AADOM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - AUGUST 2012

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Jacquelyn Petzold, CDPMA

AADOM Member Since 2010
Robert D. Perry DDS
Family Dentistry
Vassar, MI

Q: What type of practice do you have?
A: General

Q: What is your title?
A: Business Manager

Q: How long have you been with this practice?
A: 30 Years

Q: What are some of the duties you are responsible for within your practice?
A: This question makes me smile each time I am asked. I have many here are a few… Business responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable, employee benefits and monthly accounting procedures. I computerized the office in 1993 and keep it up to date. I am the HIPAA privacy officer and maintain all of the data security and security compliance including Internet protocol. Front office responsibilities include insurance reconciling, patient treatment plans, financial work-ups and case presentation. My patient responsibilities include informing and educating about quality dental care, taking new patient information and doing health updates and medication reviews. I co-ordinate referrals for our patients with specialists and review their dental benefits. I chair side with the dentist when the need arises, and I do service scheduling and co-ordinate maintenance of the dental property.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about your career?
A: Probably one of the most rewarding things about doing what I do is seeing the smile on a patients/parents face and the “Thank You” that comes with it when you have assisted them in obtaining benefits and the treatment that they needed and deserved. One particular case comes to mind…a young patient who came to our office after having 2 permanent mandibular 1st molars extracted. The insurance company said that the patient was too old for space maintainers but too young for a partial. I wrote a letter asking for the case to be reviewed and the reasons why I thought it was important. I was able to obtain benefits for the patient and an acknowledgment of an “overlooked” scenario. I have a quote on my desk that says, “They will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Teddy Roosevelt

Q: What do you see as some of the benefits of membership to AADOM?
A: Some of the benefits of membership include being a part of an organization that recognizes that dentists need knowledgeable managers to keep the business of dentistry moving forward. There are so many aspects of dentistry that require time and effort to complete. Dentistry is constantly changing. Materials, supplies, techniques, CDT coding and nomenclature, UCR updates and don’t forget the ever changing dental plans. If the dentist is going to have enough time to see his/her patients and provide quality hands on dental care than they need qualified staff to assist them. Also, networking with others and sharing information is a benefit but should not be confused with the responsibilities that one was hired to do.

Q: What other services would you like to see AADOM provide for dental office managers?

A: I would like to see and have the opportunity to work with AADOM and the Dale Foundation in developing an even higher level of certification for dental office managers and what better place than here to find out if there are others who feel the same. The AADOM is working to bridge the gap between the graduates of business programs and those who have worked up to the position of manager in their offices each with their own skill sets. In Michigan dentistry is not taught in the business curriculum and management skills are enhanced with additional education. Higher education is a goal worth pursuing and should require you to put forth more than average effort in order to receive better than average results. Testing to a level of competency should apply.

Q: Have you ever attended an AADOM conference?

A: No

Q: Do you plan on attending the AADOM conference this September in Scottsdale?
A: Yes

Q: Are you an AADOM Fellow or are you pursuing Fellowship?
A: I have been accepted as a Fellow and will be inducted at the 2012 Conference.

Q: What practice management software do you use?
A: Dentrix

Q: What company do you order the majority of your dental supplies from?
A: Darby Dental and Smile Makers

Q: Do you or your practice participate in any charitable organizations?
A: My husband and I have served on several boards at our church. We donate to the American Heart Association, Food For The Poor and LCMS Lutheran World Relief. I would also like to offer my dental knowledge and skills and participate with the SmileTrain organization sometime in the near future and sponsor a child for cleft surgery.

Q: What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?
A: I love to travel the length of the state of Michigan to spend time with my 2 daughters. Stephanie married Andrew last fall and is an RN working in the emergency room. Their home is only a few miles north of the Indiana border. Heidi is at the last exit before Canada in the Upper Peninsula and is a junior at Lake Superior State University. I enjoy outdoor activities including kayaking, riding motorcycles, shooting archery and target shooting handguns with my husband Kevin. I also like to sew and quilt when I have time.

Q: Why would you like to be highlighted in the Member Spotlight?
A: I was very surprised when I opened the e-mail from Justin. Congratulations! You have been chosen to be AADOM's Member Spotlight for August. I am usually most comfortable being behind the scenes or one on one, but I will admit I had been hoping that I would be recognized by the AADOM for the commitment that I have made to the dental profession. What I do everyday in the office both for my doctor and our patients takes knowledge, compassion and perseverance. I will never stop learning, I hope to always have compassion and I will continue as a patient and practice advocate to pursue what is right whenever possible. Keep Smiling see you in Scottsdale!

YOU CAN READ OTHER AADOM MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

15-Aug-12 7:00 AM

AADOM - American Association of Dental Office Managers - Articles

AADOM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - AUGUST 2012