Dental Support Specialist

I. SUMMARY

Under general supervision, registers and/or oversees the registration of patients for treatment in a clinic, ensuring that all policies and procedures are observed. Prepares forms, verifies insurance benefits, and explains financial requirements to patients. Manages patient referrals and secures insurance pre-authorizations for dental procedures

II. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

 Skills

1. Talking to others to convey information effectively. 
2. Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
3. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. 
4. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. 
5. Actively looking for ways to help people. 
6. Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. 
7. Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 
8. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
9. Word processing and/or entry skills.
10. Organizing and coordinating skills.
11. Interviewing skills.
12. Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.
13. Ability to multi-task 
14. Skill in electronic Dental/Medical Records

Knowledge

1. Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures.
2. Knowledge of general office practices and procedures and record keeping methods.
3. Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.
4. Knowledge of Basic computer usage and programs such as Microsoft office.
5. Basic reading and writing skills required.
6. Principles, methods, and procedures of hospital financial policies, counseling and guidance.

Ability

1. Ability to provide oral and written communication effectively.
2. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. 
3. Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. 
4. Ability to develop and maintain filing systems.
5. Ability to make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately and with reasonable speed.
6. Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
7. Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). 
8. Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
9. Ability to work under pressure.
10. Ability to perform standard clinical procedures according to established protocols.
11. Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner.

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Confirms patient services needed, schedules evaluations and admissions. 
2. Records patient demographic, insurance, and billing codes into registration and billing system; research missing information on intake forms; obtains signatures and release forms. 
3. Provides assistance in the planning, coordination, and implementation of clerical, data entry, and operating procedures within the department. 
4. Provides general information; receives and directs visitors and/or patients.
5. Schedules patient appointments for treatment.
6. Confirms services needed by patients, and orients patient to specific dental procedure(s) and nature of treatment involved.
7. Enroll and dis-enroll Medicaid patient.
8. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards. 
9. May contact attending physicians regarding services required by patients, evaluations needed and obtain relevant medical records. 
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 
11. Assist the supervisor as unusual problems arise.
12. Assists in processing authorized referrals for enrollees.
13. Submit pre-authorizations to dental insurance companies with supporting documentation (x-rays, narratives, periodontal charting, etc.)
14. Track and follow up on pending authorizations and referrals
15. Communicate approval, denial, or additional information requests to providers and patients
16. Ensure those functions are done within the established policies, procedures and guidelines of BHCC. 
17. Develops and maintains a professional rapport with health care providers in the community (i.e.: physicians, hospitals, ancillary staff and support staff).
18. Assist the supervisor as unusual problems arise.
19. Support staff in assigned project-based work.
20. Monitor fax for new referrals, document attachments, and results to scan into Dentrix or tie to current referrals
21. Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor as required.

 III. REQUIREMENTS

1. High School Diploma, or equivalent.
2. 3-5 years of experience.
3. Bilingual preferred.
4. Strong interpersonal skills.
5. Ability to interact effectively with consumers, administration, faculty, and staff.
6. Handle the information with high level of confidentiality.