Public Health Office Assistant

Dental Public Health Office Assistant

Location: Athens, TN 37303
Pay Rate: $16.24/hr, paid weekly 
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Contract Duration: July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, long term extension 
 

Residency Requirement: Candidate must currently reside in Tennessee or establish Tennessee residency before the start date.

Travel: Occasional travel to surrounding counties may be required.

Overview

Support a local public health dental clinic by providing front-office, clerical, administrative, and patient support. This position handles scheduling, registration, check-in/check-out, patient reminders, referrals, insurance authorizations, electronic records, and cash transactions.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage patient appointments and communicate pre-appointment requirements.
• Register patients and collect or update demographic information.
• Review documentation to determine program eligibility.
• Enter and maintain accurate information in health department systems and electronic dental records.
• Complete patient check-in and check-out activities.
• Make appointment reminder calls and assist with referral coordination.
• Obtain and process insurance prior authorizations before services are provided.
• Prepare service forms and scan and index documents into electronic dental records.
• Handle cash transactions and reconcile and balance the cash drawer daily.
• Explain program rights, responsibilities, and requirements to patients.
• Provide professional, customer-focused service in a busy clinic environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of full-time customer service, clerical, or office experience preferred.
• College coursework may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis, up to two years.
• Strong customer service, organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Accurate data entry and ability to work across multiple software systems.
• Experience handling administrative documentation and financial transactions.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally as needed.

Preferred

• Active Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license
• Dental front-office experience
• Knowledge of dental terminology, scheduling, and insurance processes
• Ability to provide chairside assistance during emergencies or staffing shortages

Background Requirements

• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background check
• Driver's license verification
• County, statewide, federal, and national criminal history searches
• Sex offender registry search
• Address history and AKA/name search
• Global watchlist search

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.