Dental Assistant I

JOB TITLE: Dental Patient Support Specialist I

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Dental Practice Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: A Dental Patient Support Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and positive experience for patients within a dental practice. Their main responsibility is to support both the dental team and patients by handling administrative tasks, managing patient interactions, and contributing to overall office efficiency.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Patient Interaction: Greet patients upon arrival, provide information about procedures, and address inquiries about dental services.
• Appointment Scheduling: Schedule, confirm, and reschedule appointments, ensuring accurate patient records and timeliness.
• Patient Intake: Collect patient information, including medical and dental history, insurance details, and consent forms.
• Insurance Verification: Verify dental insurance coverage and benefits, assist patients with insurance claims, and help with billing inquiries.
• Records Management: Maintain accurate patient records, ensuring proper documentation of treatments, procedures, and communications.
• Billing and Payments: Process payments, issue receipts, and assist patients with understanding charges and payment plans.
• Treatment Coordination: Assist in coordinating treatment plans, ensuring patients understand upcoming procedures and necessary follow-up care.
• Follow-up: Contact patients for appointment reminders, post-treatment care instructions, and ensure satisfaction.
• General Office Support: Provide administrative support such as answering phones, maintaining office supplies, and assisting with office organization.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent (associate's degree or relevant certifications a plus).
• 1-year previous experience in a dental office or healthcare setting; Bilingual is a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and insurance is a plus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with office software, scheduling tools, and basic bookkeeping.
• Pleasant telephone etiquette.
• Compassionate and professional attitude toward patient care.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong multitasking skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent phone etiquette and customer service skills.
• Ability to explain complex insurance and billing information in an understandable way.
• Empathy for patient concerns and concerns with confidentiality and respect.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: No professional certifications, licenses or registration required. All candidates will be required to submit to a criminal background check and screening as part of pre-employment.

The physical requirement and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, with proper medical documentation/clearance, if applicable.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hand to finger; handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIORNMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description includes the major duties and responsibilities of the job but is not inclusive of every task inherent in the job. In addition, it may be occasionally necessary for employees to be assigned tasks not specifically covered by their permanent assignment. Employees will be expected to comply with reasonable requests from their supervisor.

I have read and understand the job description for this position. I agree to abide by all the duties and responsibilities for the job including any reasonable request from my supervisor. I also understand that I will be evaluated based on these job specific performance standards.