Public Health Office Assistant

Alternative Titles

1. Dental Front Office Assistant
2. Dental Patient Services Representative
3. Dental Administrative Assistant

Dental Public Health Office Assistant

Client: Tennessee Department of Health – Division of Community Health Services
Location: Lebanon, Tennessee
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7.5 hours per day
Contract Duration: November 30, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Position Overview

The Tennessee Department of Health's Division of Community Health Services (CHS) is seeking a Dental Public Health Office Assistant to provide administrative and clerical support within health department dental clinics.

The position is responsible for patient registration, appointment scheduling, patient check-in and check-out, reminder and follow-up calls, referral coordination, documentation, and other administrative activities supporting daily clinic operations.

The ideal candidate is customer-focused, self-motivated, team-oriented, and willing to travel throughout the region as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage patient appointments.
• Inform patients of requirements associated with their visits.
• Collect, verify, and update patient demographic information during registration.
• Review documentation to determine eligibility for federal and state programs.
• Enter and maintain information in health department management information systems.
• Work across multiple software systems to enter and retrieve information.
• Process and balance the cash drawer.
• Explain program participation rights and responsibilities to clients.
• Obtain appropriate authorization before releasing medical information.
• Assist with obtaining prior authorization from insurers by gathering and submitting documentation before services are provided, as applicable.
• Prepare and organize forms required for patient services and efficient clinic operations.
• Scan and index records into the electronic dental record.
• Assist with patient follow-up calls and referral coordination.
• Maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional work environment.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of full-time customer service and/or clerical or office work experience.
• Current driver's license.
• Ability to complete the required Tennessee Bureau of Investigation background check.

Education Substitution:

Coursework completed at an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis, up to two years.

For example, 45 quarter hours may substitute for one year of required experience.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

Candidates who meet one or more of the following qualifications will receive preference:

• Active Tennessee Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.
• Previous dental front-office experience.
• Knowledge of dental terminology.
• Experience with dental appointment scheduling.
• Understanding of dental insurance coding.
• Ability to assist chairside during emergencies or staffing shortages, where appropriately licensed.

Work Environment

• Onsite position in Lebanon, Tennessee.
• Monday through Friday.
• Travel throughout the region may be required.
• Position supports public health dental clinic operations.