Dental Office Manager

About Local Start Dental

Local Start Dental is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dental clinic and continuing education training center dedicated to restoring smiles, confidence, and quality of life for underserved adults across North Carolina. Through affordable patient care and high-quality continuing education courses for licensed dentists, we expand access to care while training the next generation of clinicians.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to providing exceptional patient care while operating with integrity, compassion, and excellence.

Position Summary

The Office Manager is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of Local Start Dental, ensuring the clinic functions efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the organization's mission and strategic goals. This position oversees administrative operations, patient experience, staff management, facility operations, and workflow coordination across all departments.

The Office Manager serves as the operational leader of the clinic, working closely with the Executive Director and Clinical Director to support both patient care and continuing education programs. This individual is responsible for building a positive workplace culture, developing efficient systems and processes, ensuring exceptional customer service, and leading a high-performing team.

Essential Responsibilities: Clinic Operations

Oversee the daily operations of the entire clinic, ensuring efficient workflows across all departments.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, policies, and procedures.
Ensure the clinic operates efficiently while maintaining exceptional patient and participant experiences.
Monitor clinic performance metrics and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
Coordinate daily schedules and resources to maximize efficiency and productivity.
Ensure the facility is maintained in a safe, organized, and professional manner.
Manage vendor relationships, office equipment, supplies, and service contracts.
Leadership & Staff Management

Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for administrative and operational staff.
Supervise the full clinic staff, including the Front Office Supervisor and Lead Dental Assistant (future position)
Partner with clinical leadership to promote collaboration between clinical and administrative teams.
Lead clinic recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training of new employees.
Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development.
Foster a positive, mission-driven culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Patient Experience

Ensure patients receive outstanding customer service from initial contact through completion of care.
Oversee scheduling processes to maximize provider productivity/efficiency while maintaining excellent patient access.
Resolve escalated patient concerns professionally and compassionately.
Monitor patient satisfaction and implement improvements to enhance the overall patient experience.

Continuing Education Operations

Oversee operational support for all continuing education programs.
Ensure course logistics, scheduling, facility preparation, participant communications, and event coordination are completed successfully.
Collaborate with Executive Director to ensure mentors, sponsors, and vendors are scheduled appropriately to ensure high-quality educational experiences.

Financial & Administrative Management

Assist with budgeting and operational expense management.
Monitor administrative processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
Oversee purchasing and inventory management for office and operational supplies.
Support organizational compliance with internal policies and applicable regulations.
Partner with the Finance & Administrative Director on operational planning and resource management.
Efficiently complete auditing and provide monthly reporting to Finance & Administrative Director to ensure a timely month-end

Strategic Leadership

Partner with the Executive Director and Clinical Director/Supervisor to implement organizational initiatives and strategic priorities.
Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning.
Recommend operational improvements that increase efficiency, enhance patient care, and support organizational growth.
Support the successful expansion of clinic services and continuing education programs.

Qualifications Required

Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience, preferably in a healthcare, dental, or nonprofit setting.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage day-to-day operations.
Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships across departments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Dentrix Enterprise (or similar EHR system).
Knowledge of dental insurance processes and healthcare compliance.

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Experience in dental practice management.
Experience working in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong leadership and team-building skills.
Exceptional organizational and time management abilities.
Strategic thinker with a continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
Professional judgment and decision-making abilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
Passion for serving underserved communities and advancing Local Start Dental's mission.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the clinic for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends to support continuing education courses or organizational events.
Why Join Local Start Dental?

At Local Start Dental, every team member plays a vital role in transforming lives through access to high-quality dental care and education. As Office Manager, you will help lead a growing nonprofit organization that is making a measurable impact across North Carolina while building systems and teams that support long-term success.

Benefits include:

Competitive salary
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid Time Off and paid holidays
Retirement plan
Professional development opportunities
Mission-driven, collaborative work environment
Opportunity to make a lasting impact in the community

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Experience:

Dental office management: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute: Durham, NC 27701 (Required)
Work Location: In person (Required)