Dental Receptionist

Overview

Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) at the Dental Centre Hereford is seeking a proactive and welcoming Administrative Officer Dental Receptionist. This role is central to facilitating patient access to dental care by delivering efficient, friendly support both face to face and via phone and email. The position is full-time, 37 hours per week, with consideration for part-time job share arrangements due to operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for patients, ensuring polite and professional service in-person, on calls, and emails.
• Manage incoming telephone communications effectively, including thorough triage of dental emergency calls and coordinating with Dental Officers accordingly.
• Handle all voicemail messages, responding promptly or escalating inquiries when needed.
• Schedule and confirm patient appointments and recalls for entitled personnel to optimize clinical time and meet DPHC dental targets.
• Maintain clinical diaries, coordinate with clinicians to book appointments, and manage patient check-ins, including handling late arrivals or cancellations with clear communication.
• Provide administrative assistance to surgeries, Senior Dental Officer, and Practice Manager by completing routine tasks such as monitoring group inbox, answering standard queries, and highlighting complex cases.
• Prepare and record outbound lab packages using digital tools, manage postal deliveries via Garrison post room, escort visitors within the dental centre, and scan signed documents into electronic patient records.

Person Specification & Essential Criteria

• Professional, approachable demeanor with strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Trustworthy with high integrity and adept at handling confidential information.
• Positive, patient-centered attitude; reliability and punctuality are essential.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet work demands.
• Prior experience in reception, administration, customer service, or healthcare settings.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and effective time management.
• Competent with IT applications including Microsoft Office and electronic record keeping systems.
• Capacity to work independently as well as contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Behaviors Assessed During Selection

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Additional Information

• Salary is £27,866 annually with an employer pension contribution of £8,072 to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
• Work environment offers flexible working options, inclusion and diversity culture, free parking, gymnasium and swimming pool access, and Defence Discount Card benefits.
• No relocation expenses available for this role.
• A six-month probation applies for new Civil Service recruits.
• Travel expenses for interviews are not reimbursed.
• The MOD has a smoke-free workplace policy with minimal exceptions.
• Diversity and Disability Confident Scheme promote equal opportunity; however, interview opportunities may be limited during high volume application periods.
• Visa sponsorship is not provided; applications requiring it will be rejected.
• Candidates must declare outside interests post-interview for conflict of interest assessment.
• Zero tolerance applies to unacceptable behaviors such as bullying or harassment; prior dismissals for such conduct disqualify candidates.

Selection Procedure

• Applications require CV details including job history and qualifications.
• Applicants must submit a suitability statement (maximum 500 words).
• Assessment includes evaluation of behaviors and experience as stated above.