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

Nov 19, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The lack of access to quality dental care can lead to a wide range of serious health issues. Poor oral hygiene can cause cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss, which can lead to pain and difficulty eating. When left untreated, these conditions can worsen and lead to further health complications such as infection, inflammation, and damage to other organs. As a result, it is important to have access to a dedicated dental case manager who can provide timely assessments, coordinate treatment plans, and monitor progress in order to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Steps How to Become

Earn an Associates or Bachelors Degree. To become a dental case manager, you should start by earning an associates or bachelors degree in a healthcare field, such as nursing, dental hygiene, or health administration.
Take a Course in Dental Case Management. After earning your degree, you should take a course in dental case management to learn the necessary skills for the job.
Get Certified. To become a certified dental case manager, you must pass the Certified Dental Case Manager (CDCM) exam. This exam is administered by the American Board of Dental Examiners (ABDE) and tests your knowledge of dental case management and related topics.
Become Licensed. Once you have passed the CDCM exam, you must become licensed in your state to practice as a dental case manager. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so make sure to check with your states board of dentistry.
Gain Experience. Finally, you should gain experience by working in a dental office or other healthcare setting. Working under the supervision of an experienced dental case manager will help you hone your skills and develop your expertise.

A skilled and competent Dental Case Manager can have a positive impact on patient care. By utilizing their knowledge of the dental field, Dental Case Managers are able to help patients understand their options, coordinate treatment plans, and ensure that the patient receives the best possible care. they can review treatment plans and ensure that the patient is receiving the most cost-effective treatment.

Furthermore, they can communicate with insurance companies to ensure that the patient is receiving the maximum benefits of their coverage. This coordination of care and communication can save time and money for both the patient and healthcare provider, while also helping to ensure that the patient gets the highest quality of care.

You may want to check Dental Supply Buyer, Dental Lab Ceramist, and Dental Hygiene Instructor for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee dental care for patients, ensuring that approved treatment plans are followed and that patients receive the highest level of care.
Develop and implement patient treatment plans, as well as coordinate with other healthcare providers.
Monitor patient progress and make any necessary changes to treatment plans.
Provide education to patients on proper dental care and treatment.
Track patient treatment, document outcomes, and provide reports to healthcare providers.
Ensure that all dental records are up to date and accurately maintained.
Maintain current knowledge of changes in dental treatments, technologies, and regulations.
Communicate with healthcare providers and insurance companies to ensure timely payment of claims.
Assist dentists in arranging referrals for complex treatments.
Coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals, such as hygienists and specialists.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive knowledge of dental procedures and treatments.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to interact with patients and their families in a professional manner.
Ability to work collaboratively with other health care providers.
Superb organizational and time management skills.
Extensive knowledge of relevant dental insurance regulations, policies, and procedures.
Skilled problem-solver with the ability to think critically and develop creative solutions.
Proven experience in developing and managing dental care plans.
Proficiency in utilizing software systems to track patient records and plan treatments.
Proficient in financial management, including budgeting, billing, and collections.

Being a successful dental case manager requires a unique set of skills and abilities. The most important skill necessary for this position is strong communication and organizational skills. An effective dental case manager must be able to communicate effectively with both patients and dental professionals in order to coordinate care and ensure patient needs are met.

They must also have the ability to develop and maintain strong organizational systems to ensure that all relevant paperwork is accurately completed and submitted in a timely manner. a dental case manager must be well versed in insurance policies and regulations in order to ensure that claims are properly filed and services are covered by the patient's insurance plan. A successful dental case manager will develop solid relationships with patients, providers, and insurance companies in order to best serve their clients.

All of these abilities are essential for providing quality care and creating successful outcomes for all parties involved.

