Category: Dental Administration
How to Begin Your Career After Dental Office Administration Program
June 09, 2023
As a student, it is common to feel a slight sense of anxiety mixed with anticipation when you’re about to graduate from our dental office administration program at Medix College. While our program has equipped you with all the skills and knowledge to succeed in a dental office assistant career, it’s only natural to feel nervous about the future, especially when landing your first job.
Starting your career after dental office administration requires strategic planning, proactive networking, and utilizing the resources available. Dental office administration provides a solid foundation for various career paths within the dental industry, and the education and training help you to find your perfect role. An administrator in a dental office handles multiple administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, billing and insurance coordination, maintaining office supplies, and ensuring smooth dental practice operations.
Taking advantage of your externship, networking, and volunteering in the community is essential when looking for job opportunities. In this blog post, we will explore these key steps to help you kick-start your career after dental office administration.
Maximize Your Externship Experience
One of the most valuable aspects of our dental office administration course online is the opportunity to complete an externship. During this practical hands-on experience, you can apply your knowledge and skills in a dental office setting.
Treat your externship as a chance to learn, grow, and impress potential employers. Show professionalism, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. Take the initiative to ask questions, observe different aspects of the practice, and build relationships with the dental team. A successful externship can open doors to job offers or valuable references after your dental office administration program.
Network and Volunteer in Your Community
Networking plays a crucial role in career development. Attend dental conferences, workshops, and events where you can meet professionals in the industry. Join dental associations or organizations that offer networking opportunities. These connections can provide valuable insights, job leads, and mentorship.
Additionally, consider volunteering your time and skills at dental clinics, community health centres, or dental outreach programs. Volunteering not only helps you gain practical experience but also allows you to make meaningful connections with dental professionals who may be aware of job openings.
Look in All the Right Places as a Dental Office Administrator
Completing a dental office administration program is a significant accomplishment, and it provides a strong foundation for launching your career. While your training will undoubtedly assist you in finding your first position, taking the initiative and actively seeking opportunities on your own is essential.
Be sure to look for dental office administrator opportunities before you’ve completed your training. The earlier you begin your search, the better your chances of securing a job upon graduation. Contact dental practices in your area and inquire about potential openings or externship opportunities. Even if a practice is not currently hiring, they might keep your information on file or refer you to other practices that are hiring.
At Medix College, we prepare our students to be future-ready by exposing them to learning inside the classroom, in a lab, and outside the classroom. Our program encourages students to have a positive outlook and strive for goals despite challenges and obstacles, and this is done in just 26 weeks.
In today’s digital age, online platforms and job boards are invaluable resources for job seekers. Create a professional profile on LinkedIn and connect with dental professionals in your area. Join dental-specific groups and participate in discussions to showcase your knowledge and expertise. Many job boards regularly feature dental office administrator job postings. Before sending it out, remember to tailor your resume to the dental office administrator job description.
Are you interested in earning your dental office certificate?
Contact Medix College to learn how to obtain it.
FAQs
Q: What does an administrator do in a dental office?
A: An administrator in a dental office handles various administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, billing and insurance coordination, maintaining office supplies, and ensuring smooth operations of the dental practice.
Q: How to become a dental office administrator
A: To become a dental office administrator, apply forMedix College’s Dental Administrator Diploma Program.
Q: What is dental office administration?
A: Dental office administration refers to managing and coordinating administrative tasks within a dental practice.
Dental administration training prepares aspiring dental healthcare professionals for a future that’ll be spent providing administrative support around a dental office. The right training equips you with the relevant hands-on skills and knowledge required to function optimally in a dental healthcare facility. And with our Dental Administrator diploma program, you can get the proper training to set you up for a successful work experience.
If you’re interested in this career path, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right fit before you commit. Read on to learn more!
Why Dental Administration Training May Be Perfect for You
Dental Administration training prepares you for the task ahead and polishes your management and administrative skills to fit the role of dental administrator. At Medix College, you’ll partake in a 26-week-long Dental Administration program to earn your diploma.
During this period, you’ll take important Dental Administration courses, such as Dental Fundamentals, Basic Clinical Skills, Records Management, Dental Software, and more. After completing the program, you should be well-primed to excel in various dental administration roles in a dental/doctor’s office and other healthcare settings.
Here are three reasons dental administration training is right for you.
1. Detail-Oriented Individuals Will Thrive in Dental Administration Training
Dental administrators review patient records daily to sort out relevant information and update their medical data. They are also responsible for scheduling dentist appointments, sorting bills and insurance claims, and more. These tasks require careful attention to detail to get all essential specifics on paper or screen.
