Patient Care Coordinator (Dental)

About the Role:

The Patient Care Coordinator (Dental) plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless communication and coordination between dental patients and healthcare providers within the Upper Cardozo HS- 100 facility. This position is responsible for managing patient appointments, facilitating treatment plans, and providing comprehensive support to enhance patient experience and satisfaction. The coordinator acts as a liaison to educate patients about dental procedures, insurance coverage, and financial options, thereby promoting informed decision-making. By maintaining accurate patient records and coordinating with clinical staff, the role ensures efficient workflow and timely delivery of dental services. Ultimately, the Patient Care Coordinator contributes to the overall quality of care by fostering a welcoming environment and supporting the dental team in achieving optimal patient outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or higher in healthcare administration or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in a dental or healthcare setting, particularly in patient coordination or administrative roles.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems and appointment scheduling software.
• Strong understanding of dental terminology, insurance processes, and patient confidentiality regulations (HIPAA).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and clinical staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a Patient Care Coordinator or Dental Office Administrator.
• Experience working in a school-based health center or community health environment.
• Bilingual abilities, especially in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in the community served.
• Knowledge of dental billing codes and insurance claim procedures.
• Familiarity with customer service best practices and conflict resolution techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Schedule and manage patient appointments, ensuring optimal utilization of dental providers' time.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients, addressing inquiries related to dental treatments, insurance, and billing.
• Coordinate with dental professionals to prepare and communicate treatment plans and follow-up care instructions.
• Maintain and update patient records accurately in compliance with healthcare regulations and privacy standards.
• Assist patients with insurance verification, claims processing, and financial arrangements to facilitate treatment access.
• Support the dental team by organizing patient flow and ensuring timely communication between patients and providers.
• Educate patients on oral health care practices and post-treatment care to promote long-term dental health.
• Handle administrative tasks such as managing correspondence, preparing reports, and maintaining office supplies related to patient care.

Skills:

The Patient Care Coordinator utilizes strong organizational skills daily to manage complex appointment schedules and ensure smooth patient flow. Effective communication skills are essential for explaining treatment plans, insurance details, and financial options clearly to patients from diverse backgrounds. Proficiency with electronic health record systems enables accurate documentation and retrieval of patient information, supporting clinical decision-making and compliance. Problem-solving abilities help address patient concerns promptly and coordinate with dental staff to resolve scheduling or treatment issues. Additionally, empathy and cultural sensitivity are applied consistently to create a supportive environment that encourages patient trust and engagement in their dental care.