Is dental receptionist work valuable?

[caloc]

I'm applying this cycle and I'm debating whether I should get a job as a dental receptionist this summer or just get another job that pays well.

I've been trying to get a dental assistant job but it's difficult to find an office who is willing to train me. I have a lot of shadowing experience and I already have some experience as an office coordinator for a dental office but I don't know if I should commit to a job in a dental office right now in case I don't get into dental school this cycle, because then I'd have something relevant to put on my application for the next cycle.

I can easily get a job as a medical assistant because I'm certified (was pre-PA before) and then I can work directly with patients which I really enjoy. I can also work as a tutor which pays very well. I kind of also just want a fun job as a server or something so that I can work with people my age and still make friends outside of school.

As a receptionist, I would just be answering phones, greeting patients, and scheduling. Is this still valuable experience? I know a lot of people say you learn the ins and outs of running a private practice but I didn't really learn that much when I worked as an dental office coordinator. I gained a lot more knowledge when I shadowed.

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[deleted827844]

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[WaveRace]

It would be useful for gaining the knowledge of how a practice runs, but that's about it.

I think the direct patient experience option takes the cake, here. That's one of the big reasons to go into healthcare, right? To work directly with people. I worked as an EMT in the past, which was a very valuable experience. I'd take advantage of the unique opportunity you have in being a medical assistant.

At the end of the day: do what you want. Your reasons are your reasons. None of this is going to make or break a dental school app, nor should it be the reason you choose one option or the other.


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[Stanelz]

Dont do it, unless you are not worried about money and have spare time like me. Just shadow.

 

[Frychicken]

It won't help with anything clinically related.

 

[Craig_Sherwood234]

Are you trying to become a dentist or a high-end receptionist? I am confused.

 

[ncide]

It'll help with the office management side of dentistry (business), like how to handle with insurance companies and unruly patients who need to pay for treatment. One of my former coworkers worked up front for a year and because of her interest in dentistry, I brought her to the clinical rooms and taught her some procedures. She quickly became a back-up assistant with some valuable experiences in endo, ortho, and general dentistry. If it can get your foot into the door, then I wouldn't pass up on it. That goes for others who mentioned sterilization techs. The girl who used to work up front now is a D2.

Being in the dental field in general will open doors for you and may also offer you opportunities with direct patient care. Be prepared to see the worst side of dentistry though. Patients at the front desk tend to be much more difficult to deal with than those in the chair.