If you consider yourself very meticulous even when carrying out the most mundane tasks, you’ll be well suited for a future working in dental offices.
2. Communication Is Enhanced in Dental Administration Training
In most cases, the dental administrator is the first person a dental office visitor meets with. They are often responsible for relaying medical information to patients and interacting with dental practitioners, insurance companies, and equipment suppliers. Therefore, dental administrators must have good communication skills to complete daily work.
Our labs will prepare you for the working environment and any situation you may face. You’ll also be prepared to communicate effectively with people who are nervous and afraid.
3. Organization Skills Helps in Dental Administration Training
The dental office is a wheel that is constantly in motion, so it’ll always need someone (an administrator) to remove the clogs and grease the wheels for a good day at the office. In a Dental Administrator role, you’ll be required to carry out tasks like arranging patient records, drafting billing information, sorting equipment inventories, and much more – you may even be required to handle some tasks simultaneously.
If you can multitask when necessary to put things in order, you should be a good fit for dental administration roles.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in Dental Office Administration?
Contact Medix College to learn how you can get started.
FAQ
Q: What does a dental administrator do?
A: A Dental Administrator provides administrative support in a dental office. They also carry out several everyday tasks, including organizing schedules, sorting bills and patient records, ordering supplies and equipment, maintaining medical databases, and more.
Q: What is the NOC code for dental office administration?
A: The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code assigned to Dental Office Administrators in Canada is 1243. This code is set aside for medical administrative assistants and is categorized under Administrative and Regulatory Occupations.
How to Handle a Medical Emergency After Dental Administration Training
September 09, 2022
To most of us, dental offices seem to be quiet, slow-paced environments; however, as with any healthcare setting, medical emergencies can happen in dental clinics. If you’re seeking a career in dental administration, you’ll need to be familiar with the emergencies that could happen at your dental practice. In addition, you should be aware of the protocols in place to help mitigate risk and get emergency situations under control quickly and calmly.
As a dental administrator, you will be the glue that holds a busy dental office together and the reason it runs smoothly. What medical emergencies can you expect to see in your dental administration career? What tools do you have at your disposal to manage these distressing events? How should you lead emergency drills? We’ll explore the answers to these questions below!
Common Medical Emergencies You’ll Encounter After Dental Administration Training
The most common medical emergency you’ll come across is syncope, which is temporary unconsciousness in a patient due to insufficient blood flow to the brain. There are many reasons for this. For example, the dentist’s office can be a relatively stressful environment for physical and psychological reasons. Some procedures are painful and uncomfortable. Mental stress can come from phobias of needles, blood, or being put under anesthesia.
After dental administration training, you’ll also come across anaphylaxis, asthmatic attacks, complications from diabetes, airway obstruction, hyperventilation, and angina. That’s a lot of emergencies that could happen, but don’t worry, dental clinics are equipped with the tools you’ll need to manage these crises.
Have the Tools to Stay Prepared
Each dental office is equipped with machines that measure vitals, including temperature, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose levels. Emergency drugs like epinephrine for anaphylaxis and asthma attacks should be readily available. The personnel on a dental office team must be well qualified to manage medical emergencies; they should be able to perform basic life support (BLS) techniques and keep their CPR certifications up to date.
Medical emergency protocols can be life-saving as they provide step-by-step instructions for responding to a crisis. Having detailed protocols in an easily accessible area is a must for managing emergencies. One of the most important protections you have against medical emergencies is clear information, and as a dental administrator, you will be largely responsible for managing patient records in databases and dental software. When your team is aware of each patient’s medical risks, you’ll have the power to plan ahead and avoid emergencies.
Practice Makes Perfect
Just like any other workplace, dental offices should regularly run mock drills. This ensures that team members are comfortable with the protocols for responding to common medical emergencies. Someone needs to lead these drills–a responsibility that could certainly fall on you once you start working after dental administration college.
At Medix College, we offer you detailed lessons on dental fundamentals, dental software, records management, scheduling, billing, medical emergencies, and all the skills you’ll need to manage the challenges that come up in a dental clinic effectively.
Ready to start working on your dental office administration diploma?
Contact Medix College for more information!
Interested in Dental Administration Training? How Building These 3 Qualities Will Enhance Your Success
August 11, 2021
A dental administrator is responsible for ensuring the smooth operations of a dental office or clinic. They carry out a variety of tasks to provide vital administrative support and to enhance patient satisfaction. Along with essential administrative duties, dental administrators organize schedules, bill services, and collect and maintain medical databases.
