Thinking about trading your scaler for a spreadsheet? In this episode, Amanda and Sarah walk you through what it really takes to move from a clinical role into remote dental billing. From the revenue cycle basics to must-have resources and realistic salary talk, this is your practical roadmap to making the switch with confidence.
Who this is for:
Hygienists, assistants, and clinical teammates who are curious about revenue cycle management and want flexible, remote work options.
The realistic timeline to competency – why this is a learnable path that still takes time and reps
Revenue Cycle 101 – verification to claim submission to follow up to patient statements
Core skills to build – reading ledgers, insurance plan basics, attachments, clearinghouses, portals
Smart first steps – where to start if you're still in-office and how to get hands-on practice
Training that actually helps – courses, books, and tools worth your time
Common pitfalls – salary expectations, self-management, and "Facebook advice" to ignore
It is not overnight – plan for consistent CE and on-the-job learning
Know the revenue cycle cold – verification quality drives everything downstream
Pick reliable sources – not all webinars are created equal
Sharpen your tech – practice management software, clearinghouses, Adobe, and Google Workspace
Start where you are – shadow the front, do hygiene verifications, study ledgers
Remote work fit matters – self-discipline and daily cadence are huge success factors
Build the foundation – take a reputable insurance course to learn plan structure and claim essentials
Practice verification – use a complete breakdown form and collect details by phone or portal
Learn the ledger – read accounts to follow services → claims → payments → patient portions
Practice attachments – which codes need narratives, photos, radiographs, and how to submit cleanly
Choose a software lane – get proficient in at least one practice management system and one clearinghouse
Create a daily rhythm – posting, claim follow up, outstanding claims review, patient statements
Training availability – most remote roles expect you to arrive with skills
Income ramp – early earnings may trail clinical pay until speed and accuracy improve
Constant change – plans, portals, claim forms, and software update regularly
Work style shift – fewer external deadlines means you set and keep your own
Dental Insurance Design and Management by Teresa Duncan – comprehensive insurance training. Use code "ESSENTIAL" for $75 off.
ADA Dental Coding Certificate – plus the CDT Code Book and Coding Companion
Coding With Confidence by Dr. Charles Blair – practical guidance on when and how to use codes
Tools to know – Google Workspace, Adobe for PDFs, your office's practice management software, and your clearinghouse
Shadow front desk on a light day and complete several hygiene verifications
Review today's patient ledgers to trace services, claims, payments, and balances
Draft a checklist for attachments by procedure to speed clean claim submission
"You didn't become a hygienist overnight – and you won't become a top biller overnight either."
"Verification is the birthplace of the revenue cycle."
"Find a reliable source – then stick with it while you build your foundation."
If this episode helped you map out your transition, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on Instagram. Have a topic you want us to cover next year? Send us a message – we love building episodes from real questions.
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