Front Office Coordinator/Dental Receptionist

Kowhai Whangarei; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kowhai Dental in Whangarei is seeking an experienced, dynamic front-desk receptionist for a fixed-term parental leave cover. The role focuses on answering calls, scheduling appointments, handling payments, and supporting the front office while delivering friendly, professional service.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, highly organized, and capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced team environment, with a warm telephone manner and a commitment to patient care.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational abilities and multitasking.
• Proficiency with Apple software and general computer literacy.
• Knowledge of dental terminology or software is a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional discretion.

Responsibilities

• Answer phones and manage front-desk communications.
• Schedule appointments and allocate bookings for dentists and hygienists.
• Discuss treatment plans and financial options with patients.
• Handle collections and reconcile receipts.
• Maintain patient records securely and up-to-date.
• Support efficient front-office operations and workflow.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to ensure smooth daily routines.
• Ensure reception area is clean, welcoming and professional.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Multitasking

Computer literacy

Discretion

Professionalism

Tools

Apple software

Dental software (Oryx)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

We at Kowhai Dental are seeking an experienced, dynamic, self-starter to join our team on a fixed-term basis to provide parental leave coverage.

This role is expected to commence on 31st August 2026 and will continue for the duration of the permanent employee's parental leave, concluding automatically when the permanent employee returns to work or provides notice of resignation. This is an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience in a supportive environment while making a meaningful contribution to a dedicated team.

Kowhai Dental is a reputable dental practice dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to our patients. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals who are passionate about delivering top-notch service in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Job Description

The ideal candidate will be energetic, enthusiastic & outgoing, have excellent people & communication skills to ensure that the patients’ needs are met in a friendly, sympathetic and professional manner and be able to juggle many things at once, while prioritising and problem-solving accordingly.

You must bring a high level of initiative and organisational skills, possess a strong attention to detail and accuracy, have a can-do attitude and a wonderful & warm telephone manner. Being able to work in a fast-paced team environment is essential, as is reliability and punctuality.

This position is responsible for the administrative function of the practice. You will be accountable for answering the phones, allocating bookings for dentists and hygienists, recalling patients, discussing treatment plans and financial options with patients, handling collections, reconciling receipts and assisting with the efficient management of the front office, all the while providing comfort and support for our patients, which is our number one priority.

Hours: 30+ hours per week. Early mornings and late nights are included in the clinic rotation. Roster and specific hours will be discussed during the interview.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients warmly and ensure they feel welcome.
• Answer phone calls, manage emails, and schedule appointments.
• Verify multiple payment types, handle collections, and process patient paperwork.
• Collect and record patient payments.
• Manage patient records and update information securely.
• Assist with billing and accounts receivable.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and professional reception area.
• Collaborate closely with clinical staff to ensure efficient daily workflow.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a patient-based/customer service role or reception office is preferred, but not mandatory.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with Apple software and general computer skills.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures [or software, e.g.,Oryx] is a plus.
• Absolute ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• High level of professionalism, initiative, flexibility, and a willingness to learn.
• Minimum of 2x references.
• Note: Appointment is subject to a satisfactory children's worker safety check.