Dental Receptionist

Job summary

22.5 hours per week, possibly over 5 days (Mon-Fri)

The Dental Service Receptionist serves as the first point of contact for patients accessing the dental service and plays a key role in delivering a professional, welcoming, and patient-centred experience. The post holder is responsible for responding to patient enquiries, providing administrative and reception support, and ensuring effective communication between patients and the clinical team. Working with support from supervisory staff when required, the post holder will frequently interact with patients who may be experiencing pain, discomfort, anxiety, or distress. A compassionate, proactive, and solution-focused approach is essential to ensure patient needs are addressed efficiently and sensitively while maintaining a high standard of customer service.

Please note that this role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7-day service.

Job share(s) considered

Main duties of the job

Act as the first point of contact for patients, carers, visitors, and members of the public, providing a professional, courteous, and responsive service.

Receive and manage telephone calls and enquiries for Plymouth Community Dental Services Ltd, including requests relating to access to emergency dental treatment and general service information.

Respond to and resolve routine queries, escalating complex issues to the appropriate clinical or managerial staff when required.

Liaise effectively with dental teams, healthcare professionals, and external organisations to facilitate patient care and ensure smooth operation of the service.

Provide accurate information and support to patients and carers, ensuring confidentiality is always maintained.

Contribute to the efficient administration of the service by maintaining effective communication and coordinating appointments and patient-related enquiries.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Details

• Date posted: 29 June 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 2
• Salary: £25,272 a year pa, pro-rata
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern: Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
• Reference number: B9832-2026-AC-1979
• Job locations: Plymouth Community Dental Services, The Dental Access Centre, 1a Baring Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8NF, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Reception Duties

Welcome and check in patients on arrival, ensuring records are accurate and up to date, process patient payments by cash, card, issuing receipts where required.

Verify patient eligibility for NHS exemptions and ensure supporting evidence is recorded in accordance with practice procedures.

Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and comply with GDPR and practice policies.

Assist patients in completing medical history forms, patient registration forms, and other required documentation, providing support where necessary.

Arrange follow-up appointments and manage appointment bookings in line with clinical instructions and service protocols.

Explain the practice complaints procedure to patients and provide guidance on how to lodge a complaint if required

Liaise effectively with dentists, dental nurses, service managers, and external agencies to support patient care and practice operations.

Provide a professional, empathetic, and patient-focused service when dealing with difficult, distressed, or special needs patients.

Respond to patient enquiries in person, by telephone, and electronically, always ensuring a high standard of customer service.

Support the smooth day-to-day running of the reception area and maintain a welcoming environment for patients and visitors.

Telephones

Accurately enter, update, and maintain patient records using Dentally practice management software.

Receive incoming patient calls, obtain and verify patient details, and document reasons for contact.

Record detailed information for urgent dental concerns and ensure cases are referred appropriately for clinical triage.

Verify and process patient exemption status and update records accordingly.

Book, amend, and cancel appointments in line with practice protocols and clinician instructions.

Manage appointment diaries efficiently to maximise utilisation and minimise missed appointments.

Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information in accordance with GDPR and practice policies.

Provide a professional, empathetic, and patient-centred service always.

Communicate effectively with patients, including those with additional needs, disabilities, or challenging behaviours.

Arrange interpreter services to facilitate effective communication with patients whose first language is not English.

Handle patient enquiries, concerns, and complaints professionally, escalating issues where appropriate.

Liaise with dentists, hygienists, nurses, and other members of the practice team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Ensure accurate completion of administrative tasks and maintain high standards of record keeping.