Dental Office Coordinator

Native Village of Eyak; Cordova (AK); On-site; USD 37,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Native Village of Eyak in Cordova, Alaska, is seeking a Dental Office Coordinator to oversee front-office operations with emphasis on insurance verification, preauthorization, and patient billing. The role supports revenue cycle performance and ensures HIPAA/HITECH compliance while maintaining accurate electronic records and exceptional patient service.

The position reports to the Ilanka Community Health Center Executive Administrative Assistant, offers a 40-hour work week, and requires 100%

Qualifications

• Experience with insurance verification and prior authorizations.
• Experience with patient billing and payment processing.
• Familiarity with EMR systems and HIPAA/HITECH.
• Strong customer service and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for patients and provide a welcoming reception.
• Register patients and verify insurance, obtain prior authorizations as needed.
• Collect time-of-service payments, set up payment plans, and apply sliding fees.
• Manage on-call lists to fill no-shows and protect revenue.
• Ensure accurate billing and timely claims submission with the Revenue Cycle team.
• Maintain HIPAA-compliant electronic records and office organization.

Skills

Insurance verification

Billing accuracy

Patient financial transactions

HIPAA compliance

EMR systems

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

BLS or CPR certification (preferred)

Tools

EMR software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Not a remote or hybrid position. This role requires 100% onsite work in Cordova, Alaska.

Who We Are

• The Native Village of Eyak (NVE) is a federally recognized Tribal government based in Cordova, Alaska—a remote, roadless community nestled between the eastern Chugach Mountains and the waters of Prince William Sound.
• Our ancestral homelands have long served as a traditional gathering place for the Eyak, Aleut, Tlingit, and Athabascan peoples and span more than 55 million acres of land and sea, encompassing the Copper River Delta and the Northern Gulf of Alaska. This territory reflects the deep, enduring connection our people have to the land and waters that have sustained us for generations.
• NVE is governed by a seven-member elected Council, which upholds our Constitution and Bylaws. The Council provides strategic leadership and direction to the Administrative Executive Director and Health Executive Director to implement projects and programs in alignment with a strategic plan.
• The Ilanka Community Health Center is a primary care outpatient clinic serving the Cordova community. As both an Indian Health Service facility and a Community Health Center, Ilanka offers affordable, high-quality care through contract health services and sliding fee scales. In addition to medical services, Ilanka also provides behavioral health support.
• Mission: Dedicated to exercising our sovereignty to enhance the well‑being of our people, culture, and homelands.
• Vision: To cultivate a resilient and thriving community where our people are healthy and empowered, our culture is alive, and we honor our lands and waters. Through our relationships, education, healing, and leadership, we uphold our sovereignty and empower current and future generations to sustain our way of life.
• Traditional Values: God, Loyalty, Humor, Cooperation, Teaching, Cultural Pride, Sharing, Discipline, Language, Respect
• Most positions require or strongly prefer on-site work in Cordova to ensure the highest quality of services for our Tribal Members. Remote work may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role, and may require regular travel to Cordova.
• NVE is an e-Verify employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.
• In accordance with P.L. 93-638, preference in hiring practices are given to Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native American applicants.
• We are committed to equity, access, and inclusion in our hiring process. If you need assistance applying, please contact our HR team at [e-mail]

About This Role

DENTAL OFFICE COORDINATOR

Work Location: 100% onsite in Cordova, AK. Remote/hybrid work not available for this position.

Team: Ilanka Community Health Center

Salary Grade: Grade 9 ($26.77 to $38.17 per hour DOE)

Reports To: ICHC Executive Administrative Assistant

Schedule: 40 hours per week

FLSA Status: Hourly & Eligible for Overtime Pay

In accordance with P.L. 93-638, preference in hiring practices are given to Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native American applicants. Hiring preference for NVE Tribal members is in effect for this position

