What Does a Dental Office Manager Do?

A dental office manager connects clinical care with administrative tasks. They oversee daily operations, making sure both staff and patients receive the support they need.

Their most important responsibilities include:

• Managing staff scheduling, recruitment, and supervision

• Handling financial tasks like billing and insurance claims

• Coordinating patient appointments and communications

• Overseeing compliance with regulations and policies

• Running inventory and supply orders

• Implementing operational improvements to make the practice more efficient

The most successful dental office managers excel at operations and know how to adapt to changing practice needs. They address modern staffing challenges by coordinating temporary staff and managing complex schedules.

A Dental Office Manager's Job Responsibilities

As the operational backbone of the practice, the dental office manager has a lot on their plate. However, note that specific responsibilities differ depending on the size of the practice. For example, a bigger practice might outsource their marketing to an agency.

Here's a breakdown by function:

Strategic Leadership and Administration

• Develops and implement office policies and procedures

• Creates practice reports for performance analysis

• Monitors facility conditions and coordinates maintenance

• Implements health and safety protocols

• Handles risk assessments and compliance

• Maintains IT systems and troubleshoots equipment

Financial Management

• Oversees cash flow, banking, and financial statements

• Manages insurance claims and billing

• Creates and monitor practice budgets

• Implements patient payment plans

• Analyzes financial trends for improvement

• Negotiates with insurance providers and suppliers

Staff Management

• Leads regular practice meetings

• Manages staff schedules

• Oversees hiring, training, and development

• Addresses employee concerns and disciplinary actions

• Maintains compliance with labor laws

• Tackles staff shortages and turnover

Patient Care and Service

• Oversees appointment scheduling systems

• Manages patient communications and feedback

• Creates a welcoming environment

• Coordinates treatment plan reviews

• Maintains HIPAA compliance in patient records

Operations and Quality Control

• Monitors and maintain inventory levels

• Coordinates with vendors and service providers

• Oversees equipment maintenance

• Implements efficient workflows

• Follows industry regulations

• Manages technology updates and integrations

Practice Growth

• Identifies opportunities for expansion

• Develops and implements marketing strategies

• Analyzes patient retention rates

• Monitors industry competition

• Oversees the practice's digital presence

• Tracks and improves key performance indicators

Required Qualifications and Skills

What kind of requirements do you need to do a good job as a dental office manager? Let's start with education.

Educational Requirements

Entering dental office management typically requires higher education. An associate's or bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business management, or a related field gives you a competitive edge. Your educational background should reflect an understanding of both healthcare operations and business principles.

Technical Knowledge

Modern dental practices rely on technology, so technical skills are crucial. Proficiency in:

• Dental practice management software (such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft)

• Microsoft Office suite

• Billing and accounting software

• Digital patient record systems

• Basic website maintenance tools

Healthcare Industry Knowledge

You should also have an understanding of the healthcare industry, including:

• Dental terminology and procedures

• Insurance billing processes and claims management

• HIPAA regulations and patient privacy

• OSHA compliance and safety protocols

• State-specific dental practice regulations

Essential Soft Skills

As a manager, interpersonal abilities are important to your performance. They include:

• Clear communication with staff, patients, and vendors

• Problem-solving for daily challenges

• Organizational skills for managing priorities

• Customer service skills

• Conflict resolution abilities

Leadership and Management Capabilities

Overseeing daily operations and staff requires strong leadership skills, which include:

• Knowing how to evaluate employees and give constructive feedback

• Managing and coordinating schedules

• Understanding crisis management and decision-making

• Budgeting and financial planning

Typically, 3-5 years of experience in dental office operations or healthcare administration is required. Investing in professional development and staying up-to-date with industry trends can help you advance your career and earn more.

Salary and Career Outlook

Dental office managers enjoy competitive compensation with growth potential based on experience and location.

According to the 2025 Dental Salary Survey Report, the mean hourly wage of practice managers is $36. The average full-time salary is a little over $71,000.

The career outlook is promising, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 29% growth rate for health and medical services managers between 2023 to 2033. This growth significantly exceeds the average for all occupations.

To earn a larger income, many dental office managers pursue certifications like the Certified Dental Practice Management (CDPM). Membership in professional organizations, such as the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM), provides networking opportunities and access to continuing education resources.

Factors influencing compensation beyond base salary include:

• Practice size and type (private practice vs. DSO)

• Skills in human resources or financial management

• Proficiency with dental practice management software

• Leadership and team management abilities

• Expertise in insurance and billing

Excel at Staff Management with Teero

Dental office managers are vital in maintaining efficient practice operations, from managing staff to coordinating patient care.

While staffing challenges are a significant concern, modern solutions are making it manageable.

If you're looking to streamline your staffing process and reduce the administrative burden, consider using Teero's staffing platform.

It connects you with qualified dental dental hygienists while handling the complexities of scheduling, compliance, and administration, allowing you to focus on running an efficient dental practice.