A working interview as a dental receptionist? 

I already went in for the interview; I thought the next step was potentially being offered the position at the dental office.

Instead, I got asked to a working interview as a dental receptionist. 

I thought working interviews were only for dental hygienists or assistants, not receptionists — Is this you? Is this a question you have? 

Good news, in this article we are going to answer it and more! 

Because we are going over information on basic work expectations for a dental receptionist, frequently asked questions about dental receptionist working interviews and tips for when you go in for your working interview as a dental receptionist. 

Let's get started . . . 

Basic Work Expectations for a Dental Receptionist

As some of you may be aware, dental receptionists play an essential role in every dental office or clinic.

A dental receptionist is a patient's potential first point of contact in a dental office, ensuring that every patient is greeted and taken care of and their last point of contact after their appointment, assisting them in paying, rescheduling, and exiting the dental office.

Furthermore, dental receptionists perform a wide range of tasks, which can include:

  1. Greet: Greet patients as they arrive
  2. Phones: Answer the phones. 
  3. Schedule: Schedule appointments, cancel or reschedule as needed, and cancel patient appointments. 
  4. Billing:  Fill out and upkeep both insurance forms and dental billing records for dental patients

Now that we have a foundation for the primary and essential work expectations for a dental receptionist, let's take a look at FAQ'sFAQ's for assistant working interviews . . . 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Receptionist Working Interviews

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about dental receptionist working interviews: 

1. Dental Receptionist: What is a Working Interview? 

A working interview is an opportunity for a dental receptionist applicant to demonstrate their abilities to a dental office. You could work as a dental receptionist for a few hours, an entire day, or even a few days. The length of time and number of hours are discussed and agreed upon by you and the prospective employer.

2. Do Dental Receptionists Do Working Interviews? 

Although a dental assistant or hygienist is often asked to do a working interview, dental receptionists can also be asked to complete a working interview before being offered a position. 

3. Will I Get Paid for a Working Interview as a Dental Receptionist?  

Yes, you should be compensated for the working interview. When arranging and setting up a working interview with a potential employer, make sure to confirm this.

Using an online staffing platform, such as Princess Dental Staffing, is a great way to ensure that you will be paid!

When a dental receptionist working interview is set up as a temp request on the Princess Dental Staffing platform, the hours and hourly rate you will be paid for your time are known because the hours are set by the employer. The hourly rate is pre-set by you as the candidate when you are chosen for the working interview.

Now, on to our tips and tricks for impressing your potential employer during your working interview . . . 

Tips to Excel and Impress at your Dental Receptionist Working Interview

When it comes to tips for excelling and impressing potential employers at working interviews as dental receptionists, what comes to mind are the 8 tips we offered as dental front office receptionists tips in a previous blog: 

1. Be Adaptable: Adaptability is a must-have skill.

2. Be Ready to Impress: Establishing a good first impression is key. 

3. Be Aware: What are the needs of the patients and or co-workers? 

4. Be Organized: organization is essential to a successful and productive day as a receptionist. 

5. Be Effective with Time: Time management is your friend and ally. 

6. Be Excellent: Excellent Customer Service = Regular Patients (Profitable dental office)

7. Be Detail Oriented: Details matter.

8. Be Passionate: Love what you do and your impact in the dental field. 

Last Tip: Send a Thank-you Card or Email as a Follow-up.

In some scenarios, employers will give you the position after the dental receptionist working interview, while others may not. 

Whichever the outcome is, thanking them for the chance with a simple note or email creates a lasting impression. 

Want information on writing a thank you letter after a dental receptionist interview or working interview? Check out our guide


Chris Lewandowski

Published February 08, 2022

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