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

Patients interact frequently with the dental staff members on the administrative team. The administrative staff for a large practice may feature a big team of office workers. Administrative staff members for a dental office do not participate in the treatment or care patients get. They are instead facilitators and coordinators for scheduling, communication, and insurance paperwork.

• Receptionist: Dental receptionists are administrative workers who primarily focus on communication. They often answer phones and take messages for dental providers. In the office, they may also greet patients and direct them to fill out paperwork.
• Administrative Assistant: Some practices also have administrative assistants working with dental providers. Dental office administrative assistants generally are responsible for communication and office tasks for specific providers. They may also help with organizing patient files, data entry, and other essential administrative tasks.
• Office Manager: Most dental practices have an office manager who supervises the administrative staff and tasks for the entire practice. This key position may also be responsible for recruiting staff, hiring team members, and training new employees.

“Administrative staff members for a dental office do not participate in the treatment or care patients get.”

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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 a part of administrative staff?

Q. Who is the billing specialist?

Q. Who is part of primary care staff?

Q. Who is considered a treatment coordinator?

People Also Ask

Q. What parts of treatment do dental hygienists help with?

Q. What should I look for in a dental provider?

Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?

Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?

Q. What services does a general dentist provide?

Q. What is a dental practice?

Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?

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.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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Dental Terminology

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistants in dental offices usually responsible for administrative support to specific providers in larger practices. They help organized patients files, aid in data entry and similar administrative tasks.

Dental Assistant

A dental assistant works alongside dentists and dental hygienists and assists with patient care. They also work in the lab supporting the dental technicians there.

Dental Checkup

A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.

Dentistry

Dentistry is the profession that deals with preventing and treating any diseases and aberrations of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity.

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist is licenced to clean teeth and provide dental care services as well as take X-rays under the supervision of a dentist.

Dental Laboratory Technician

Dental Laboratory Technicians fix dental appliances and restorations. The fabricate various dental appliances and restorations using instructions from a dentist.

Office Manager

The dental office manager oversees the practice’s administrative staff and office operations. They may also be involved in hiring administrative staff and assisting with billing. They are responsible for making sure the day-to-day operations of the practice run smoothly.

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 760-565-0234 for an appointment. Our team offers comprehensive dental care for patients in Palm Desert.

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

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