JOANIE ENGEL
Lighthouse Point,FL
Summary
Dental operations expert with 30 years in practice management, financial coordination, and team development. Skilled in enhancing patient experience, optimizing operations, and managing revenue cycles. Ideal for roles in Dental Office Management or Regional Dental Directorship focused on growth and compliance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Office Manager
P-1 Steckbeck Family Dentistry
06.2024 - Current
- Lead daily operations for a DSO-supported dental practice, overseeing front office and clinical support operations.
- Lead and manage operational projects including workflow changes, scheduling optimization initiatives, and system and process implementations.
- Participate in strategic planning with providers and corporate leadership to support operational goals, staffing needs, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Manage staffing, onboarding, training, and ongoing coaching for administrative and clinical team members.
- Oversee the full patient experience and operational workflow from consultation through treatment to support high-quality care and efficient service delivery.
- Support and coordinate a multidisciplinary team of doctors, clinical staff, and administrative personnel to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Analyze operational and scheduling data to identify opportunities for performance improvement, access to care, and workflow optimization.
- Partner closely with the doctor and corporate leadership to support business strategies aligned with production, collection, and operational performance goals.
- Champion a positive, accountable, and inclusive team culture focused on patient care, communication, and performance.
- Support ongoing staff training and professional development to strengthen engagement and operational consistency.
- Monitor scheduling efficiency, patient flow, and provider utilization to improve productivity and access to care.
- Support financial performance monitoring by reviewing production, collections, and operational metrics and assisting leadership with forecasting and performance planning.
- Oversee insurance verification, patient financial workflows, and front-office revenue cycle processes.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, HIPAA, OSHA, and clinical operating procedures.
- Lead patient service recovery and experience improvement initiatives.
- Make daily operational and staffing decisions to resolve workflow issues, patient access challenges, and service concerns while maintaining compliance and performance standards.
- Support implementation of DSO systems, performance expectations, and operational standards.
- DSO
Financial Coordinator
Dental Sleep Medicine of Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Perform medical and dental treatment plan coordination and financial presentation to patients.
- Verify insurance benefits, eligibility, and coverage prior to treatment.
- Manage accounts receivable, patient balances, and collection of patient copays.
- Submit insurance claims, perform claim follow-up, and resolve payment discrepancies.
- Increase patient satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving concerns through a proactive service approach.
- Manage front office operations while maintaining a professional and welcoming environment.
- Optimize appointment scheduling to maximize provider productivity and minimize conflicts or double bookings.
- Coordinate patient communication by phone, email, and in person to provide financial and appointment information.
- Support insurance and financial processes to improve patient understanding and payment outcomes.
- Provide clerical and administrative support, including document management and correspondence.
Office Manager / Front Office Lead
Bonness Family Dentistry
Camby, IN
04.2008 - 10.2023
- Lead operational improvement projects related to scheduling systems, front office workflows, and financial processes to support long-term practice growth and efficiency.
- Lead front office and daily administrative operations for a high-volume dental practice.
- Supervise, train, and support new employees to ensure strong onboarding and role understanding.
- Establish team priorities, build schedules, and monitor staff performance.
- Verify insurance benefits and eligibility for patients.
- Manage accounts receivable and patient collections, including copays and outstanding balances.
- Submit insurance claims and perform claim follow-up to ensure timely reimbursement.
- Handle patient concerns and service issues with professionalism and discretion.
- Reconcile end-of-day reports and ensure accurate billing and payment processing.
- Manage patient records and maintain compliance with privacy and data protection standards.
- Maintain both electronic and physical filing systems.
- Generate reports, update accounts, and maintain internal databases.
- Provide back-office support as needed, including room setup, operatory turnover, and assisting providers during patient care.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wayne High School
Fort Wayne, IN05-1992
Skills
- Project Coordination
- Operational Implementation
- Strategic Planning Support
- Performance Monitoring
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Operational Analysis
- Policy and Procedure Modification
- Front Office Management
- Schedule Management
- Provider Coordination
- Credit and Collections
- Multi-provider / multi-doctor office operations
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Inventory Control
- Supply Management
- Billing and Invoicing
- Patient and Customer Service
- Patient Correspondence
- Communication
- Multi-tasking in high-volume clinical environments
- Back Office Support
- Clinical Support
- Office Records Management
- Documentation
- Dental Assistant
- DSO practice experience
- Corporate systems alignment
Key Career Strengths
- Long-term leadership and stability within dental practices
- Strong operational knowledge across front office, financial coordination, and clinical support
- Experience supporting providers and staff through operational change
- High level of patient and team trust through consistent leadership presence
- Proven ability to maintain performance in both private and DSO environments
Certification
Dental Radiography or Assisting Licenses
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Office Manager
P-1 Steckbeck Family Dentistry
06.2024 - Current
Financial Coordinator
Dental Sleep Medicine of Indiana
10.2023 - 06.2024
Office Manager / Front Office Lead
Bonness Family Dentistry
04.2008 - 10.2023
High School Diploma -
Wayne High School