Reports To :

Office Manager /

Practice Owner Position Summary :

The Dental Hygiene Coordinator is the primary point of contact for patients, responsible for ensuring a welcoming, organized, and efficient experience from the first phone call to appointment completion. This position combines administrative scheduling and financial coordination with exceptional patient service and communication skills. Key Responsibilities Patient Scheduling & Coordination Schedule and coordinate hygiene appointments based on patient treatment needs, recommended recall intervals, and provider instructions. Maintain an organized and productive hygiene schedule while maximizing available appointment time. Monitor overdue and upcoming hygiene appointments and assist with recall and reactivation efforts. Schedule periodontal maintenance, routine cleanings, new patient hygiene appointments, and other hygiene-related visits as appropriate. Identify opportunities to fill cancellations and openings in the hygiene schedule. Coordinate appointments requiring multiple providers or treatment areas when necessary. Verify that patients are scheduled for the appropriate type and length of hygiene appointment. Patient Communication Communicate professionally and courteously with patients regarding hygiene appointments, recommendations, scheduling, and follow-up care. Explain hygiene appointment types, recommended recall intervals, and general treatment recommendations within the scope of the position. Contact patients regarding overdue hygiene appointments and assist with reactivating patients who have fallen out of regular care. Respond promptly to patient questions and concerns and direct clinical questions to the appropriate hygienist or doctor. Provide patients with clear instructions regarding upcoming appointments and any necessary preparation. Hygiene Schedule Management Review the hygiene schedule daily to identify gaps, cancellations, and opportunities for optimization. Work with the hygiene team to maintain an efficient and productive schedule. Monitor appointment lengths to ensure patients are scheduled appropriately based on their clinical needs. Coordinate same-day opportunities when appropriate and when time permits. Help maintain consistent hygiene production and patient flow while prioritizing quality patient care. Communicate schedule changes promptly to hygienists, doctors, and the front office team. Patient Retention & Recall Monitor hygiene recall schedules and assist in maintaining strong patient retention. Follow up with patients who are due or overdue for hygiene appointments. Track unscheduled hygiene treatment and follow-up recommendations. Assist in identifying patients who may require periodontal maintenance or a change in their recommended hygiene frequency. Encourage patients to remain consistent with recommended preventive and periodontal care. Patient Relations Greet patients warmly and provide a friendly, professional first impression of the practice. Manage patient check-in processes efficiently. Answer phones, respond to inquiries, and schedule appointments. Ensure accurate and thorough patient records, verifying contact, insurance, and medical information. Maintain patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and practice standards. Financial & Insurance Coordination Work collaboratively with the front office and insurance team to ensure hygiene appointments are scheduled appropriately based on benefits and frequency limitations. Be familiar with common hygiene-related insurance limitations and benefit frequencies. Communicate general financial or insurance information to patients within the scope of the position. Refer detailed insurance or financial questions to the appropriate team member. Administrative Support Maintain professional, respectful, and positive communication with all members of the dental team. Assist other team members when needed to support overall office efficiency. Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for improving the hygiene department. Follow all office policies, procedures, and protocols. Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor consistent with the standards of the practice. Help create a welcoming, organized, and patient-centered environment. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred. Experience in the dental or medical field is encouraged, but not required. Knowledge of dental terminology, insurance processes, and scheduling software (e.g., Open Dental, Dentrix, Eaglesoft) preferred. Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills. Professional appearance and demeanor, with strong attention to detail. Core Competencies Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Attention to detail and accuracy. Professionalism and confidentiality. A positive, team-oriented attitude. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities. Commitment to excellent patient service. Willingness to identify problems and take initiative in finding solutions. Commitment to supporting the clinical and business goals of the practice. A strong Dental Hygiene Coordinator not only keeps the hygiene schedule full but also sets the tone for the entire patient experience—turning routine visits into lasting relationships built on trust and care. We are open to training the correct candidate.

Pay:

$15.00 - $21.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 - 30.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Employee discount Paid time off

Work Location:

In person