DS 160 - Dental Practice Management

Credit Hours: 2

This course provides an understanding of the basic skills required for the daily business operations of a dental practice. Ethics and the law pertaining to dentistry are explored. Students are instructed in resume writing, interview techniques, and the credentialing process in preparation for entry into the workforce.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

understand the basic day-to-day operations of the dental business staff;
communicate effectively with patients, staff, and business associates through oral and written communications;
be familiarized with computer usage and business technology in the dental office;
describe methods of external and internal practice marketing;
maintain practice records and files;
file dental charts utilizing the indexing rules for alphabetic filing;
schedule patient appointments for maximum productivity;
list the steps of an effective recall system;
receive payments, post to patient accounts, and prepare a bank deposit;
understand the billing and collection process for patient accounts;
maintain an office inventory system;
understand the steps to third-party reimbursement;
prepare a cover letter, resume, and interview strategy;
describe professional conduct during employment;
describe the application of the ADAA Code of Ethics to daily practice;
maintain the patient’s right to privacy according to HIPAA standards;
recognize the legal responsibilities of the dental team to the patient;
identify the risk factors and precautions necessary to prevent litigation against dental personnel; and
identify, analyze, and apply problem-solving skills in the clinical externship experience.

Prerequisites: All required first-semester Dental Assisting courses.
Corequisites: All required second-semester Dental Assisting courses.
F (N)