Dental Office Intern

Job Purpose

Function as a learning and support role within the dental office, rotating through both front office and clinical/sterilization areas. Under the direction of the Office Manager and clinical staff, the intern gains hands-on experience with patient interaction, basic administrative tasks, and infection-control procedures while supporting the daily operations of the practice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Exercise excellent customer service while interacting with patients both over the phone and in person.
• Assist with checking in patients and completing patient registration under the direction of the Office Manager.
• Assist with scheduling and confirming patient appointments within operational standards.
• Learn insurance verification procedures and help confirm coverage and benefit limits prior to patient visits, as directed by the Office Manager.
• Sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, and help prepare treatment rooms under the supervision of clinical staff.
• Learn and comply with state and Federal OSHA laws, infection control, and safety standards, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and properly disposing of contaminated or bio-hazardous materials.
• Help ensure treatment rooms are appropriately equipped and stocked with inventory, and notify the Office Manager when supplies need to be re-ordered.
• Participate in morning huddle, chart review and all routine office meetings as necessary.
• Understand and abide by HIPAA regulations and maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Assist with keeping the front desk, treatment, and sterilization areas clean, organized, and neat, and attend continuing education and training seminars as scheduled.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic clerical and administrative skills.
• Excellent customer service skills with professional and courteous phone etiquette.
• Basic knowledge of insurance and dental terminology helpful.
• Basic computer knowledge; working knowledge of Microsoft Word required and Microsoft Excel preferred.
• Experience with dental software such as Denticon helpful.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and follow written and verbal instructions in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment.