Patient Coordinator

About the Role

The Patient Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring a positive patient experience by effectively communicating treatment plans, coordinating care, and managing financial arrangements. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to facilitate trust between the patient and the clinical team.

Responsibilities

• Patient Communication & Case Presentation
  • Present comprehensive treatment plans recommended by the dentist to patients.
  • Educate patients on procedures, timelines, and the importance of recommended care.
  • Answer patient questions regarding treatment, insurance, and financial options.
• Financial Coordination
  • Provide accurate treatment estimates based on insurance verification and fee schedules.
  • Discuss payment plans, third-party financing, and other financial arrangements.
  • Collect co-pays, pre-payments, and schedule future payments as needed.
• Insurance & Scheduling
  • Verify insurance coverage and benefits prior to treatment presentation.
  • Ensure proper pre-authorizations are obtained when required.
  • Coordinate with front office and clinical team to schedule procedures efficiently.
• Administrative Support
  • Maintain accurate records of presented and accepted treatment plans.
  • Follow up with patients on unscheduled treatment.
  • Track case acceptance rates and contribute to patient retention efforts.
  • Support front desk team as needed with check-in/check-out processes.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a dental office setting, with a focus on treatment coordination, patient relations, or insurance billing.
• Strong knowledge of dental procedures and terminology.
• Familiarity with dental software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental).
• Exceptional communication, sales, and customer service skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Skills

• Patient-focused mindset
• Professional demeanor and appearance
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Ability to multitask and adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Team-oriented with a proactive attitude

About Smile Programs

Smile Programs is the nation's leading in-school dental program founded almost two decades ago by two moms, who happen to also be dentists. The founders saw a tremendous need among underserved school-aged children who did not have easy access to dental care and who often suffered from poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, pain, and associated medical problems. Today, through its dental partners, Smile Programs provides preventative and restorative care to approximately 500,000 children per year.

Smile Programs affiliates with state-licensed dentists, hygienists, and assistants who use state-of-the-art portable equipment to provide all services onsite, directly in the school or in a self-contained mobile dental facility. Our expertise enables us to bring exceptional care with minimal disruption to the normal school routine. Smile Programs is currently active in 20 states and has ongoing strategic partnerships with over 8,000 school districts, including 21 of the 25 largest school districts in the country.

Benefits

Smile Programs offers rewarding work and competitive compensation.