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Office Coordinator is responsible for managing front office operations with a strong focus on insurance verification, preauthorization, billing accuracy, and patient financial transactions to support revenue cycle performance. This role ensures compliance with HIPAA/HITECH regulations while maintaining accurate electronic records and delivering excellent patient service. The Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for patients, balancing administrative efficiency with professionalism and confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing a professional, welcoming reception.
• Responsible for all aspects of registration and appointment management to include verifying insurance and prior authorizations, collecting time-of-service payments, establishing payment plans, applying prompt pay/sliding fee discounts, and coordinating bad debt collection.
• Manage on-call lists to fill no-shows and cancelled appointments, protecting provider productivity and revenue.
• Manage dental referrals and coordinate dental lab send-outs.
• Work with the Revenue Cycle department to ensure accurate, timely billing and claims submission, minimizing denials or delays.
• Accurately utilize Electronic Medical Records (EMR) for all patient interactions and documentation needs.
• Coordinate the renewal, maintenance, and accurate tracking of all dental equipment documentation.
• Assist with Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement processes related to documentation, billing, and insurance workflows.
• Maintain compliance postings in visible areas, ensuring regulatory adherence.
• Maintain front office and reception area in a neat, orderly, and sanitized condition.
• Maintain appropriate office supplies to support daily operations.
• Support positive team interactions by demonstrating professionalism, respect, and collaboration.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Participate in community health events (e.g., health fairs, NVE-hosted activities) when scheduled.
• Support organizational mission, vision, and policies through adherence to all standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF ALL STAFF

• Ensure strict compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, and all applicable federal and state privacy regulations, including safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI), limiting access to authorized entities, and maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and lawful disclosure of patient records.
• Works safely in accordance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Immediately reports unsafe conditions, hazards, or injuries to HR or the designated safety contact.
• Attend all mandatory special events, meetings, and trainings.
• Assist with special events, meetings, and trainings as necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
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• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Respect and value all cultures, incorporating diverse cultural perspectives into communication and workplace practices.

ESSENTIAL SUPERVISORY DUTIES

None. This position has no supervisory duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to succeed in this role.

• Knowledge of patient financial responsibility, including time-of-service collections, payment plan arrangements, and application of discounts/sliding fee scales.
• Ability to learn specialized healthcare software and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems; experience with charting, documentation, and record management strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to educate patients on insurance coverage, financial obligations, and treatment-related requirements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Demonstrated resourceful problem-solving with accountability and ownership of work outcomes.
• Adept organizational skills to manage scheduling, on-call lists, and front office operations while supporting revenue cycle goals.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Competent working with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Skilled in email, calendar, and scheduling tools.
• Comfortable with online collaboration platforms (e.g., Teams, Sharepoint, Zoom).
• Able to enter, manage, and retrieve data from databases.
• Quick to learn and adapt to new software or technology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This section outlines the education, training, and experience required for a candidate to be successful in this role, as well as any preferred qualifications that make a candidate stronger. The preferred qualifications are helpful to be more successful in the role but not mandatory.

EDUCATION Preferred: High school diploma or GED; additional coursework in healthcare administration, billing, or dental office management preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE Preferred: Dental, medical, or clinical office setting experience, with emphasis on insurance verification and patient billing.

CERTIFICATES / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES Preferred: State of Alaska Driver’s License. Must maintain insurable driving record in accordance with the Tribe’s auto insurance policy requirements.

CERTIFICATES / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES Required: BLS or CPR Pro certification required within three (3) months of hire if not already certified.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to move about the office to access files, equipment, and attend meetings.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through written correspondence.
• Ability to review and produce documents and data on a computer screen and in print.
• Occasional ability to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds (e.g., office supplies, files).
• Ability to adjust focus and maintain attention in an office setting with moderate noise.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor, climate-controlled office environment
• Shared workspace in close proximity to other desks and colleagues
• Moderate noise level (conversation, office equipment, phones)
• Frequent use of computers, monitors, and other office equipment
• Fluorescent or LED overhead lighting
• Extended periods of sitting at a workstation
• Occasional walking within the office and to shared resources (printer, break room, meeting rooms)
• Possible exposure to paper dust, toner, and cleaning products used in the office

Other Requirements: Required to submit to a background check and follow the NVE Tribe’s drug policies.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer

The Native Village of Eyak has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Native Village of Eyak reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Native Village of Eyak may deem appropriate. Your signature below signifies that you understand the duties, expectations, and contents of this job description.

The pay range for this role is:

26.77 - 38.17 USD per hour (Cordova, Alaska)