Terri Dickinson
Broken Arrow,OK
Summary
Dedicated healthcare professional with combined experience as a Dental Hygienist and Financial Specialist, offering a unique blend of clinical, sterilization and administrative expertise. Skilled in infection control, instrument handling, compliance with OSHA and CDC protocols, and high-accuracy data management. Known for maintaining strict safety standards while working efficiently in fast-paced, detail-oriented environments. Eager to apply precision, quality assurance, and sterilization knowledge to a Sterile Processing Technician role.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Financial Specialist
918Dentist & Glenpool Braces
05.2020 - 07.2025
- Processed and posted insurance payments with 99%+ accuracy to maintain balanced patient accounts.
- Prepared insurance claims for submission to clearinghouses, proactively troubleshooting denials to expedite reimbursements.
- Conducted account audits to identify errors, improving billing accuracy and reducing discrepancies.
- Verified insurance benefits prior to procedures, ensuring accurate coverage information.
- Maintained compliance with HIPAA and data protections standards while managing sensitive patient records.
Insurance/Treatment Coordinator
Super Smiles Dentistry
07.2019 - 04.2020
- Explained treatment choices to patients and helped determine best options
- Managed secretarial duties, including researching billing issues, scheduling appointments and verifying insurance coverage
- Educated patients on dental benefits and coordinated proper payment with insurance companies
- Prepared insurance claims for submission to clearinghouses or insurance companies
- Filed and tracked insurance claims and communicated claims status to patients
- Obtained data such as patient, insurance ID, insurance provider and medical codes to properly file insurance claims
Hygiene Coordinator/Team Leader
Super Smiles Dentistry
09.2013 - 06.2019
- Negotiated agreements between employees to clarify misunderstood directions and resolve conflicts affecting performance
- Developed team communications and information for staff meetings
- Worked with doctor and additional team leads to resolve problems, improve operations and provide exceptional customer service
- Coordinated 10 hygiene assistants in providing excellent customer service to patients in a friendly and timely matter
- Monitored schedule to assure insurance eligibility for Soonercare patients
- Monitored diagnostic quality of x-rays performed by hygiene and treatment assistants
Hygiene Assistant
Super Smiles Dentistry
09.2012 - 09.2013
- Prepared bitewing, panoramic and periapical radiological images, allowing dentist to spot cavities, decay and problem areas needing treatment
- Documented patients’ dental health information, medical history and vital signs
- Educated patients on dental hygiene, pre-surgical instructions and post-surgical care
- Recorded patients' health histories, documented current symptoms and pulled up records from prior visits for dentists to view and evaluate
- Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines
- Typed patient data into computer system using Dentrix software while following privacy laws and maintaining high level of accuracy
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices
- Taught patients successful strategies for boosting oral hygiene, controlling plaque and protecting gums and tooth enamel from damage
Dental Hygienist
Dr. Randy Johnson, DMD
10.2007 - 07.2008
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums
- Captured patients’ dental radiographs and provided to dentist for interpretation and diagnosis
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in Eaglesoft
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and showed techniques for flossing and brushing
- Removed soft and hard deposits, cleaned and polished teeth
- Capably performed prophylaxis in absence of periodontal disease or gingivitis
Education
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OKOklahoma State University
Stillwater, OKAssociate of Science - Dental Hygiene
Columbus Technical College
Columbus, GA2002
Skills
- Sterilization & Infection Control Procedures
- Instrument Decontamination
- OSHA, CDC & HIPAA Compliance
- Data Entry & Records Management
- Claims Processing & Payment Posting
- Quality Assurance & Process Improvement
- Time Management & Workflow Coordination
Timeline
Patient Financial Specialist
918Dentist & Glenpool Braces
05.2020 - 07.2025
Insurance/Treatment Coordinator
Super Smiles Dentistry
07.2019 - 04.2020
Hygiene Coordinator/Team Leader
Super Smiles Dentistry
09.2013 - 06.2019
Hygiene Assistant
Super Smiles Dentistry
09.2012 - 09.2013
Dental Hygienist
Dr. Randy Johnson, DMD
10.2007 - 07.2008
Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene
Columbus Technical College
Tulsa Community College
Oklahoma State University
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