About the Job
Bargaining unit consideration begins on August 20, 2026 and ends on August 27, 2026.
Hourly rate of pay: $23.17 - $30.11
Shift/hours of work: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Openings: 1
Duties/Responsibilities
Customer Service:
- Putting the patient first at every opportunity
- Listening to understand each patient
- Showing concern for each patient
- Acting individually and with others to meet each patient's needs
- Handling stressful situations with respect, concern, and in the appropriate manner to resolve the situation
- Greeting patients, students, staff, faculty and the general public in a pleasant manner
- Determining the nature and purpose of the visit and directing them to the specific destinations
Check-in:
- Check in patients in an accurate and professional manner
- Identify and accurately collect co-pays or appropriate fees
- Familiarize with insurance claims
- Use computer-based systems to verify patient information
- Understand and communicate benefit changes to members, or refer to appropriate resources
- Communicate wait times in a diplomatic manner
- Direct patients to the appropriate care area
- Provide patients with appropriate forms, questionnaires, etc.
- Follows proper cash handling policies and procedures outlined by U of M
- Collect fees from patients; calculate and give correct change, process payments received
- Review demographic and insurance information, HIPAA compliance, etc.
Appointment Scheduling:
- Communicate provider and clinic availability in a professional manner
- Schedule appointments in an accurate and timely fashion using computer system
- Maintain knowledge of appointment scheduling practices, policies and procedures
Registration and Verification:
- Complete the registration process including review of the registration information for completeness and accuracy. Obtain further information, if necessary
- Verify insurance eligibility, if necessary
- Enter patient data in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner
Communication/Administration:
- Facilitate timely and accurate flow of communication between the clinic and scheduling coordinators
- Answer telephone and respond appropriately to the caller depending on the caller's needs
- Take and relay messages requiring follow-up to appropriate individuals
- Prepare records and materials for new patient appointments
- Assist with the clerical duties of the clinic, e.g., scanning, making copies, etc.
- Schedule new patients and order interpreters when needed
- Coordinate emergency schedule changes
Student/Patient Coordination:
- Provide scheduling and administrative support to students and residents of the dental school
- Process appointment requests and patient/student transfers in a timely manner
- Communicate clinic and scheduling policies in a diplomatic manner
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Business college, office skills training, university level education, clerical experience involving contact with the public, or a combination of the above totaling four years.
- Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing; in clear, understandable English.
- Must have successful experience as a receptionist or in a customer service position with both over the phone and in person communication with a diverse patient or customer base.
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills, attention to detail and thrives in a busy environment with many interruptions.
- Must be a team player, collaborative and enjoy working closely with a small team on an almost constant basis.
- Must have a positive and outgoing personality and ability to assist patients in a friendly and positive manner at all times.
- Demonstrated ability to function with multiple priorities and interruptions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- One (1) year of medical / dental clerical experience to include keyboarding experience and experience interacting with people (i.e. receptionist, switchboard, etc.).
- Experience scheduling patients electronically in Orthodontics or in a medical or dental office/clinic/hospital.
- Extensive experience working with a diverse population and working with interpreters.
- Experience as a Dental/medical receptionist.
- Experience using data look-up and data entry functions on a mainframe or PC based computer system.Demonstrated ability to organize work under pressure.
- Demonstrated advanced oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated advanced written communication skills.
- Experience with validating insurance information, prior authorizations, and following up on insurance claims is a plus.
- Experience scheduling patients electronically.
About the Department
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $23.17 - $30.11; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Ap pointmen t
Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling servicesEmployee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.