Computers are now used in many health sector receptions, and large organisations often have sophisticated computer systems that deal with booking patients, patient records and test results. This has greatly increased the need for computer skills in this occupation, especially in hospitals and large clinics. Customer service skills are also increasingly important for medical and dental receptionists. Many health providers see customer service skills as a key competency in this occupation, especially as there is now more choice available for users of health services.

Health services tend to be provided over longer hours than in the past. This has required some medical and dental receptionists to work longer hours or to work outside of usual office hours.

Medical and dental receptionists now work in a more diverse and comprehensive health sector. They need a greater knowledge of the range of health providers and services available, and are expected to have a basic knowledge of the medical area they work in.

Turnover among medical and dental receptionists is moderate, although it is also quite common for receptionists to move between organisations or departments.

(Written 16/05/2001 - Updated 13/01/2004)