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Office Roles: Who Am I Talking To?

Dental Office Team

Most busy dental practices have lots of different staff members with unique roles. Patients may not know who all of the different people are in the office. Dental staff teams feature dental providers, dental laboratory workers, administrative workers, and billing personnel.

Our dental office provides a variety of services at Desert Bloom Dentistry in Safford and the surrounding area. The office workers and dental providers work together to deliver quality patient care. Our goal is for our patients to get a smooth and positive experience, from the first phone call contact when making an appointment to finishing up a dental treatment.

The team of dental staff at our office works to give you the most appropriate treatment for your oral health. Learn about each type of staff member in our office and what they do. The next time you need an appointment, call us at (928) 428-1617 and witness our commitment to our patients.

Primary Care Staff

Primary Care Staff

The most familiar people patients know and interact with at the dental office are the primary care staff members: dentists and dental hygienists. These dental professionals deliver care to patients by examining the patient, taking X-rays, cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and more.

Dentists have acquired years of training to be able to diagnose and treat oral conditions and issues. Dental hygienists have also undergone several years of preparation in the field to do their jobs. These professionals have additionally taken part in clinical training experiences in their preparation.

Both dentists and dental hygienists also must meet strict licensing requirements in order to treat patients.

Back-Office Staff

Other key employees in a dental office are those working in the back. The back-office staff team mainly consists of dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians. Dental assistants may work alongside primary care staff members, delivering patient care. They also work with back-office staff doing a variety of tasks related to the dental lab.

Dental lab technicians usually do not work directly with patients. Instead, they typically work in the dental lab restoring dental appliances, constructing bridges and dentures, fabricating crowns, and assembling orthodontics. Some dental lab technicians earn certifications demonstrating a commitment to high-quality lab work.

The back-office staff team mainly consists of dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians.

Back-Office Staff
Administrative Staff

Administrative Staff

Patients interact frequently with the dental staff members on the administrative team. The administrative staff for a large practice may feature a big team of office workers. Administrative staff members for a dental office do not participate in the treatment or care patients get. Instead, they are facilitators and coordinators for scheduling, communication, and insurance paperwork.

Receptionist: Dental receptionists are administrative workers who primarily focus on communication. They often answer phones and take messages from dental providers. In the office, they may also greet patients and direct them to fill out paperwork.

Administrative Assistant: Some practices also have administrative assistants working with dental providers. Dental office administrative assistants generally are responsible for communication and office tasks for specific providers. They may also help with organizing patient files, data entry, and other essential administrative tasks.

Office Manager: Most dental practices have an office manager who supervises the administrative staff and tasks for the entire practice. This key position may also be responsible for recruiting staff, hiring team members, and training new employees.

Treatment Coordinator

Patients may encounter a dental office treatment coordinator. This position works with patients to give an overview of extensive dental care, such as crowns, dentures, dental implants, or bridges. Coordinators help plan out the series of appointments and give patients a financial estimate of the cost of the treatment plan. They also work with the provider to determine the optimal course of treatment for patients.

This position works with patients to give an overview of extensive dental care, such as crowns, dentures, dental implants, or bridges.

Treatment Coordinator
Billing Specialist

Billing Specialist

Another staff member with whom patients may communicate within a dental office is the billing specialist. As part of the front-office team, this role manages billing matters for dental treatments. They are generally the person to whom patients can speak about treatment options and payment plans.

Billing specialists may be responsible for taking payments from patients, forwarding paperwork to the insurance company, and calling patients who have past-due balances. When there is a need for extensive dental treatment, the billing coordinator helps price out the treatment plan.

Billing specialists may be responsible for taking payments from patients, forwarding paperwork to the insurance company, and calling patients who have past-due balances.

DENTAL STAFF

Frequently Asked Questions


What should patients look for when choosing a dental office team?

When choosing a dental office team, patients should look for a few key qualities. First, ensure the dentists and hygienists have proper credentials and licensing. Second, consider the office environment - is it clean, organized, and welcoming? Third, evaluate how staff communicate with you - are they attentive to your needs and clear in their explanations? Finally, check reviews from other patients, insurance acceptance, and whether the practice offers the specific services you need. At Desert Bloom Dentistry, our team strives to exceed expectations in all these areas.


How do I schedule an appointment with dental staff?

Scheduling an appointment with our dental staff is simple. You can call our office directly at (928) 428-1617 during our business hours (Monday to Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, selected Fridays 8:00 am - 1:00 pm). Our friendly receptionist will help find a time that works with your schedule. You can also request an appointment through our website. When you call, please have your insurance information and calendar ready to streamline the scheduling process.


Who do I contact in the dental office for billing questions?

For any questions related to billing or insurance, you should contact our Billing Specialist. They are experts in handling all financial matters, including insurance claims, payment plans, and explaining treatment costs. You can reach our billing department by calling our main office number at (928) 428-1617 and asking to speak with the billing specialist. They can assist with understanding your insurance coverage, discussing payment options, and addressing any concerns about your dental bills.


Who should I talk to in the dental office if I have a concern about the practice?

If you have a concern about our practice, we recommend speaking with our Office Manager. They oversee all operations and can address any issues regarding staff, procedures, or your overall experience. For concerns about your specific treatment, speaking directly with your dentist or dental hygienist is appropriate. We value patient feedback and take all concerns seriously. You can always call our office at (928) 428-1617 to discuss your concerns or schedule a time to speak with the appropriate staff member.


How does the dental staff assist patients during the first visit?

During your first visit, our dental staff assists in multiple ways to ensure a smooth experience. First, our receptionist will greet you and help with your new patient paperwork, including medical history and insurance information. Dental assistants will guide you to the treatment room and may take initial X-rays. The dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning, while the dentist conducts a comprehensive examination and discusses any findings. Our administrative team will explain your treatment plan, costs, and schedule future appointments if needed. Throughout your visit, all staff members are available to answer questions and ensure your comfort.


Contact Our Team for Your Next Appointment

No matter what their role is, every member of our staff is committed to giving patients a great experience. Call us at (928) 428-1617 for an appointment. Our team offers comprehensive dental care for patients in Safford.

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Practice Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Selected Fridays: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

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