, confirming in writing when required and other general correspondence To liaise with other professional staff, e.g. doctors, GDPs, dental nurses and other healthcare professionals Maintain accurate and efficient appointment systems, waiting lists and recall systems for all clinical staff, ensuring clinic sessions are used effectively Prepare cash for banking including all necessary paper work ensuring ready for collection Assist in the management of dental claims Be responsible for the filing of patient records and x rays Proactively assist in reducing patient DNA and late cancellations To attend departmental team meetings Maintain statutory and mandatory training in accordance with MCH Policy Monitor stationary levels at clinic and submit request to dental HQ for more stock Physical skills When required, to assist patients with mobility difficulties with the dental reception area The post holder will be required to monitor and operate clinics using the dental sensei software The post holder will on occasion be required to travel between different dental sites to cover sickness and annual leave To adhere to the organisations policy for health and safety Responsibility for patient / client care The post holder should:
Ensure a professional and ethical level of communication and confidentiality is maintained in their day to day activity Ensure all patient information leaflets are up to date and available for patients and staff Develop and maintain accurate patient records, both paper based and electronic Responsibility for policy and service development implementation The post holder will be:
Responsible for ensuring that organisational policies, procedures and guidelines (including amendments and updates) are implemented within the service are adhered to within their own area of work. Responsibilities for financial and physical resources The post holder will be:
Receive payments from patients and issue receipts following the organisational standing financial instructions Ensure that reconciliation of payments are correct at the end of every day and documented following organisational standing financial instructions Prepare money for banking Maintain a cash float Responsible for dealing with petty cash requests Responsibilities for human resources (HR) To maintain own training in line with MCH policy To promote MCH values Act as a buddy demonstrating own area of work to new or less experienced employees such as apprentices or volunteers. Responsibilities for information resources To maintain accurate patient records both paper based and electronic To ensure all correspondence being sent from clinic adheres to MCH governance standards. Responsibilities for research and development (R&D) The post holder will be required to maintain competencies necessary for the role and to highlight any shortfall to the administration manager Freedom to act The post holder should:
Work within the service guidelines and be governed by policies and procedures outlined by the organisation
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Receptionist / Administration experience
Desirable
Medical or Dental administration experience
Skills Essential
Strong written communication skills and attention to detail IT Proficiency
Desirable
Knowledge of Word and Excel Knowledge of Dental Software
Qualifications Essential
English and Maths qualifications
Desirable
Customer Service qualification
MCH Values Essential
Caring and compassionate Working in partnership Delivering Quality and Value
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Medway Community Healthcare
Address Dartford West Health Centre
Tower Road
Dartford
DA1 2HA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.medwaycommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)