Front Desk Receptionist for Dental Clinic (Bilingual)

Mission Neighborhood Health Center • San Francisco, CA

18d • $26 - $28

About The Position

Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC) is a nonprofit, multi-site community health organization providing comprehensive services in San Francisco’s Mission and Excelsior Districts. The Front Desk Receptionist works at the Dental Clinic and is responsible for front desk operations. The role requires strong communication, computer, and customer service skills, professionalism, and the ability to handle confidential matters. Applicants must be bilingual in English and Spanish. The position reports to the Dental Director and is regular, full-time, and non-exempt, with a starting hourly range of $26.18 to $28.13 and full benefits.

The receptionist welcomes patients and visitors, supports scheduling and general inquiries, explains services and insurance coverage, registers patients, maintains accurate records, collects payments, checks insurance eligibility, and explains referral processes. The role also includes attending assigned meetings and helping back staff when needed. Employment is conditional on providing the specified immunization documentation before the start date.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of front-desk experience in a dental office.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Excellent communication, computer, and customer service skills.
• Ability to act professionally and handle highly confidential matters.
• Provide documentation of current immunizations, including COVID-19 and MMR, and TB test results valid within the last two years, before the start date.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of dental terminology and previous experience in the dental field.
• Knowledge of computer data entry, information retrieval, and Microsoft Word.
• Familiarity with third-party reimbursement programs.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors, communicate potential delays, and help ensure patient satisfaction.
• Schedule appointments by phone, respond to general inquiries, and triage calls for providers.
• Explain procedures and services to patients, including what is covered by insurance or other service plans.
• Provide courteous, timely, and discreet customer service in person and by telephone.
• Interview new patients to obtain demographic information, register individuals and families, enter information into the computer, and initiate medical records.
• Renew and update established individual and family registration records, verifying that information is accurate and current.
• Determine payments according to protocol, collect payments, and maintain appropriate collection documentation.
• Check insurance eligibility before every appointment using the MNHC eligibility tool, make necessary updates, and contact patients about issues.
• Attend required staff and departmental meetings as assigned.
• Understand and explain the referral process to patients.
• Help back staff when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and the public; listen actively and respond clearly.
• Maintain confidentiality, follow ethical standards and organizational policies, and exercise sound judgment.
• Treat patients and visitors with dignity and respect for cultural differences.
• Follow detailed procedures, ensure accurate documentation and data, monitor equipment and processes, and maintain organized records.
• Produce accurate, thorough, and professional work and correct errors promptly.
• Collaborate with coworkers, support team problem-solving, and work effectively with people of varied backgrounds and levels.
• Complete work reliably and on time, maintain regular attendance and punctuality, and follow through on commitments.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with zero out-of-pocket expense under the base plan.
• Dental and vision insurance at no cost to the employee.
• Basic life insurance at no cost, with an optional voluntary plan.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution.
• Two weeks of vacation annually.
• 40 hours of paid educational leave.
• 12 paid holidays, a birthday holiday, two floating holidays, and 12 sick days per year.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
• Commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED