Job Title: Associate Practice Manager
Department: Operations
Reports To: Senior Practice Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly), Full Time
Position Summary
The Associate Practice Manager (APM) is an entry-level operational leadership role designed for individuals managing a low-volume practice or preparing for a future Practice Manager role. The APM supports daily operations, financial performance, and team development in collaboration with a Senior Practice Manager.
This developmental role provides hands-on leadership experience in a supportive environment, helping high-performing team members build the skills necessary to advance into a Practice Manager position. Success in this role is rooted in patient-centered and people-centered leadership by building strong relationships, showing initiative, actively listening, and problem-solving to create a remarkable experience of care for both patients and team members.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Support
- Support the daily leadership of the front office and non-clinical team.
- Coordinate team schedules, morning huddles, and daily performance goals.
- Serve as acting practice lead in the absence of the Senior Practice Manager.
- Coach team members on scheduling, patient communication, and service delivery best practices.
- Foster team communication by ensuring staff remain up to date on company updates, championing change, and modeling positive, engaged leadership.
Operational Support
- Ensure smooth patient check-in/check-out, accurate scheduling, and insurance verification.
- Supports treatment coordination, financial conversations, and patient follow-ups, while providing backup coverage for Patient Coordinators.
- Complete payroll and HRIS functions as delegated (timecard approvals, scheduling, time-off requests); support staff with troubleshooting day-to-day HR questions.
- Ensure appropriate staffing coverage and collaborate on solutions when expected or unexpected gaps occur.
- Monitor daily reports and KPIs to support patient access, case acceptance, and production goals.
- Maintain vendor relationships and ensure adherence to regulatory and safety standards.
Patient Experience
- Champion a patient-first culture and model exceptional service at every patient touchpoint.
- Communicate clearly with patients about treatment plans, payment options, and follow-up care.
- Build trust with patients by applying empathy, active listening, and thoughtful problem-solving.
- Address patient concerns promptly and professionally to improve retention and satisfaction.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner with central support teams (HR, Billing, Marketing, Revenue Cycle) to address operational needs.
- Assist with onboarding and training of new team members.
- Collaborate with other Associate Practice Managers and Practice Managers to problem-solve and share best practices.
- Participate in meetings, CE programs, and company initiatives to support practice performance.
Qualifications
- 2+ years of dental or healthcare front office experience.
- Prior experience as a Practice Coordinator, Treatment Coordinator, or similar role.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead by example and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture.
- Highly organized with attention to detail and follow-through.
- Proficiency in dental practice software (CareStack preferred).
- Willingness to travel between locations and for events.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Manual dexterity for computer and phone use.
- Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly compensation with bonus eligibility.
- Health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Career development and leadership training programs.
Career Path at Plum Dental
At Plum Dental, we are committed to developing our leaders and providing clear opportunities for advancement. The Associate Practice Manager role is a step in a defined career path for high-performing, team-oriented operational leaders.
- Associate Practice Manager
Manage a low-volume practice or work under the guidance of a Senior Practice Manager to develop leadership skills. This role provides hands-on experience in daily operations, team support, and patient experience while preparing for advancement to Practice Manager.
- Practice Manager
Lead a single practice with 4–8 operatories, managing daily operations, financial performance, and team development in partnership with clinical providers.
- Senior Practice Manager
Advance to oversee two standard practices or one large, multi-specialty location. Senior Practice Managers also mentor and support other Practice Managers, lead more complex operations, and play a key role in multi-site performance and culture.
- Regional Leadership
Progress into regional leadership, with responsibility for a portfolio of practices. Regional leaders drive market-level strategy, provider engagement, operational excellence, and team development across multiple locations.
At every stage, you will have access to mentorship, leadership development programs, and opportunities to make a lasting impact on Plum's growth and success.
