Practice Manager – Berwick Dental Clinic & Surgery (taking over Mat. Leave)
We are seeking a Practice Manager to lead operations at our purpose-built facility in Berwick - the only dental surgery in Metro Melbourne with an on-site IV sedationist.
About the Practice
Berwick Dental Clinic & Surgery is a modern, digitally integrated facility offering ethical, comprehensive general dentistry alongside on-site IV sedation. This is not a high-turnover clinic optimising for volume. We prioritise thorough treatment planning and long-term patient relationships, and our Practice Manager is expected to uphold this standard across all operations.
Scope of Role
This position encompasses the full breadth of dental practice management: team leadership and rostering, financial oversight including accounts receivable and payroll coordination, compliance and infection control auditing, patient experience management, supplier relationships, and operational systems maintenance.
Availability
This role is to commence as soon as possible. Our current Practice Manager began with us as a DA 6 years ago and has taken on the PM role for the last 5. She will begin stepping back gradually for maternity leave, with the position becoming full-time by approximately March 2025. This handover period provides an opportunity to learn our systems and workflows with direct support before assuming full responsibility. The role will continue beyond mat leave as we require a designated manager for the IV sedation side of our operations as we grow.
What We Expect
Operational Consistency
* Maintains systems and standards reliably over time without requiring ongoing oversight or reminders
* Follows through on plans and protocols discussed in management meetings through to completion
* Keeps accurate records and documentation as a matter of routine, not as a response to being checked
* Reports immediately when equipment, supplies, or systems are not in adequate working order
Leadership & Communication
* Communicates equally and fairly across all staff without favouritism or avoidance
* Maintains clear personal and professional boundaries while remaining approachable and respectful
* Addresses performance or conduct issues directly and promptly rather than allowing problems to accumulate
* Delivers feedback constructively and receives it without defensiveness
* Good command of written and spoken English with thorough, accurate documentation
* Active listening with the ability to identify and act on key points without requiring repeated instruction
Initiative & Problem-Solving
* Identifies inefficiencies and proposes practical solutions without waiting to be asked
* Willing and able to simplify workflows, reduce redundancy, and improve day-to-day operations
* Anticipates problems and addresses them proactively rather than reactively
* Comfortable making decisions within their scope and escalating appropriately when needed
* Proactive in identifying and admitting to mistakes or problem areas in order to rectify issues promptly
Professional Standards
* Exercises discretion with sensitive patient and staff matters
* Demonstrates reliability and punctuality consistently, arriving ahead of start time and returning from breaks ready to work
* Manages competing priorities effectively under pressure without compromising attention to detail
* Proficient with dental practice management software and general digital systems
* Acts in the best interest of patients, team, and business at all times
* Maintains appropriate conduct and representation of the practice both within and outside the workplace
What We Offer
* A patient-centred culture without pressure to prioritise volume over care
* Exposure to complex case coordination including sedation and surgical scheduling
* Mutual respect for sustainable work practices
* Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience
To Apply
Alongside your resume, please submit a cover letter addressing:
* Your experience in dental or healthcare practice management
* A system or workflow you identified as problematic and how you improved it
* How you approach difficult conversations with staff
* Your availability and preferred working hours
* Your Myers-Briggs personality type
Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of 2 years in dental practice management or 3+ years in comparable healthcare administration. Applications from experienced Dental Assistants who have taken on informal practice management responsibilities (running day-to-day operations, managing staff, coordinating schedules) will also be considered, though formal management experience remains preferred.
Your application will include the following questions:
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
* How many years' experience do you have in dental or healthcare practice management?
* What practice management software are you proficient with?
* How much notice are you required to give your current employer? (we will give preference to candidates who can start immediatly as we would like to maximise the handover period)