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MODULE REVIEW AND KEY POINTS

1. Dentistry has advanced over the years offering additional, longer lasting, and more
aesthetically pleasing treatment options for patients.

2. The role of a dental administrator can vary widely from office to office as they are involved
not only with managing the reception area, but many additional aspects of the business as
well. Each office has different needs depending on its size and number of employees.
Therefore, the administrator’s role will vary depending on the office in which they are
employed.

3. The Dental Health Care Team
Receptionist/Administrator: Manages the day to day and business operations of the clinic.
General Dentist: Practices general dentistry and oversees business operations.
Dental Specialist: General dentist who has obtained additional training and expertise in one
particular area of dentistry. Practices dentistry and oversees business operations.
Hygienist: Provides preventive care and non-surgical periodontal therapy to patients.
Assistant: Works alongside the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment.
Sterilization Assistant: Helps the hygienist and/or assistant with operatory turnover and
sterilization of instruments.
Lab Technician: Works outside the dental office in a dental laboratory and is responsible for
repairing and creating various dental appliances, restorations, and prosthesis.

4. Dental specialists the administrator will most commonly interact with:
Specialist Common Procedures
Endodontist: Root Canals
Oral Surgeon: Extractions
Orthodontist: Braces
Pedodontist: Child’s Dentist
Periodontist: Gum Tissue and Bone
Prosthodontist: Dentures/Tooth Replacement

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