Dental Practice Analyst, Dental Practice Manager, and Dental Insurance Verifier are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Dental Case Manager?
How do you ensure that the dental care plan you recommend is the most cost-effective solution for the patient?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation involving a patient with a complex dental issue.
How do you stay informed about the latest developments in dentistry?
What would you do if a patient was unable to adhere to the treatment plan you recommended?
What strategies do you use to motivate patients to seek preventive dental care?
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple cases at once?
How has your previous experience as a case manager prepared you for this role?
What strategies do you use to build trust and rapport with patients?
Describe a time when you had to be creative in order to find a solution for a difficult case.

Common Tools in Industry

Dental Software. A dental software program to help manage patient records, schedule appointments, and store financial information. (e. g. Dentrix)
Dental Imaging Software. A software program to capture and store digital dental images for diagnosis and treatment planning. (e. g. Schick CDR)
Electronic Health Records System. A system that securely stores patient health information and allows for data sharing among multiple providers. (e. g. Practice Fusion)
Communication Tools. A suite of tools to facilitate communication between the patient, dental office, and insurance provider. (e. g. Secure Messaging)
Claims Management Software. A software program to manage the submission and tracking of insurance claims. (e. g. ClaimRemedi)
Patient Education Materials. Materials to help educate patients on their dental care, such as videos, webinars, and brochures. (e. g. DentalEdu)
Oral Care Products. A range of products for use in preventive oral care, such as toothpastes and toothbrushes. (e. g. Colgate Total)
Mobile Apps. Mobile applications that provide access to patient records, appointment reminders, and educational materials. (e. g. Dental Office App)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Dental Case Managers (AADCM)
Academy of Professional Case Managers (APCM)
American Board for Certification in Dental Case Management (ABCDCM)
American Dental Case Management Association (ADCMA)
American Society of Dental Case Managers (ASDCM)
International Academy of Dental-Medical Case Management (IADCMM)
National Association of Professional Case Managers (NAPCM)
National Board for Certification in Dental Case Management (NBCDCM)
National Organization of Dental Case Managers (NODCM)
National Society of Certified Professional Case Managers (NSCCM)

We also have Dental Equipment Repair Technician, Dental Implant Coordinator, and Dental Lab Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Dental Hygienist. A dental hygienist is a professional who specializes in preventive oral health care, including cleaning teeth, checking for signs of oral disease, and providing guidance on proper oral hygiene.
Dental Plan. A dental plan is an agreement between a person or organization and a dental care provider that outlines the services and benefits the plan will cover.
Dental Insurance. Dental insurance helps cover the cost of preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental care for individuals and families.
Oral Health Assessment. An oral health assessment is an evaluation of the mouth and teeth to identify any potential issues or problems.
Prosthodontics. Prosthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth with artificial prosthesis such as dentures, bridges, crowns and implants.
Periodontics. Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the prevention and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Orthodontics. Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dental Case Manager?

A Dental Case Manager is a professional who works with patients to coordinate and manage the oral healthcare needs of individuals. They collaborate with dentists, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that all parties involved are informed and receive the services they need.

What are the duties of a Dental Case Manager?

Dental Case Managers are responsible for evaluating patient needs, coordinating dental care plans, providing resources for treatment, and communicating updates to all parties involved. They may also provide education and support services to patients on their oral healthcare needs.

What qualifications are required to become a Dental Case Manager?

To become a Dental Case Manager, individuals must have at least a bachelors degree in a healthcare-related field, such as dental hygiene or public health. Additionally, they must be licensed by their state board of dentistry, and must complete continuing education credits to remain certified.

What skills are necessary for a successful Dental Case Manager?

Effective Dental Case Managers must possess strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. They must be able to maintain accurate records and have the ability to assess patient needs and develop appropriate treatment plans. Additionally, they must be familiar with dental insurance policies and procedures.

What are the benefits of hiring a Dental Case Manager?

Hiring a Dental Case Manager can provide a variety of benefits for patients, including improved access to care, cost savings, and better coordination of services. Dental Case Managers can also help reduce the time patients spend in the office for appointments by managing paperwork and coordinating care more efficiently.