The responsibilities of a dental administrator may vary from practice to practice. Those hoping to enter the profession should build a comprehensive and applicable skill set that will prepare them to take on the many facets of the role. From communication to organization to computer literacy, dental administrators can benefit from a wide range of skills and qualifications. Here’s a closer look at how you can ensure success in the workplace!
1. You’ll Need to be Skilled at Multitasking
As a dental administrator, no two tasks are the same. After dental administration college, you will be expected to handle many different duties, often at the same time and within tight deadlines. The ability to juggle multiple jobs is an extremely important skill. Dental offices can get busy, and managers will be counting on you to ensure that all essential tasks are completed. Often, it will be up to you to keep other staff members informed on urgent and pending duties, and to delegate tasks accordingly. For that reason, the ability to perform dynamic work under pressure is an invaluable skill in dental administration.
2. Practice the Use of Effective Communication
As a dental administrator, you’ll be the first point of contact for any patient entering the dental practice. For many patients, visiting the dentist can be an anxious experience, and they want to feel assured that their health is in good hands. After dental administration training, it’s your job to welcome each patient and to make their experience as smooth as possible. Developing a friendly and approachable manner will ensure your patients feel as comfortable as possible.
To the same effect, you’ll be expected to communicate complicated and sensitive information to patients on subjects such as health records, dental procedures, and concerns. Positive communication is a vital part of upholding the professional image of a dental practice and providing a high quality of service to patients.
3. Attention to Detail Is Key After Dental Administration College
Working in an administrative position in the healthcare industry requires you to handle sensitive patient data with a high degree of accuracy. As such, a dental administrator should have excellent attention to detail when managing records and communicating important information. Developing an organized and methodical approach to data entry will help you to avoid errors, manage procedures, and schedule efficiently. Attention to detail is a vital quality when your primary responsibility is to ensure patient safety and uphold trust in the practice. By demonstrating care and attentiveness, you can be well on your way to ensuring a successful career.
Are you interested in earning your dental office administration diploma?
Contact Medix College today!
Thinking About Dental Administration School? Here’s a Brief Intro to Oral Pathology
August 28, 2020
Dental office administrators can be found working in dental offices booking appointments, greeting clients, updating files, and processing bills. These dedicated professionals help to keep dental clinics running smoothly. To prepare them for this role, their training will include courses in a variety of topics. They’ll complete courses in records management, dental software, and effective communication—to name just a few. However, training to become a dental office administrator also involves learning a few things about the dental profession itself, including dental fundamentals and dental terminology. In fact, students also learn about oral pathology as part of their training.
What is oral pathology all about, and why is it helpful for dental office administrators to know about it? Here’s a quick intro to get you started!
What Is Oral Pathology All About?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, oral pathology is “the branch and specialty of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, nature and primarily non-surgical management of oral, maxillofacial and temporomandibular diseases and disorders, including dental management of patients with medical complications.” What this means is that all kinds of diseases and dental problems fall under the purview of oral pathology, from dental caries to oral cancer. When a dentist examines a patient’s mouth for sores, unusual lumps, or other signs of disease, that is the field of oral pathology in action.
Diseases That Are a Part of Oral Pathology
If you’re considering attending dental office administration college, you might be wondering which diseases are a part of oral pathology. As it turns out, oral pathology is a broad field that encompasses many different diseases. These include common diseases such as thrush and black hairy tongue. Thrush, also known by healthcare professionals as candidiasis, is a fungal disease that typically affects seniors, babies, and those with compromised immune systems. Black hair tongue, on the other hand, is most often found among smokers and people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. As its name implies, black hairy tongue involves the tongue developing a darker and fuzzier appearance. Fortunately, with the right dental care, it’s easily treatable. Of course, oral pathology also covers rarer as well as more serious illnesses, such as oral cancer.
Why Students Learn About Oral Pathology in Dental Office Administration College
If dental office administrators focus on booking appointments, communicating with clients, and updating files—rather than working chairside with the dentist—then why do they need to know about oral pathology? As it turns out, there’s a good reason why oral pathology is something that students learn about at dental administration school. For starters, it improves communication between dental office administrators and other dental health professionals. When a dentist mentions a particular illness, you’ll be able to properly understand them and avoid any confusion or miscommunication. This in turn helps the dental office operate smoothly and efficiently. Another important reason why students learn about oral pathology is that it helps them better understand the work taking place within the dental office, which helps to make them better dental office administrators. With such in-depth training, you’ll graduate feeling ready and confident to begin your career in a dental office!
Do you want to become a dental administrator?
Contact Medix College for more information about our dental office administration program!
The Success of Online Healthcare Training
June 23, 2020
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, students across the world are being forced to work from home. It’s no longer possible to have students and teachers together in classrooms, labs, or lecture theatres, as the risk of spreading the virus from person to person is too high.
