Assistant, Dental Administrative

The Wright Center Medical Group•Wilkes-Barre, PA

About The Position

The Dental Administrative Assistant (DAA) is the initial point of contact for patients and visitors and provides customer service that supports a positive patient experience. The role handles front-office administrative responsibilities in a high-intensity, fast-paced health center environment that has a critical impact on operational efficiency. The DAA reports to the Director, Dental Operations, and has no direct reports. The position supports patient access and care through appointment scheduling, registration, check-in and check-out, patient communication, and management of information in the electronic health record (EHR). It also involves insurance verification and related payment and authorization processes, explaining health center resources and programs, and maintaining compliance with privacy, safety, and other requirements. The DAA may support other locations and service lines and participates in extended access hours, including late nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to maintain accuracy and comply with detail-oriented responsibilities.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Proficient computer skills and demonstrated proficiency with technology and EMR workflows by the end of orientation.
Reliability and punctuality.
Attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
Professionalism and a customer-service orientation to deliver quality care.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule.

Nice To Haves

Previous front-office experience in a high-volume medical practice; 1–2 years is desirable.
Bilingual skills are highly desired.
Buy-in to and experience working in the EOS® model is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Schedule patient appointments and follow-up visits.
Register patients and capture demographic information needed for the annual UDS report.
Comply with Red Flag Rules for photo identification.
Intake and check out patients.
Manage patient information in the Electronic Health Records system.
Understand multiple insurance dynamics, including copays, coverage, and navigation.
Verify patients’ insurance information.
Comply with commercial and Medicaid insurance plan rules for services requiring prior authorization.
Collect copays at the time of the visit.
Perform cash account management activities.
Provide self-pay patients with options to pay for services.
Obtain Medicare ABNs for non-covered services.
Ensure patients understand health center resources and available programs, including the sliding fee discount program, Good Faith Estimates, Outreach & Enrollment programs, language services, and after-hours coverage.
Understand the availability and location of the SDS binder and 990 binders for all TWC entities.
Understand emergency roles and responsibilities, including helping coworkers and patients reach safety.
Scan patient records into the EMR and create triages within the EMR system.
Mail and receive new-patient information packets.
Answer and return phone calls and switch phones to night/weekend service.
Adhere to HIPAA rules and regulations.
Participate in a rotation of extended access hours, including late nights, weekends, and holidays.
Provide cross-coverage for other locations and service lines to support continued patient access.
Perform other duties as assigned.