How to Be Dental Biller - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 8, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of a proper dental billing system can lead to increased stress and decreased efficiency in a dental practice. Without a reliable dental billing system, dentists must manually enter charges and process payments, leading to significant delays in the payment process and potential errors in the billing. Additionally, manual billing processes can increase the risk of lost or stolen data, which can lead to costly fines and penalties. As a result, it is essential for dental practices to invest in an effective and secure dental billing system to ensure the accuracy, security, and efficiency of their billing processes.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require dental billers to have a high school diploma or GED.
Earn an Associates Degree in Medical Billing and Coding. Several community colleges and online schools offer associates degrees in medical billing and coding. These programs provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful dental billers.
Obtain Professional Certification. Professional certification demonstrates to employers that a dental biller has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties. The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification for dental billers. To earn this certification, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of medical coding and billing principles.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer to hire dental billers with some experience in the field. To gain experience, individuals can volunteer or intern at a dental office, or they can seek entry-level positions as a medical biller or coder.
Seek Employment as a Dental Biller. Once they have obtained their education, certification, and experience, individuals can begin searching for employment as a dental biller. Some dental offices may require applicants to have an additional certification, such as the Certified Dental Practice Administrator (CDPA).

The dental billing process is complex and requires a skilled and efficient individual in order to ensure accuracy. The dental biller is responsible for accurately documenting services provided and patient information, such as insurance information and payment information. If the biller does not properly document and submit the claims, it can cause delays in payments and incorrect reimbursements from insurance companies. By having a skilled and efficient dental biller, the office will be able to maximize reimbursements, reduce denials, and streamline the billing process.

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Job Description

Verify patient information and insurance coverage.
Enter patient data into electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
Prepare and submit claims to insurance companies.
Follow up on unpaid or rejected claims.
Handle incoming calls from patients, insurance companies, and other providers regarding billing issues.
Research and resolve billing discrepancies.
Reconcile payments received with accounts receivable.
Generate statements for overdue accounts.
Maintain patient accounts and records.
Prepare monthly financial reports for management review.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of dental coding and insurance policies
Understanding of medical terminology and dentistry procedures
Excellent data entry and communication skills
Proficiency in dental office software programs
Ability to review and verify accuracy of patient information
Ability to interact professionally with patients, dental staff, and insurance companies
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Knowledge of billing and collections procedures

Good dental billers are essential to the success of any dental practice. They are responsible for accurately recording patient information and data, billing insurance companies and patients, and ensuring that payments are received in a timely manner. The ability to accurately and efficiently manage patient records, billing, and accounts receivable is critical to the success of a dental practice.

Poor dental billers can cause delays in payments and misunderstandings with insurance companies, leaving the practice with unpaid bills and dissatisfied patients. inadequate training or knowledge can lead to incorrect coding, resulting in lost revenues for the practice. Good dental billers also need to be organized, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable about the various dental insurance plans available.

Having a good understanding of the insurance plans and benefits available to patients can help ensure that the practice is properly reimbursed for services rendered. Finally, excellent communication skills are essential for a dental biller to be successful as they must be able to explain charges and payment policies to patients in a professional manner.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How familiar are you with the dental billing process?
What experience do you have with coding, insurance policies and claims processing?
How do you stay up to date on changes in the dental coding and billing regulations?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects?
What steps do you take to ensure accuracy in dental billing?
Describe a time when you successfully appealed an insurance denial and what made it successful?
What strategies do you use to build relationships with insurance companies?
What experience do you have with customer service and working with patients?
How do you handle difficult situations with insurance companies or patients?
Describe a situation where you had to think outside the box to solve a billing issue.

Common Tools in Industry

Dental Practice Management Software. A software used to manage patient records and billing, as well as provide tools for scheduling and reporting. (eg: Dentrix)
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System. An online system used to store patient records and information, enabling easier access and management of data. (eg: Prognosis)
Claim Management System. A software used to submit, track and manage dental claims. (eg: ClaimConnect)
Accounting Software. A software used to manage finances, including accounts payable and receivable. (eg: QuickBooks)
Coding Software. A software used to accurately code dental procedures. (eg: Easy Dental)
Document Management Software. A software used to store, organize and manage documents electronically. (eg: DocuWare)
Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) Software. A software used to generate electronic remittances for dental claims. (eg: DentalXChange)
Online Payment Processing Software. A software used to securely process payments online. (eg: Stripe)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Dental Association
American Medical Billing Association
National Association of Dental Plans
Healthcare Billing and Management Association
Professional Association of Health Care Office Management
American Academy of Professional Coders
Academy of Dental Management Consultants
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Coders
American Academy of Professional Coders
National Association of Insurance Commissioners

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Common Important Terms

Coding. The process of assigning codes to medical procedures and services in order to accurately report the services to a health insurance provider or governing body.
Claims Submission. The process of submitting claims to insurance companies for reimbursement of services.
Insurance Verification. The process of confirming a patient's insurance eligibility and coverage prior to providing services.
Payment Posting. The process of posting payments and adjustments from insurance companies or other payers to patient accounts.
Accounts Receivable Follow-up. The process of contacting insurance companies or other payers to ensure payment of services rendered.
Appeals & Denials Management. The process of appealing denied claims for payment and addressing any issues that may have caused the denials.
Collection Services. The process of pursuing payment from patients or other payers who have not yet paid for services rendered.
Patient Billing. The process of providing patients with detailed invoices for services rendered and assisting them with any billing questions they may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dental Biller?

A Dental Biller is a professional responsible for managing the payment and reimbursement process for dental services provided to patients. They ensure that claims are correctly coded, submitted, and processed for payment by insurance companies and other payers.

What does a Dental Biller do?

Dental Billers are responsible for creating, submitting, and managing claims for dental services provided to patients. They review patient records to ensure that claims are accurately coded, prepare and submit claims to insurance companies and other payers, track and follow up on unpaid claims, and resolve any discrepancies or issues with payments.

What qualifications do you need to become a Dental Biller?

To become a Dental Biller, you must typically have a high school diploma or GED, and have experience in the medical billing field. Many employers also prefer candidates with an associate degree or certification in medical billing or coding.

What is the average salary for a Dental Biller?

The average salary for a Dental Biller is around $40,000 per year. Salaries can vary greatly based on experience and location.

What is the job outlook for Dental Billers?

The job outlook for Dental Billers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an expected increase in demand for health care services as the population ages.