Office Roles – Who Am I Talking To Charleston, SC
Most busy dental practices have lots of different staff members with unique roles. Patients may not know who all of the different people are in the office. Dental staff teams feature dental providers, dental laboratory workers, administrative workers, and billing personnel.
Our dental office provides a variety of services at Hudgens Dental in Charleston and the surrounding area. The office workers and dental providers work together to deliver quality patient care. Our goal is for our patients to get a smooth and positive experience, from the first phone call contact when making an appointment to finishing up a dental treatment.
The team of dental staff at our office works to give you the most appropriate treatment for your oral health. Learn about each type of staff member in our office and what they do. The next time you need an appointment, call us at (843) 588-5115 and witness our commitment to our patients.
Primary Care Staff
The primary care staff in a dental office consists of the dentist and dental hygienist. The person who conducts teeth cleanings during a routine appointment is the dental hygienist. Hygienists are primarily concerned with preventative dental care and will update a patient's health history, do various oral health screenings, and look for areas of concern. They will also remove plaque and tartar from teeth, polish and floss them, take X-rays when needed, and discuss how to properly maintain dental hygiene.
Dentists are considered doctors of oral health and have been licensed and trained in diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral diseases, injuries, and malformations. Towards the end of your preventative check-up, the dentist will come in to do an exam. They will not only take a closer look at the patient's teeth and gums but also the jaw and other soft tissues. If needed, a dentist will perform tooth extractions, prepare and place fillings, and any other surgical procedures on the teeth, bone, and soft tissues of the mouth.
“The primary care staff in a dental office consist of the dentist and dental hygienist.”
Back-Office Staff
Other key employees in a dental office are those working in the back. The back-office staff team mainly consists of dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians. Dental assistants may work alongside primary care staff members delivering patient care. They also work with back-office staff doing a variety of tasks related to the dental lab.
Dental lab technicians usually do not work directly with patients. Instead, they typically work in the dental lab restoring dental appliances, constructing bridges and dentures, fabricating crowns, and assembling orthodontics. Some dental lab technicians earn certifications demonstrating a commitment to high-quality lab work.
“The back-office staff team mainly consists of dental assistants and dental laboratory technicians.”
Administrative Staff
Administrative staff in a dental office help with day-to-day operations. They often include a receptionist and office manager or administrator. The receptionist is the first face you'll encounter when you walk into a dental office. Their main responsibility is patient communications, both before the visit and during.
Receptionists check patients in and out and may even book their next appointment. Other duties can include calling patients to confirm upcoming appointments and answering emails. They can also check insurance eligibility and enter insurance information into the dental office practice management software so that treatment can be accurately billed.
The office manager or administrator helps run the overall business so that the rest of the dental staff can focus on patient care. They can perform many administrative tasks including payroll, record keeping, answering phones, scheduling appointments, taking payments, accounting, and even human resources. This role also manages the employees of the dental office, assigns tasks, and is often responsible for the hiring of employees.
“Administrative staff in a dental office help with day-to-day operations.”
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Treatment Coordinator
Patients who require follow-up care, whether it is a crown, bridge, or other dental procedure, are often taken to a treatment coordinator. Treatment coordinators in a dental office create a patient's treatment plan, present it to the patient, and then get their consent to move forward.
They are often very well-versed in dental insurance and the various plans and coverage. They may help patients in communicating with their insurance provider and can inform them of open enrollment periods. Treatment coordinators are also able to communicate the importance and value of a treatment plan to the patient.
“Treatment coordinators in a dental office create patient treatment plans, present them to the patient, and then get their consent to move forward.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is a part of back-office staff?
Q. Who is the billing specialist?
Q. Who is part of primary care staff?
Q. Who is a part of administrative staff?
Q. Who is considered a treatment coordinator?
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Billing Specialist
Another staff member that patients may communicate with in a dental office is the billing specialist. As part of the front-office team, this role manages billing matters for dental treatments. They are generally the person for which patients can speak with about treatment options and payment plans.
Billing specialists may be responsible for taking payments from patients, forwarding paperwork to the insurance company, and calling patients who have past-due balances. When there is a need for extensive dental treatment, the billing coordinator helps price out the treatment plan.
“Billing specialists may be responsible for taking payments from patients, forwarding paperwork to the insurance company, and calling patients who have past-due balances.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Staff
Q. Who is in charge of cleaning my teeth?
A. A dental hygienist is the dental staff member responsible for the removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth, along with polishing and flossing. They will also do various oral health screenings. Dental hygienists can also answer any questions you may have about preventative dental health.
Q. What does a dentist do?
A. A dentist handles the more complex dental procedures such as fillings or tooth extraction. They will also come in near the end of your regular dental appointment to look for any problems with your teeth and gums. During this time, you can also ask any questions you might have about your oral health.
Q. What does a dental hygienist do?
A. Dental hygienists conduct routine teeth cleanings and examinations. They are also responsible for preventative treatments, updating a patient's health history, screening for oral health conditions, and looking for areas of concern. During routine appointments, they remove plaque and tartar from teeth, polish and floss them, take X-rays, and discuss how to properly maintain dental hygiene at home.
Q. Will I need to see a treatment coordinator?
A. If the dentist decides you need follow-up care, a treatment coordinator will likely talk to you about the suggested procedure, why it's necessary, and any costs that are involved. This person can also discuss what your insurance provider may cover. Treatment coordinators will require your consent before moving forward with any plans.
Q. I have a billing question. Who should I talk to?
A. The billing specialists or office managers can handle the majority of billing questions. The billing specialists can follow up with your insurance provider to discuss coverage. They can also talk to you about payment options.
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Dental Terminology
- Receptionist
- A dental receptionist is a front desk administrative worker who answers phones, takes messages for dentists and staff, and greets patients as they enter the office. The typically assist patients in filling out paperwork.
- Treatment Coordinator
- A dental treatment coordinator is responsible for providing the patient an overview of a course of treatment, explaining the cost and helping them plan out the series of appointments. The TC will also follow through with the provider and patient to ensure completion of treatment.
Contact Our Team for Your Next Appointment
No matter what their role is, every member of our staff is committed to giving patients a great experience. Call us at 843-588-5115 for an appointment. Our team offers comprehensive dental care for patients in Charleston.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Hudgens Dental was established in 1996.
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