Dental Receptionist/Registration Clerk

Position Description

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the (Dental Office Manager OR POSITION), the Dental Receptionist/Registration Clerk facilitates the smooth transit of patients through the dental practice and provides a range of critical tasks that support an efficient, effective and financially sustainable dental program. This position ensures an orderly and appropriate atmosphere in the clinic. The Dental Receptionist participates in the ongoing evaluation of Dental Program operations to assure the delivery of high-quality services that support the financial sustainability of the program.

Essential Job Functions

Performance expectations:

· Reviews and prepares the daily schedule for dental staff, monitoring the schedule and seeking to keep the schedule full.

· Answers the telephone, schedules patients for appointments and greets patients coming in to the clinic.

· Generates and checks the encounter form for each patient at the completion of the visit to ensure it has been filled out accurately and completely.

· Makes appointments for patients according to the clinic’s scheduling policy; confirms appointments; follows up with patients who have broken their appointments according to the clinic’s broken appointment policy.

· Registers patients in clinic computer (verifying, updating, and correcting name, address, phone numbers, employer, insurance status, etc.); ensuring each patient coming in for services has an accurate record; creating new records when needed.

· Confirms with insurer (via computer, telephone or POS) that the patient is covered by that insurance, verifies coverage limitations and eligibility for the services to be provided, and determines the patient’s estimated co-payment responsibility.

· Assists patients in completing dental history, consent and financial forms, if necessary.

· Completes the check out process with the patient; collects co-pays and outstanding balances on patient accounts; scheduling follow-up appointments as needed to complete the treatment plan.

· Manages all aspects of the prior approval/authorization process—submits required documentation (via mail and/or computer as appropriate); monitors and tracks status of requests.

· Triages walk-in or emergency patients in accordance with the clinic’s walk-in/emergency policy and works those who meet emergency criteria into open slots in the daily schedule; schedules future appointments as available for patients whose needs are not urgent or emergent.

· Reconciles daily payments and prepares deposits.

· Inputs patient data into disease registries/tracking systems as appropriate.

· Performs photocopying, scanning, and other clerical duties.

· Notifies supervisor or other appropriate staff of conflicts or problems.

· Manages inventory of office supplies; orders and restocks as necessary.

· Opens and distributes mail.

· Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

· Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises

· Moderate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most of the day

· Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training

· Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment

Knowledge, Skill and Technical Qualities

· Ability to learn and use Electronic Dental Record/Practice Management system and any other computer programs used by the dental clinic.

· Knowledge of dental terminology.

· Working knowledge of office procedures and equipment.

Behavioral Qualities

· Is a team player

· Accepts and offers guidance and supervision as appropriate

· Attends and participates in staff meeting to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program

· Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence

· Adheres to office dress code and standards of behavior

· Maintains patient confidentiality

· Excellent organizational skills

· Professional manner and appearance

· Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills

· Uses sick time appropriately

· Responds professionally to high-pressure situations and time limits

· Works independently with a minimum amount of supervision

Education/Experience:

· High School Diploma or GED

· Current CPR certification

· Previous medical or dental reception, registration or billing experience preferred

· Previous clerical experience preferred

· Health services experience preferred

I have read the above job description and agree to perform the duties and responsibilities as described above. I understand that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of all duties, skills and responsibilities that may be required of me as a dental receptionist/registration clerk.

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Employee Signature Date

DentaQuest Institute | 2400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581