Associate Practice Manager

**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.