At Medix College, a number of healthcare programs have been moved online. This means that students can continue their education and work towards a rewarding and fulfilling career, even throughout these unprecedented times. Read on to discover more about the success of online learning at Medix College.
No Need to Hit ‘Pause’
COVID-19 has put a lot of plans on hold for individuals and businesses. Vacations have been cancelled, product launches have been delayed, and employees have been furloughed. However, students do not need to hit pause on their studies. Online learning means that students at Medix College can continue to follow their ambition.
Popular programs, including pharmaceutical courses, fitness and health courses, and dental office administration courses, can now be completed online without even stepping out of your home. This is perfect for aspiring healthcare professionals that want to use this time to follow a new career path.
Online Healthcare Training is More Flexible
One of the many advantages of online learning is that it is much more flexible than traditional classroom learning. Students can learn from wherever they want as long as they have internet access. This means that there is no need to spend money or time commuting to school.
The extra time saved means that students might find it easier to balance their studies with other work and family commitments. In addition, outside of instructor-led classes, students can continue their learning at a time and pace that suits them. This extra flexibility could mean that students get more from their learning.
Improve Digital Skills
Students enrolled in fitness consultant courses and other online training programs might find that their digital skills quickly improve. Online classes use a variety of different e-learning software for video conference calls and other learning exercises. Students will learn how to use different software, and how to quickly adapt to new – and at first unfamiliar – methods of teaching.
Having the confidence to use new software and technology is a valuable skill in today’s workplace. Healthcare organizations will often introduce new software that staff will need to adapt to quickly. This is just one of the ways that online training will prepare students for future career success.
Prove That You Are Self-motivated and Hardworking
It can be difficult to adapt to online learning at first, especially if you are used to learning in the classroom. One of the main differences is that you will need to motivate yourself to study without an instructor or classmates around you.
This will help you to improve self-discipline and will also show future employers that you are self-motivated and capable of working independently.
Are you interested in online healthcare training?
Contact Medix College to learn more!
3 Ways to Create a Positive Work Environment in a Dental Administrator Career
January 21, 2020
For co-workers and clients, a positive environment contributes to efficiency and comfort. As a dental office administrator, there are a few ways you can create and maintain a pleasant place to both work in and visit.
Many dentists and hygienists understand the big role their administrators, secretaries or assistants play in the dental office. The dental office administrator is usually the person in the office that connects staff with clients, while also handling office organization and scheduling. If you want to become a dental administrator, here are a few ways to make sure your office is a positive work environment.
1. First Impressions Matter
If greeting clients and answering the office phone is part of your dental office administrator career, then this step is absolutely essential. Even if you are not always the person who answers the phone or greets clients, it is still important to make sure you are making the best possible first impression on clients, especially since you represent the entire dental office.
Before clients see or talk to the hygienist or dentist they already have an impression of the office. From the moment they call to make an appointment, their experience begins. It is important to be kind and empathetic when making a first impression on clients. This will contribute to making sure clients are comfortable and ready for sitting down with the hygienist and dentist.
2. Make Organization a Priority in Your Dental Administrator Career
From maintaining inventory to scheduling appointments and staff, to fulfilling any other administrative duties, organization is one key to success in your dental administrator career. If you are responsible for tracking and ordering supplies, you must maintain a clear coordination and organization system with your co-workers to ensure supplies arrive on time and do not expire before they are used.
When co-workers do not have to worry about running out of anything, or experience stress about schedule conflicts with co-workers or clients, they can focus on their jobs. When the office is organized, it is more likely everyone can relax and enjoy their work.
3. Follow Up with Clients and Communicate with Co-Workers
Another strategy to make sure your office is a positive place is to ask for feedback. With respect to clients, some dental offices conduct after-appointment surveys. The positive effects of these surveys are twofold. First, you can share any positive feedback you receive with your coworkers in order to boost overall morale. Second, you will know the ways in which the office can improve for clients.
With respect to co-worker communication, regular staff meetings where open communication is facilitated and encouraged will help maintain a good working environment for everyone. The same way dental offices can respond to client feedback, co-workers can respond to each other to improve. Regular and clear communication among co-workers will contribute to positive, efficient and safe work conditions for staff and quality care for clients.
Want to know more about what a dental office administration program has to offer?
Learn more from Medix College today!
Why Oral Pathology Matters in a Dental Office Administrator Program
January 02, 2020
Oral pathology is an important part of dental care. As an administrator and the backbone of a dental office, having a thorough understanding of all aspects of oral health will make you better at serving customers and working with your team. Because you will be handling files and paperwork, you need to understand what you’re looking at to interpret information.
