The Role of a Dental Biller: What We Do and Why It Matters

Dental billing may happen behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in the health of your practice. Without accurate billing, timely claim submission, and consistent follow-up, even the busiest dental office can struggle with cash flow and collections.

So what exactly does a dental biller do—and why is it so important? In this post, I’ll break down the responsibilities of a dental biller, how our work supports both patients and dental teams, and why having a skilled biller on your side makes all the difference.

1. Submitting Accurate Insurance Claims

One of the most important parts of dental billing is submitting insurance claims on behalf of the practice. This isn’t just about sending codes—it involves:

• Reviewing procedures and clinical notes

• Confirming the correct CDT codes

• Verifying necessary documentation is included

• Ensuring claims meet insurance requirements

Clean, accurate claims reduce denials and speed up reimbursement, which keeps your revenue cycle flowing smoothly.

2. Following Up on Unpaid Claims

Submitting the claim is just the first step. A big part of my job is tracking claims through the payment process. That means:

• Monitoring what’s been paid and what’s still pending

• Following up on aging claims

• Investigating delays or denials

• Resubmitting or appealing when needed

This follow-up work is time-consuming, but it’s essential. Many practices lose revenue simply because no one has the time to stay on top of claims. That’s where a dedicated biller makes a huge difference.

3. Timely and Accurate Posting of Insurance Payments

   
   

   Once a claim is paid, the work isn’t done. Accurately posting insurance payments is a critical step in the billing cycle. This process ensures that your records reflect true collections, patient balances are correct, and reporting stays clean.

   Here’s what that involves:

   • Entering payments exactly as shown on the EOB (including any adjustments or disallowances)

   • Applying payments to the correct procedures and providers

   • Identifying underpayments or discrepancies

   • Reconciling with bank deposits and EFTs

   Timely posting matters just as much as accuracy. When payments are posted quickly, you can:

   • Bill patients promptly for any remaining balance

   • Spot denied or short-paid claims right away

   • Keep your A/R reporting up to date

   Delayed or sloppy payment posting can lead to confusion for patients, inaccurate ledgers, and missed revenue. As your biller, I make sure payments are posted correctly and efficiently, so your financial records stay clean and your patients stay informed.

   
   

4. Keeping Your Practice Compliant

Dental billing isn’t just about money—it’s also about compliance. I stay current on:

• CDT code changes

• HIPAA regulations

• Insurance policy updates

This protects your practice from issues like coding audits, privacy violations, or payment clawbacks down the line.

Conclusion:

A dental biller is more than just a “claims person”—we’re a key part of your practice’s success. From verifying coverage to following up on payments to making sure you’re paid fairly for your work, our role directly impacts your cash flow and your patient experience.

If your team is overwhelmed by billing or you’re not collecting what you’ve earned, let’s talk. [Contact me] to learn how I can help streamline your dental billing and strengthen your practice’s financial health.