Health - Dental Office Coordinator

The Dental Office Coordinator, under the direction of the Dental Director or Chief Solo Dentist, is responsible for the day-to-day office operations of the reception, communication, insurance pre-authorization, reminder calls and appointment system at each of the Sault Tribe Health Center Dental Clinics. This position is also responsible for coordinating staff for the efficient flow of patients and visitors throughout the day.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Manages dental scheduling in Dentrix system. Ensures that appointments are scheduled in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Trains other dental staff in the operation of Dentrix office functions (non-clinical).
• Greets and checks in patients.
• Answers phone calls and questions from patients and other contacts.
• Gives reminder calls to all patients and schedules dental lab cases and checks them in.
• Solves scheduling conflicts that may arise from team member's absence/leave.
• Assists with dental billing/insurance and prepares dental insurance preauthorization forms and follows up with dental insurance companies on returned claims.
• Manages referrals to Dental Health Specialist and coordinates patient's Purchased Referred Care (PRC) needs.
• Assists Elders in applying to the Elder Fund for covered dental items.
• Retrieves patient records from both RPMS and Dentrix, prepares needed documents and patient charts.
• Educates patients regarding dental and health division policies and provides information about follow-up, payment options and billing when required.
• Provides attentive, cheerful, courteous and professional service to all customers both external and internal, while always striving to exceed their expectations.
• Maintains the dental reception area in a clean and efficient manner.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Learns dental tooth numbering system and key dental terms.
• Assures patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Follows all infection control practices.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Patients, immediate peers, peers in other departments and locations, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, referral sources and outside vendors/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position medium with lifting of 50 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision, typing; frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, manual handling, bending; occasional pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping and kneeling. Working conditions include frequent exposure to noise and vibration and occasional exposure to poor air quality. Potential hazards include constant patient contact and computer use and occasional infectious exposure.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School diploma or GED required.

Experience: One year of dental or medical office experience and/or clerical experience preferred.

Certification/License: Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have clerical skills. Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet and database software preferred. Knowledge of Dental Office Software preferred. Knowledge of medical and dental terminology, HIPAA and Privacy Act preferred. Must maintain confidentiality. Must have working knowledge and be able to use office machines, such as telephone, copier, fax, printer and computer. Must have communication skills and be able to communicate clearly in person and in writing, by telephone and email. Must have excellent public relation/customer service skills and be able to exhibit a friendly and positive attitude. Must have the ability to use tact, discretion, and sensitivity in dealing with all patients and customers. Must have the ability to respond to difficult and stressful situations in an efficient, effective and positive manner. Must be able to establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors and clients. Native American preferred.