Dental Receptionist
Job overview
The vacancy is for an experienced receptionist to work in the Manchester Community Dental Service. The post is based at Forum Health. The working pattern is 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
Manchester Community Dental Service provides a high standard of professional care to patients who are unable to access care in the General Dental Service due to their additional needs.
The post holder will provide a professional and welcoming first contact, for all patients and visitors to the Service.
Referral management (registering referrals, booking, and cancelling appointments using the electronic patient record (EPR system)
Telephone liaison with patients, carers, and professionals in a polite and courteous manner.
Providing administrative support to the Dental Team the post holder will be responsible for the smooth running of the dental office/reception area. To ensure the administrative functions within the clinic are operated efficiently.
Previous reception experience, educated to GCSE level or equivalent and good IT skills are essential for the role. Previous experience with a dental IT software package would be an advantage, however, full training will be provided. In return for your dedication, you will receive a full induction plan and have a personal development programme to support your career within the NHS.
Main duties of the job
To be the first point of contact face to face or on the telephone in dealing with patients (children and adults) who have special needs, are vulnerable members of the community or have a communication barrier.
To manage appointments according to MCDS policy using the Service Electronic Patient Record system, to include patients in pain and missed appointments. To make ensure recalls are sent where appropriate.
Responsibility for maintaining and updating patient records.
Dealing with patient charges, exemption, outstanding debts, and balancing monies.
Booking an interpreter to facilitate dental care where required and liaising with key workers and other health professionals according to the needs of the Service.
Provide administrative support, including scanning, photocopying, and filing.
To liaise with other clinics within the MCDS redirecting patients where appropriate.
To be flexible, maybe on occasions required to work in other locations within MCDS.
Working for our organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester is the largest health academic campus in Europe, a great place to start or grow your career. With 10 hospitals and a wide range of community services, we care for over 1 million people every year, and our team of over 30,000 people is at the heart of everything we do.
You’ll be working alongside colleagues from all backgrounds, supporting people from every walk of life, and learning something new every day. We believe that everyone should feel welcome, respected, and valued at work. You can bring your whole self to MFT, knowing that your unique perspective and experiences are celebrated here.
You’ll find that we’re committed to helping you grow - whether you want to develop new skills, progress in your career, or simply make a difference in your community. We offer equal opportunities for everyone, and we’ll support you with training, development, and a caring environment where your health, wellbeing, and safety matter.
Most importantly, you’ll be part of a team where working together and supporting each other is everything. You’ll make new friends, build strong relationships, and have a real voice in shaping the future of our Trust.At MFT we’re All Here For You - every step of the way. Join us today.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Supporting Documents’ heading.
Explore ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place. This welcoming one-stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are — what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others.You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place', simply click on the relevant PDF document under the ‘Documents to download’ section and once opened, you can either scan or click on the QR code.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve.All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you.
If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU—for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations.While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application—especially personal statements and responses to role-specific questions—is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration or equivalent/or relevant experience
- GCSE English or equivalent
- NVQ Level 2 in customer care
Skills/Knowledge/Understanding
Essential criteria- Knowledge and use of Microsoft office
- Knowledge and understanding of data protection
- Have good written verbal and non-verbal communication skills / good telephone manner
- Organisational skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Able to work on own initiative
- Confidentiality/Data Protection
- Able to prioritise work
- Accuracy
Experience
Essential criteria- Previous relevant reception experience
- Experience of working directly with the general public
- Working in health care or related setting
- Working with people with disabilities