Clients may also ask you questions, and when you have a basic understanding and can help them with their concerns, you not only soothe their worries but also represent the dental office better as a whole, showing competence, concern and professionalism. Read on for more about why oral pathology is a key part of your program!
Oral Pathology Explained for Dental Administrator Careers
Oral pathology is concerned with identifying and managing oral diseases and their causes. This also includes surrounding areas around the mouth, such as the jaw. Oral pathology screens for signs of these diseases, such as lumps, patches or sores. Oral exams are the most effective way to prevent and guard against these diseases, and oral pathology is a necessary part of recognizing dangerous signs and symptoms.
Though you won’t work directly with screening clients and assessing signs of oral disease, you will need to have an understanding of how it works for a dental administrator career. Since you are in many ways the glue that holds the office together, it’s important to be aware of different important aspects of the workplace.
Why Oral Pathology is Important to Keeping Clients Healthy
Clients’ habits can either encourage or discourage the occurrence of oral disease. Regular screening can help them change their lifestyle and choices to help them stay on or get on a healthy path. Activities like smoking or excessive drinking put clients at more risk of disease. In addition, personal and family medical history and age both play a role. Regularly being screened and given information protects clients. You will care about the people who receive dental care from your team and want them to have the best chance possible of staying healthy.
Clients may suffer from infections, herpes, salivary issues or cancer. These are problems that can often be prevented, but if they arise they require attention. Being able to catch diseases early in their progression is best for treatment, so oral pathology is a huge part of dental care and screening has an impact on clients’ overall health.
How Your Knowledge Will Calm Clients in a Dental Office Administrator Career
In your dental office administrator career, you will be a point person for clients to ask questions and voice their concerns. As the face of the office, you’ll be available to them when they are having trouble understanding their treatments or are anxious about something and want a little clarification. When you are informed in your position, you can better serve these clients.
Interactions with clients are just as important as the administrative skills you will learn in school. Having knowledge about dental care will build your self-confidence, as you’ll know that you can handle many questions that come your way. This confident attitude will help you relax and handle clients in a professional, calm and friendly manner. Before you know it, you’ll be seeing the effect you have on people in making their days a little bit brighter.
Are you looking for an excellent dental office administration program?
Contact Medix to learn more.
Working as a dental administrator will make you flex your multitasking muscles frequently, and your job will be to make sure office functions are running smoothly. As the glue holding a busy dental office together, you’ll have many duties on your hands, as you’ll likely be responsible for tasks like clerical work, financial/billing duties, taking phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Things can pile up as the days get busier, but with the right attitude and strategies, you can get through your workload with ease.
Read on to learn some important time management tips you can use throughout your career as a dental administrator.
Manage Your Tasks Effectively and Work Downward Based on Deadlines
Since you’ll probably be working in a fast-paced environment, it’s important you make sure you know which office tasks need to get done soonest and organize everything you have to do for the day based on time sensitivity. If your boss gives you something that needs to be done within a very timeframe, hold off on your other tasks and be sure it gets done. Making a list with a plan for your day is an important part of the job, but even more important is ensuring that all your tasks are completed in the correct order. Especially since you will likely learn how to maximize your efficacy with practice management while at dental administration school, the importance of prioritizing tasks cannot be understated.
Tasks can pile up in dental administration, but it’s extremely important to prioritize them
Manage Distractions Well in Your Dental Administrator Career
Working in a busy dental office can pave the way for all kinds of variables in your day at work. Appointments can get cancelled and rescheduled. Your information database on patients can fill up quickly. Tasks can unexpectedly get placed on your workflow at the last minute. Even random noises or your telephone ringing can act as a distraction and threaten your momentum. It’s important you don’t let these situations — or other such distractions — throw you off while working, as these are things you can’t necessarily plan for to begin with. Be calm and focused, and make sure you have a plan in mind for completing your tasks in case distractions show themselves.
Be wary of distractions, and stay focused on your day to day tasks
Multitask — But Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin
Just like in your practical training, you’ll be using dental software on the job for scheduling appointments and billing patients, among other things — and as we’ve said already, things can stack up quickly. Therefore, being able to multitask is extremely important for your dental administrator career. Although being able to jump between tasks easily is a great skill to have, it’s also important to remember that you shouldn’t let yourself get too easily overwhelmed. Be sure to focus on one thing at a time whenever possible, and don’t give yourself unnecessary stress by trying to flip between tasks at a lightning-fast pace. You can’t get everything done at the same time, so don’t push yourself further than your limits.
Are you interested in taking dental office administration courses?
Contact Medix for more information.
