Looking for a job description for a dental operations manager? We’ve got you covered. 

From production goals to work schedules to OSHA regulations, we’ll help you write a solid description covering everything an operations manager is responsible for.

But first, let’s talk about what a dental operations manager is…

What is a Dental Operations Manager?

Dental operations managers are business managers. Most work for corporate dental offices that may have multiple specialties.

In many cases, the operations manager may be a stand-alone position or combined with other roles, such as office manager, dental treatment coordinator, patient coordinator, team lead, or dental receptionist.

Dental operations managers use other names, such as coordinator or office manager.

Now that you know what an operations manager is, let’s discuss what they do…

What Does a Dental Operations Manager Do?

Dental operations managers help manage the dental practice, ensuring patients receive quality treatment while maintaining a fun, safe, and positive work environment.

Production Goals. One of the most important goals for an operations manager is to ensure that the office meets its production and collection goals. This means you must fill appointments and ensure everyone pays for their service.

Hiring and Firing. A dental operations manager is responsible for hiring staff. This includes the application screening, interviewing, and hiring process. Overseeing staff means conducting regular evaluations and taking action when necessary. That means you’re responsible for hiring and firing…

Training and Education. Once you get the staff hired, now it’s your job to train them. As an operations manager, you’ll conduct onboarding and new hire orientations. Luckily, you may have a good lead assistant to help you. CEUs are also important to many dental staff, and as the operations manager, you’ll coordinate continuing education events too.

Work Schedules. The dental operations manager creates everyone’s work schedule, ensures all areas are filled appropriately, and takes responsibility for getting a temp when someone calls out. Good thing Princess Dental Staffing makes finding a temp easy!

Supervision. Dental operations managers supervise staff and ensure the smooth flow of patients within the practice. 

Rules Lawyer. Maintaining, updating, and enforcing policies is necessary for operations management.

Payroll and Benefits. Operations managers may oversee payroll, ensuring all employees have completed the proper documents and keeping appropriate records, such as timesheets. 

Accounting. In addition to payroll, an operations manager may also be responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank transactions, accounting reports, tax preparation, debt/asset management, and practice budgeting. You may work with patients to coordinate financial arrangements or work with insurance companies to secure payment. Following up with delinquent accounts is not always fun but sometimes necessary.

OSHA Compliance. Keeping the dental practice compliant with health and OSHA regulations is also part of the job..

Mediator. Operations managers usually manage staff issues, including problems and complaints. So get ready to put on your listening ear…

Manage Patient Care. Patient care is the most important part of the job. As operations manager, you’ll help to educate the staff and motivate them to achieve production goals while providing excellent customer service and high patient satisfaction.

Marketing. An operations manager may work with the dental practice owner to develop marketing to help the office gain new patients.

Supplies. Operations managers are responsible for maintaining office supplies and evaluating purchasing supplies and equipment costs.

Dental Operations Manager Salary

I’m sure you’re probably wondered how much a dental operations manager makes, right!?

According to Salary.com, Dental Operations Managers make between $59k to $80k. In the jobs we viewed, most operations manager positions paid between $70k and $ 120k per year.


Chris Lewandowski

Published June 19, 2023

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