Dental practice coordination
Overview
Triage patient care on many levels
As the liaison between the patient and the dentist, a dental practice coordinator is a high-profile position.
You’ll serve as an advocate and educator, working closely with the doctor to ensure the dental patient understands the treatment and why it is needed, then coordinate the treatment plan to work for both the patient and the dental office.
You’ll also coordinate financial resources and/or insurance requirements and billing practices, as well as greet patients, schedule appointments, answer phones and other dental office responsibilities.
Day-to-day responsibilities include
- outlining dental options for clients
- interacting regularly with the dentist
- providing payment plans for patients
- answering phone calls or emails from patients with questions about treatments.
In this role, organization, exceptional communication skills, a positive attitude, consistent follow-through and the ability to multi-task are keys to your success.
Courses
Your pathway to a degree
You can start with a dental practice coordination certificate, taking classes that directly apply to the associate degree in dental practice coordination.
Dental practice coordination certificate
Associate degree
Additional info
Program learning objectives
- Comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to the role of a Dental Practice Coordinator. Demonstrate the ability to utilize dental software in all phased of patient care.
- Prepare and present treatment plans and financial estimates to patients for all prescribed treatment.
- Demonstrate the ability to create treatment plans to address patient concerns. Use ethical judgments in the delivery of Dental Practice Coordinator duties.
- Professionally communicate with patients and all outside and third-party affiliations through oral presentations in a manner that would build patient trust. Effectively communicate and develop a working relationship to promote teamwork.
- Schedule patient treatment appointments based on sequence, complete all aspects of insurance processing, and coordinate financial aspects related to treatment. Complete accurate patient documents and charts. Oversee and track account progress of treatment and financial aspects.
- Adhere to state, federal, and HIPAA laws and guidelines regarding confidentiality to patient records. The ability to demonstrate professional behavior, knowledge, ability, and values consistent with one in the role of a Dental Practice Coordinator.