Getting to Know Palos Heights Family Dental Office Manager Jen
Time to get to know our Palos Heights Family Dental Office Manager Jen!
Q&A with Palos Heights Family Dental Office Manager Jen
Q. What did you want to be when you grew up, and what brought you to the dental office?
I actually always wanted to be a nurse, but I got a job working in a lab where we made things like crowns, custom shades for crowns, implants. It was kind of the other side of the dental office. I loved learning all the latest and greatest in dental technology but missed the direct interaction with people. After managing the lab, I got recruited to a dental office. That was 12 years ago and I just love being on this side of patient care.
Q. What are your main duties at the office?
As the office manager, I always make sure to respond to patients, staff, and doctor needs and inquiries. It’s my job to resolve any issues or challenges according to policies and procedures. I work directly with patients, helping present treatment plans, options for timing, and payment plan arrangements. Additionally, I process dental claims, run and analyze reports, and manage employee/staff relations so they have the necessary resources and support for their responsibilities. It’s a little bit of everything, and I enjoy it all!
Q. What’s your favorite thing about your job?
I truly love interacting with patients and helping the practice meet their needs. My focus is often to make everything comfortable for them, helping them through scheduling and understanding what to expect. Whatever else there is to do, I always prioritize spending as much time with patients as they need — it’s always time well spent.
Q. What is it about you that makes you great at your job? (What’s your superpower?)
It’s really a continuation of the last question. It’s my natural compassion, empathy, and strong communications skills in working between the patients and the team.
Q. Can you think of a memorable experience at the office you’d like to share?
The first thing that comes to mind is a recent situation. We were welcoming new patients from another dentist who had just retired. A patient came in so nervous for the first cleaning with a new dentist after so many years. I took extra time to answer all the questions, share as much information as I could, and they ended up so happy. It’s just incredibly rewarding seeing that transformation.
Q. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
I’m really active with exercise and nature. I love to go to Swallow Cliff right here in Palos Heights — it has beautiful trails to explore. You’ll see me walking with my dog on any given day, and I also enjoy boxing for exercise! On the other hand, it’s great to be close enough to go into Chicago, walk along the lakefront, and try new restaurants.
Q. Anything else you’d like to share?
We have a little saying here in the office we like to remind ourselves of: “You are capable of more than you know.”
Time for a Visit?
To come in and meet office manager Jen and see the rest of the Palos Heights Family Dental staff, give us a call at (708) 448-7588 or complete our contact form.