Job Details

Overview

Dental Care Alliance (DCA) is seeking a highly analytical and strategically minded Schedule Optimization Strategist to support enterprise scheduling performance across supported practices. This role works closely with the Senior Director of Schedule Optimization and in coordination with the Schedule Optimization Manager and Optimization Team to design, implement, and sustain standardized scheduling templates, workflows, and performance expectations.

The Schedule Optimization Strategist plays a critical role in balancing patient access and provider productivity by evaluating schedule structure, driving adherence to standards, and partnering with field leadership to execute improvements. This role is responsible for identifying scheduling trends, performance gaps, and workflow inefficiencies, and translating those findings into actionable recommendations and execution plans. The position requires strong critical thinking skills, sound operational judgment, and a deep understanding of dental practice workflows to ensure consistent, scalable scheduling performance across the organization.

Responsibilities

Schedule Strategy & Template Optimization

• Support the development, refinement, and governance of standardized provider and hygiene schedule templates.
• Evaluate schedule structure, appointment mix, and workflow design to improve patient access while maintaining provider productivity.
• Identify opportunities to improve schedule utilization, reduce unused capacity, and support practice growth initiatives.
• Apply creative and strategic thinking to scheduling workflows while remaining aligned with enterprise standards and operational guardrails.

Execution & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work in close coordination with the Schedule Optimization Manager and Optimization Team to execute approved schedule changes within practice management systems.
• Partner with Regional Business Partners (RBPs), Office Managers, and clinical leadership to ensure scheduling changes are implemented consistently and correctly at the practice level.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support scheduling initiatives and operational improvements.

Performance Management, Oversight & KPI Accountability

• Serve as the operational eyes and ears within practice schedules, proactively reviewing schedule performance, adherence, and workflow execution across supported offices.
• Monitor and analyze key scheduling KPIs including access to care, template adherence, fill rates, cancellation trends, and overall schedule utilization.
• Identify trends, risks, inefficiencies, and deviations from scheduling standards through direct schedule review and data analysis.
• Report findings and insights to the Senior Director of Schedule Optimization with clear documentation and supporting data.
• Develop actionable plans to address identified gaps, including recommended workflow changes, training needs, and follow-up actions.
• Partner with RBPs, the Schedule Optimization Manager, and office leadership to execute action plans and monitor results over time.

Standardization, Training & Process Adherence

• Hold practices accountable to established scheduling standards, workflows, and operational processes.
• Deliver training to offices on scheduling templates, best practices, and standard operating procedures.
• Reinforce consistent scheduling behaviors to reduce variation and improve enterprise-wide performance.
• Support change management efforts related to new scheduling initiatives, tools, or workflow updates.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess complex scheduling challenges and develop practical, effective solutions.
• Operational Judgment: Balances patient access, provider productivity, and clinical efficiency.
• Analytical Skills: Interprets KPI data and translates insights into actionable improvements.
• Communication Skills: Communicates clearly and professionally with leadership, RBPs, and practice teams.
• Influence & Training: Effectively drives adoption and adherence without direct authority.
• Accountability: Holds self and others to established standards and performance expectations.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across departments, regions, and leadership levels.

Qualifications

Experience in dental practice operations, scheduling, or healthcare operations required.

• Dental clinical experience is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated experience with process improvement, operational standardization, and KPI-driven performance management.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs, including Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word, is required.
• Experience using dental patient management systems such as Denticon is preferred.

Additional Information

• All duties are subject to change based on business needs.
• This position requires participation in ongoing training, performance monitoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Occasional travel may be required to support office training and implementation efforts.