Office Roles – Who Am I Talking To Atlanta, GA
It takes quite a few people to run a dental office. Some of them may interact with patients during their appointment, while others handle certain duties that are behind the scenes. Each team member in a dental office plays a crucial role in making sure things run smoothly. Your dental health is always the first priority, no matter who you encounter during your time in the office.
Dental staff all work together to make sure your appointment is handled efficiently. The staff at Buckhead Atlanta Dentistry in Atlanta and the surrounding area are ready to assist you with your dental health needs. Call us at (404) 882-8150 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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 may encounter a dental office treatment coordinator. This position works with patients to give an overview for extensive dental care, such as crowns, dentures, dental implants, or bridges. Coordinators help plan out the series of appointments and give patients a financial estimate of the cost for the treatment plan. They also work with the provider to determine the optimal course of treatment for patients.
“This position works with patients to give an overview for extensive dental care, such as crowns, dentures, dental implants, or bridges.”
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 considered a treatment coordinator?
Q. Who is the billing specialist?
Q. Who is part of primary care staff?
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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 404-882-8150 for an appointment. Our team offers comprehensive dental care for patients in Atlanta.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business and website security
- Buckhead Atlanta Dentistry was established in 1981.
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