Dental receptionist

Job overview

Were hiring a Full Time Receptionist - Gloucestershires City Campus

Competitive Salary: £26,299.63 per annum, pro rata

Location: Gloucestershires City Campus, alongside the three counties dental school

Hours: 37.5 hours

Join Smile Together as we continue to grow in Gloucester! Following the successful opening of Quayside Dental Centre in July 2026, were preparing to open our second dental practice in the city, a brand-new, purpose-built clinic at Gloucestershires City Campus, anticipated to open in early 2027.

About the Role:

We are looking for caring, motivated Receptionists to join our new friendly, patient-focused team.

You will be the first point of contact, managing appointments, handling enquiries, supporting administrative processes, and creating a positive and professional first impression.

Job description

What Youll Do Welcome patients at reception, manage appointments, respond to telephone and email enquiries, and ensure a smooth patient journey from arrival to departure. Process payments, maintain accurate patient records, and support administrative systems in line with practice policies. Work as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering care both in-practice and, when required, through community and outreach programmes. Engage with patients compassionately, helping to reduce anxiety and ensure they feel welcomed, informed, and supported at every stage of their visit. Assist with administrative duties including record-keeping, stock control, patient preparation, and general front-of-house organisation

What Were Looking For:

• A friendly, positive, and professional attitude with a passion for patient care.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to adapt within a dynamic clinical environment.
• Commitment to ongoing development and maintaining high clinical standards.
• Enthusiasm for Smile Togethers mission of improving oral health and reducing inequalities across Cornwall.

Job responsibilities

Job Summary:

The post holder will be required to work as part of the practice reception team to ensure our patients are well looked after when they contact and visit us. The post holder will be required to provide a reliable, efficient and timely front of house service to ensure we exceed patient expectations at every visit and provide a first-class patient experience. You will be passionate about making a difference to the patients you see and deal with on a daily basis.

You will be required to provide reception cover at other Smile Together locations.

Key accountabilities:

When working as a receptionist the post holder should have a smart, professional appearance at all times and always have a positive demeanour

You will understand what a receptionist can do for the patient, communicating to each individual to maximise the patient returning

On occasions you will be required to visit and work from other locations where you will need to integrate as part of the local team

Maintain and develop your continuing professional/personal development according to agreed training needs via our Smile Together Training Academy

Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the Practice Managers and Smile Together Management Team

Play a valuable part in contributing to the success of our organisation

Be an ambassador for the companys vision, mission and values and demonstrate related behaviours

To professionally represent Smile Together as an ambassador for the company in this role, leading by example

Skills a Dental Receptionist will be expected to have:

• Answer the telephone in a friendly, helpful and professional manner
• If required, and after appropriate training, provide assistance for the Call Handling team
• Welcome all patients arriving at the practice and direct them to the appropriate waiting area
• Communicate appropriately with patients, visitors, suppliers and the dental team
• Ensure patient confidentiality at all times
• Know what information is required from the patient and ensure accurate inputting of data onto the computer
• Understand the returning patient
• Ensure that patient records are kept up to date and manual records (where necessary) are filed in an efficient, tidy and secure manner
• Manage the reception area and maintain the reception as a welcoming, pleasing, tidy and orderly area, which is checked regularly throughout the day
• Full understanding and compliance of the diary management and best practice procedures
• Deal with complaints with confidence and according to the Complaints Policy
• Have knowledge of the clinical services provided, undertaking fact finding and sharing knowledge from other team members, ensuring information is clarified by the dentist
• An understanding of NHS vs private dental services and alternative services that are available in the practice, in order to provide patients with all available options
• Anticipate patients anxieties and answer questions, referring to literature, the clinician or Practice Manager as appropriate
• Make sure that only practice communication is dealt with at the reception desk and private or business matters are dealt with away from the reception desk and in an appropriate manner
• Able to handle difficult or aggressive customers with confidence
• Able to deal with difficult situations to bring to a satisfactory resolution in line with the Complaints Policy
• Deal effectively with patients by displaying a professional, courteous and empathetic approach both face-to-face and by telephone
• Continually look to improve ways of meeting or exceeding customer expectations

Clinical procedure:

• To follow the start and end of the day procedures as directed by the Practice Manager
• Understand and know your practice and local area and be involved in the marketing of the practice
• Understand and be confident in the use of the computer system, using the initiative to check all data regularly
• Ensure knowledge of and adherence to clinical policies and procedures in relation to:
• Telephone procedure
• Emergency bookings
• FTAs, Recall and Referral systems
• Lab process
• Waiting room protocol
• Post
• Complete any administrative tasks allotted to the receptionist by the Practice Manager
• Understand the NHS administration and completion of forms
• Be aware of the handover procedures to other receptionists and use the diary system to message other receptionists
• When necessary, knowledge-share and support the training and development of other receptionists
• Arrange as directed, attend and participate in team meetings to enhance communication within the practice
• Understand the different roles within the practice and the reception requirements
• Make a positive contribution at practice meetings and support dentists and other colleagues in achieving their goals
• Support Smile Together Management Team decisions and demonstrate expected behaviours as an example to others

Retail:

Ensure patients are offered the retail products which are available for sale in the practice by checking if any recommendations were made by the dentist or hygiene therapist and also by making patients aware of what products we have available

About the organisation

What Makes Us Unique?

Employee-Owned: Be more than an employee become a co-owner, shaping the future of Smile Together.

B Corp Certified: We use business as a force for good, socially, environmentally and eithically

Community Focused: Every day, we work to improve the health and wellbeing of Cornwalls residents, with special attention to vulnerable and underserved communities.

Mentorship and Professional Development:

Well help you develop your skills with access to our Smile Together Training Academy, including a paid subscription to Agilio for continuous professional development, mentorship opportunities, and unique chances to work across Cornwall, including in our Mobile Dental Unit.

Workforce Benefits Package:

Occupational pension scheme, 27 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), National Living Wage Employer, and an extra paid day off to celebrate your birthday!

Unique Employee Ownership Benefits:

Shareholder Opportunities: Have a real voice in shaping the future of our employee-owned company.

Health and Wellbeing:

Comprehensive Wellbeing Support: Through our Health Assured Programme, youll have access to tools for mental and physical health, including 24-hour helplines, structured therapy, and more.

Sound Exciting?

Heres How to Apply: Please send a copy of your CV and a Cover Letter to joinus.smiletogether@nhs.net, or apply online here.

Person specification

Qualifications

Desirable

• Reception or office management qualification (or working towards)

Experience

Desirable

• Proven experience working in a public-facing role

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and NHS Confidentiality Guidelines (e.g. Caldicott) and their implications
• Able to work effectively as part of a team and support the needs of colleagues whilst being able to work independently using own initiative
• Effective time management skills and ability to work within time frames

Desirable

• Familiarity with NHS dental services
• regulations and knowledge / acceptance of NHS / local policies and guidelines
• Knowledge of systems of care provision and
• current health and safety regulations including adherence to COSHH guidelines