Dental Receptionist
We are looking for a warm, professional and patient-focused Dental Receptionist to join our team at Hermitage Dental Practice.
As the first point of contact for our patients, you will play a vital role in delivering an exceptional patient experience. From answering the telephone and managing appointments to welcoming patients into the practice, you will help ensure every patient feels listened to, valued and well cared for.
We are a patient-focused practice and excellent customer service is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with people, has a friendly and approachable manner, and takes pride in providing a consistently high standard of service.
Previous dental experience is not essential. We are happy to provide full training in dental terminology, dental practice procedures, practice management software and the administrative processes involved in dentistry. What is most important to us is your customer service skills, communication, professionalism, attitude and willingness to learn.
We are also a progression-focused practice and are committed to developing our team. This role would suit someone who is ambitious, wants to develop their skills and would like to take on greater responsibility over time. For the right person, there is the potential to progress into a Senior Receptionist or Head Receptionist role in the future.
Key Responsibilities
- Greet patients warmly and professionally by name, ensuring they feel welcome, comfortable and valued.
- Provide an exceptional patient experience and consistently high level of customer service.
- Act as the first point of contact for patients both in person and over the telephone.
- Manage incoming calls, emails and patient enquiries promptly and professionally.
- Schedule, confirm and reschedule appointments using our practice management software.
- Manage the patient journey effectively, ensuring patients receive clear and helpful information.
- Communicate clearly and confidently with patients about appointments, treatment, practice procedures and general enquiries.
- Provide reassurance and support to patients who may be nervous or require additional assistance.
- Maintain accurate and confidential patient records, in line with GDPR and data protection requirements.
- Process payments and assist with billing and finance procedures accurately.
- Coordinate closely with dentists, nurses and the wider clinical team to support smooth patient flow.
- Ensure appointment diaries are managed efficiently and appropriately.
- Maintain a welcoming, professional and organised reception area.
- Complete general administrative duties, including filing, data entry and stock management.
- Support the wider practice team with day-to-day administration and reception duties.
- Contribute positively to the development and success of the reception team.
- Take responsibility for your own learning and development and actively seek opportunities to improve your knowledge and skills.
What We Are Looking For
- Excellent customer service skills are essential.
- A genuinely patient-focused approach and a desire to provide an excellent patient experience.
- A friendly, approachable and professional manner.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong written English and correct use of grammar are essential, particularly when communicating with patients and writing professional emails, letters and other correspondence.
- Previous experience in a customer-facing, healthcare, office, administration or reception role is desirable.
- Dental experience is not essential – full training will be provided.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- The ability to multitask, prioritise and remain calm in a busy environment.
- Confident computer skills and the ability to learn new systems and practice management software.
- A professional appearance and attitude appropriate for a healthcare environment.
- Reliability, initiative and a positive attitude.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Empathy and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of patients.
- A willingness to learn about dentistry and develop your professional knowledge.
- Ambition to develop and progress within the practice.
Training & Career Progression
At Hermitage Dental Practice, we believe in developing our people and creating genuine opportunities for career progression.
We are not simply looking for someone to fill a reception position. We are looking for someone who could grow with the practice and potentially become our Head Receptionist in the future.
You will receive training and support to develop your knowledge of dentistry, patient care, practice administration and our systems. As your confidence and experience grow, there will be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and develop your leadership, administration and team management skills.
For the right person, this could be the beginning of a long-term career within our practice, with progression towards a Senior Receptionist or Head Receptionist position.
Who We Are Looking For
Above all, we are looking for someone who cares about people.
You don't need to know everything about dentistry when you join us – we can teach you that. What we cannot teach as easily is a genuine commitment to excellent customer service and patient care, a positive attitude, strong communication skills and the desire to go the extra mile for our patients.
Your background could be in reception, hospitality, retail, customer service, administration, healthcare or another customer-facing environment. If you have excellent people skills and are willing to learn, we would love to hear from you.
If you are friendly, organised, patient-focused, ambitious and eager to learn, and you would like to build a long-term career with a practice that invests in its people, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £12.71-£14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
