A Dental Assistant wanting to become a Front Office?

I went to school to become a Dental Assistant, which now I don't think its for me and I had a real bad experience. I really want to work in the front office, but everywhere wants you to have the Dental software experience. Anyways how can I get that if no one whats to hiring me and train me? Is there anywhere I can get experience on the software? Any advice???





Thanks

A Dental Assistant wanting to become a Front Office?
I am a dental assistant. I have had many bad experiences in the last 8 yrs. I've been verbally abused, screwed over on pay, almost attacked by instruments flying when a procedure goes wrong.....( Dentists are a rare breed) (Sorry dentists'! I wanted to be one and still think about it, so don't be mad!)....You grow a thick skin over the years. When I first started in this field, I thought everything was my fault. I cried alot. I came to realize that the blame is put on me, because I am the assistant. "The dentist is always right!" If you remember that phrase, you'll do fine as an assistant. Sometimes, they don't realize how they are acting. Some of them need to be put in their place! It depends on the person you are working for...... In the long run, an assistant will have a higher salary than a receptionist. Especially if you are cross trained.


In my case, I stuck it out in many offices, to gain more knowledge. Then, with more confidence, I would move on to another office and demand a higher salary. That job would lead to more awful experiences and I would continue the cycle. If you stick it out long enough, you WILL find your "dental home". And gain front and back office experience. You will be more valuable being "cross trained". More money!!!!


The way I look at it know is, as long as I don't get fired, I am gaining knowledge in the dental field and making money. In NJ an RDA can make between $20 and almost $30/ hr.


When I first came out of school, I didn't know the first thing about real assisting. I had book knowledge, but no actual chairside. Only what I read in a book. The first time I took an x-ray on a real person......OMG....I felt so bad for that guy!!!


I almost gave up, but I found a dentist that understood my situation and was patient with me. Being totally honest on an interview can go a long way. Feel out the dentist before you get honest!!! If he/she is laid back, let er rip! (If they are up tight....you don't want to work for them anyway, so say whatever...) " I am school trained, but I would love to gain as much knowledge from you as I can. My chairside skills definately need improving, and I am hoping you and I can work together on perfecting my skills. I know every dentist has a different technique and I would like the opportunity to gain as much knowledge from you as possible. My school training has provided me with the beginning blocks to build on my career." Those are great words!!!!


I was school trained, as well ( in NJ). We also learned alot about the front desk. Basics, like, appointment making and money managment..... Did you? If so, put that on your resume....Sell yourself. Even if you don't know the first thing about the front desk (if front is really where you feel you should be).....you'll get hired if you are confident and make it sound like you know more than you do ( Always mention that you have assisting experience as well as front desk, even if you don't). When asked, " Do you have Dentrix experience? ", say, " I do not have Dentrix experience, but I do have computer and dental knowledge. I'm sure I can figure out your system within a few days.


Dentrix and all of the other software is so easy to learn....it'll take you no time! You are using a home computer....you have basic computer knowledge. Technically you are not lying. You are just not saying that you have never used a dental system before. ( They are so easy once you get the hang. ) Once you can make an appointment, everything falls into place.


Insurance? I'm sure you learmed something about insurance in school. PPO- you can go to any dentist ( If they participate w/ the ins. co. benefits will be paid in full, if not, ins. co. fees will be covered, pt. is responsible for the rest.. HMO- you must go in network. When asked," Do you have insurance knowledge?" "Yes, I learned about insurance in school. I'm sure I don't know all there is to know, but I know the basics."


All you need to know in the beginning is how to file a claim (most likely on the computer) and how to dial the ins. co. phone # to get a "break down of benefits", for a patient.


If you have been in this field for a short time, I really suggest you try to tough it out for a bit longer! In the long run, you will make good money (especially if you can be cross trained, with an x-ray license.) You'll be hired by anyone! Dentists' will be baning down your door, because if you can work front desk and assist when needed, you're GOLD!!!! If someone calls out sick...you can do both...they don't have to pay a temp!


I hope I helped a little. I would love to help more if I can! I have experience in both back and front and would love to answer any ?'s you have. Please feel free to email me! I think my address is on my profile.


I'll try to teach you as much as I can about Dentrix and all the dental programs, so that you can land a great job.


I totally know where you are coming from! Good luck! I hope to hear from you!
Reply:Without paying for a class somewhere, it seems like the best way is to learn on the job. An entry-level position will probably be the way to go, if you can find an office that needs someone. Most busy offices could use an extra hand. I think most want someone who is a quick learner, and feels comfortable using a computer, and has good keyboarding skills. But more importantly, that handy phrase "a team player" is really true for front office, in addition to learning how the practice's schedule is set up and general policies.


If someone has other answers, I sure would be interested in learning about them!


P.S.: You have received excellent advice from the other answerers, and their experiences ring true. Perhaps you shouldn't give up just yet on assisting. You purposely went to school to learn more about it, so don't let that go to waste. Improve your skills, learn new ones, and keep in mind that the dentist is not perfect, but most think they are, and so must you. Learn to anticipate. Experience will bring you greater confidence in yourself and your ability to work well under pressure, whether in assisting or front desk.
Reply:Have you tried the American Dental Association? They sometimes have trainings that people can attend.





I was lucky enough to find a dentist that was willing to train me....in the office to be promoted to chairside...





However, if it were me, I'd definitely try the ADA. If nothing else, maybe they have some info they can share with links or something. It can't hurt to try
Reply:Try again with the assisting, if you liked it in school. I worked for a jerk for a while, and was lucky enough to find a great one on my second try. Dentists are a rare breed, as someone said before me. The doctor I currently work for is great and has a wonderful personality. However, his wife tells me that he wasn't always so easy to get along with. She said that when he first started, if a room wasn't set up perfectly, he would leave and say come get me when you get it right. That's actually mild for many doctors. However, if you find a good one, they are gold. No matter what, treat him with respect, and keep a notebook in your pocket to write down things that he seems to find important. Many times they are so picky about certain things, and not so much on others. Ask senior assistants for a manual that shows tray/room set-ups and other things that will help you during the beginning. Always remember it takes at least a year to be fully trained, even if you went to school. During the entire time you are an assistant, be learning everything you can about the software. Most times, an assistant uses it as much as the front office, so if you still decide you don't want to be an assitant, you'll have the basic knowledge of the software. Many of the dental software companies offer training courses as well. I know Dentrix does. I can also help you with Dentrix. It is really easy to use and extremely user-friendly. I am familiar with Dentrix G2.
Reply:I've been a Dental Office Manager for years. Yes, one of the things I look at is actual experience for the position I'm hiring for. But it isn't the only thing. I look at the person's poise, previous work experience and ask a lot of questions. The front office is not difficult to train someone in if they have the right basics. The last receptionist I hired had no dental knowledge. I knew her through a business she had been working at. In 2 years she went on to manage a dental office with multiple doctors, and is very successful. The biggest thing is to be positive, do your research and have confidence. The typical down side to the front office is dealing with some very rude and hostile patients. You will find them everywhere. It is the responsibility of the front office to listen first and then calmly respond to this type of patient. If you are short fused, then the front office is not for you.
Reply:All great answers... but I just wanted to add that not one person who works at the front desk was born with that knowledge of how to do it... they all learned at one point. As far as the Dental Programs: they were trained by a rep from the software company... so they should be able to train you in return.





Good luck with finding a front desk position!





:)

hiking boots