Dental Front Office Clerk

Job Title: Front Office Clerk - Dental

Location: Kern County, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time/Temporary Assignment
Compensation: $22 as a temp

Position Overview

Legacy Staffing is seeking a friendly, organized, and patient-focused Front Office Clerk on behalf of a confidential healthcare client. This role serves as the first point of contact for patients, both in person and by phone, and plays a critical role in ensuring smooth patient flow, accurate registration, and proper billing processes. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment and is committed to delivering compassionate, respectful service.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Access & Front Desk Operations

• Welcome patients in person and over the phone and explain available services, payment categories, and billing procedures
• Schedule appointments and appropriately manage walk-in patients and emergencies according to established policies
• Answer incoming calls and route them to the appropriate staff
• Call patients to remind them of upcoming appointments
• Follow up daily with patients who did not keep their scheduled appointments

Registration & Billing Support

• Register patients according to established protocols and collect all required documentation and billing information
• Verify insurance or third-party coverage and calculate patient responsibility
• Collect co-pays, deductibles, deposits, and outstanding balances prior to visits
• Issue receipts and balance the cash register in accordance with cash-handling policies
• Ensure all patient encounters are properly checked out

Coordination & Patient Flow

• Work closely with medical, dental, and nursing staff to ensure smooth patient flow and minimize wait times
• Refer patients to other internal services as needed for follow-up support
• Communicate patient concerns or complaints to supervisory staff as appropriate
• Under supervision, coordinate scheduling assistance with external agencies when applicable

Compliance & Organizational Participation

• Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and confidentiality of all patient information
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
• Participate in Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement (QA/QI) initiatives
• Learn and use Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Practice Management Systems as required
• Participate in patient-centered care models as part of the healthcare delivery team

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a dental front office setting (or formal vocational training in lieu of experience)
• Familiarity with medical terminology and basic triage procedures preferred
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping and office functions
• Bilingual English / Spanish preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Friendly, professional demeanor with strong customer service skills
• Ability to multitask and work effectively under pressure
• Compassionate approach to patient interactions in challenging situations
• Strong communication, organizational, and follow-through skills
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends and multiple clinic locations as needed
• Alignment with the mission and values of community-based healthcare

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to Health Center or Front Office Leadership