Dental Assistant/PSR

The Dental Assistant works under general supervision. Sets up and take radiographs (digital and/or manual), develops and logs in x-rays taken. Checks developing solutions and logs x-rays taken. Checks developing solutions levels for freshness in automatic and manual developers. Assists in taking patient’s vital signs. Takes digital radiographs, and has the ability to export them to different formats. The Patient Services Representative is responsible for performing all aspects of the patient encounter from scheduling appointments, registering new patients, update demographics for existing patients, screening by phone or in person all patients through the check-out process and charge ticket review, batching and/or direct charge entry within an established & acceptable error rate; collects and post payments from patients; assumes responsibility for one or more functional areas as described based on daily assignments from the Clinic Manager. Assures that all paper work, documentation and records are ready and available at the time patients arrive for clinic visits.

Daily Operations

• Dental Auxiliary Utilization (DAU).
• Assists Students and Dentist, prepares for dental treatment by draping patient with covering; arranges dental instruments, materials and medications on chair side tray in the order they are to be used according to scheduled treatment.
• Pass instruments to the student during patient treatment; mixes dental material for procedure.
• Keeps oral operating areas clear during dental procedures by use of suction devices; water sprays, cotton rolls and holders.
• Takes patients vital signs, pours, trim and polishes casts and removable appliance.
• Takes and process radiographs digital and/or manual and mounts for review and study.
• Conducts plaque controls program and home care instructions.
• Working with assigned Team to ensure the best patient experience.        
• Performs front office and other clerical duties including, but not limited to: answers phones in a courteous and professional manner; greets all patients and confirms their appointment time; directs patient flow to assure smooth activity; monitors waiting room activities.
• Performs patient check- in and out using dental software.
• Accurately collects and post all patient payments using dental software.
• Accurately schedules all patient appointments and return appointments based on dentist or student doctor using dental software.
• Obtain, verifies and records patient demographic information.
• Daily verify insurance plans to correctly assess eligibility and benefits.
• Reconcile no show patients.
• Retrieve and timely response to patient messages (telephone and automated (Televox).
• Daily Balance Cash Drawer and complete Daily Cash Deposit Transmittal.
• Monitoring account balances and collecting payment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.  

Required Skills

• Professional and courteous, ability to multi-task and knowledge of dental terminology and HIPPA.
• Ability to evaluate and assist students in chair procedures.
• Ability to understand technical and medical nomenclature.
• Knowledge of names and use of dental instruments and equipment.
• Knowledge of basic methods of dental record keeping and reporting.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques and procedures.

Required Education and Experience

• High School or equivalent and successful completion of a dental assistant program and registration with the State of Tennessee required. Prior experience working with 2D, and 3D radiology equipment preferred. A minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a medical/dental receptionist, insurance processor or a similar position in a medical/dental office, hospital, insurance company, health plan or other health related facility. Experience with computerized scheduling and billing systems; bilingual preferred.