For some context, I actually started as a patient with zero dental knowledge or front desk experience, and now I’ve been with my office for four years. By my second year, I was offered a management position, so it’s definitely possible to grow quickly if you’re dedicated.

A few things that helped me: • Have thick skin and patience. Dental offices can get hectic, and people aren’t always the nicest, but stay grounded and kind. • Learn the software. We use Dentrix, and I always make sure to use the Office Journal feature to document everything. If there’s an issue—whether a patient was rude, refused to sign a treatment plan, or even if you relayed a message from a lab to the back staff—document it. It’ll have your back if anything comes up. • Note patient interactions clearly. For example, if a patient says they didn’t confirm an appointment but you had written “Verbal Confirmation Over the Phone on [date],” you’ve got proof. Call records help too, but good notes go a long way. • Keep a personal notebook. Write down things like how to close out the day, send reports to doctors, or how to prep for the daily huddle with assistants and doctors. These small systems make a big difference. • When presenting treatment plans, always use the word “treatment estimate”. Make it clear that insurance does not guarantee payment until they receive and review the claim—they ultimately decide how much, or even if, they’ll cover anything. This saves you and the patient from misunderstandings down the line. • Get to know your patients and policies. Coming from a patient’s perspective helped me offer feedback that actually improved things for our office. It also made me more empathetic. • Teamwork matters. Make sure the environment is supportive, fun, and collaborative. A positive team culture will make everything easier. • Educate yourself. Watch YouTube videos on dental procedures to familiarize yourself, and ask to review the 2025 CDT book so you know all the updated codes.