If you work in a dental practice, it might be time to diversify your career and make a change for the better. As an experienced dental nurse or receptionist, your next job could be right under your nose.
Rather than looking outside your current place of work, you could consider taking on the role of practice manager. This role will offer you an entirely new range of tasks and responsibilities, you will likely receive a pay increase, and you won’t have to leave a workplace where you have built strong bonds and relationships with your colleagues. Additionally, dental practice management is an excellent option for anyone who has worked in medical administration or nursing and might be looking to switch up their career.
So, what steps do you need to take to fit the dental practice manager role? Do you need a specific set of skills? Let’s explore which courses are most beneficial to help you achieve your career goals as a dental practice manager.
Deciding to undertake further education is an important decision and weighing the pros and cons is worthwhile. However, the pros usually win out.
Studying a Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715) can provide dental nurses or admin staff the additional skills they need to enter a more managerial position within their practice. Additionally, it is a great opportunity for hospital staff or general practice workers to transition into an environment that is more amenable to an all-important work-life balance.
Beyond course-specific benefits, we offer flexibility with online courses. Students can complete their diplomas at their own pace, in their own time, and from the comfort of home. Features like this are incredibly important, particularly for students who need to work or may have families they need to fit a study schedule around.
Practice managers have a wide and varied role within their respective workplaces. They maintain the daily operations and running of private and public medical offices or clinics. Every day is varied for a practice manager. They must oversee everything within the practice, from staffing and schedules to rostering and patient complaints. All staff are under the supervision of the practice manager, including receptionists, nurses, and medical assistants.
Practice managers must be across all areas of the business. Day-to-day tasks include:
Salaries for dental practice managers are quite competitive. Depending on variables like training and experience, most practice managers who specialise in dentistry can expect to receive around $80,000 each year.
This is similar to a general practice manager salary in Australia who can anticipate earning $70,000 to $120,000 a year.
A career in dental practice management can be rewarding and varied. Anyone serious about succeeding in this career pathway should obtain a Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715). A diploma could be the factor that sets you apart from other applicants who are vying for the same position. Showing initiative and upskilling is always looked favourably upon by potential employers.
If you have experience working in a dental practice, a promotion to dental practice manager could serve as a smart stepping stone to the long-term aim of general practice manager. You may also find that the current practice owner will give you time off to study or offer to subsidise your tuition, knowing they will benefit from your loyalty in the long term.
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If you’re ready to expand your career, health administration and practice management courses can help make that happen.
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