Alexa Cortez
Dallas,TX
Summary
Dedicated and highly skilled Registered Dental Assistant with over 10 years of experience providing comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages, from infants to elderly individuals. Proficient in chairside assistance across a wide range of procedures, including pediatric care, general dentistry, and oral surgery. Demonstrates a strong commitment to infection control and adherence to OSHA standards, ensuring a safe and compliant environment. Known for maintaining a positive attitude, delivering excellent patient care, and fostering strong communication and rapport with patients, families, and the dental team.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Dental Assistant
DECA
03.2023 - Current
- Managed inventory of dental supplies, minimizing waste while ensuring necessary resources were readily available for all procedures.
- Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
- Coordinated and optimized back office operations by scheduling procedures, preparing treatment rooms, managing inventory, and ensuring timely patient flow, contributing to an efficient and well-organized clinical environment.
- Measured and recorded vital statistics by taking patients' blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
- Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry, endo procedures, and oral surgery.
- Provided chairside assistance to dentists during procedures by passing instruments, managing intraoral suction, maintaining optimal moisture control, and preparing materials for fillings, dental casts, and impressions.
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Perform precise digital scans using the iTero intraoral scanner for patients requiring implant crowns.
- Fabricated and fitted temporary crowns for patients by taking precise impressions, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring proper fit and comfort, while maintaining high standards of aesthetics and functionality.
- Leveraged Eaglesoft software to document patient charts, track progress, and develop tailored treatment plans, ensuring accuracy and clarity in records to support informed clinical decisions and patient satisfaction.
Dental Assistant
DECA
08.2020 - 03.2023
- Provided comprehensive chairside assistance during general dentistry, endodontic procedures, and oral surgery, ensuring efficient workflow and seamless support for the dentist throughout a variety of treatments.
- Instructed patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, plaque control methods, and provided clear postoperative care guidelines to promote recovery and long-term dental health.
- Provided chairside assistance to dentists during procedures by passing instruments, managing intraoral suction, maintaining optimal moisture control, and preparing materials for fillings, dental casts, and impressions.
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Perform precise digital scans using the iTero intraoral scanner for patients requiring implant crowns.
- Fabricated and fitted temporary crowns for patients by taking precise impressions, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring proper fit and comfort, while maintaining high standards of aesthetics and functionality.
- Leveraged Eaglesoft software to document patient charts, track progress, and develop tailored treatment plans, ensuring accuracy and clarity in records to support informed clinical decisions and patient satisfaction.
Dental Assistant
Mint Dentistry
06.2019 - 08.2020
- Assisted dental hygienists by preparing instruments and equipment for cleanings, ensuring proper sterilization, and providing support during procedures such as suctioning, polishing teeth, and charting patient information.
- Consistently took precise alginate impressions for patients receiving custom whitening trays, ensuring accuracy for optimal tray fit and comfort, while maintaining a high volume of impressions with attention to detail and patient care.
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
- Organized and set up instruments, anesthetics, and necessary materials for dental procedures, ensuring all tools were readily available and properly prepared to support efficient and safe patient care.
- Accurately recorded detailed clinical notes for doctors during patient exams and treatments, including charting diagnoses, treatment plans, and procedural details. Ensured thorough documentation of patient interactions, assisting in maintaining up-to-date medical records and supporting smooth communication within the dental team for effective patient care.
- Effectively managed patient records and treatment planning using Open Dental, including detailed charting, scheduling follow-up appointments, and generating custom treatment plans to enhance patient care and office workflow.
Dental Assistant
La Prada Family Dentistry
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Accurately completed patient charting and captured digital radiographs, ensuring detailed and up-to-date records to support diagnostic and treatment decisions.
- Efficiently prepared and organized instruments, anesthetics, and necessary materials for dental procedures, ensuring readiness and smooth workflow during patient treatments.
- Thoroughly documented patient dental health records, including medical history and vital signs, to ensure accurate and comprehensive information for future reference and treatment planning.
- Effectively managed patient records and treatment planning using Open Dental, including detailed charting, scheduling follow-up appointments, and generating custom treatment plans to enhance patient care and office workflow.
- Proficiently set up and utilized the Isodry system during dental procedures to assist the doctor by maintaining a dry and isolated field, improving visibility and efficiency. Ensured patient comfort and supported the dentist in achieving optimal procedural outcomes.
- Assisted the oral surgeon in the removal of wisdom teeth by preparing the surgical area, passing instruments, managing suction, and maintaining a sterile environment. Provided support throughout the procedure, including monitoring patient comfort and vitals, and assisting with post-operative care and instructions to ensure successful outcomes.
Dental Assistant
Azul Dental
11.2016 - 02.2018
- Provided a welcoming environment by greeting patients with warmth and professionalism, assisting them with completing intake and consent forms to ensure accurate and efficient documentation.
- Performed dental radiographs with precision, adhering to established protocols for patient safety and image quality, ensuring accurate diagnostic support for dental treatments.
- Thoroughly cleaned and sterilized instruments and workspaces, strictly following infection control protocols to maintain a safe and compliant clinical environment.
- Utilized Dentrix software to accurately chart patient dental histories, update treatment notes, and create comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring efficient documentation and streamlined communication between the dental team.
- Proficiently set up and utilized the Isodry system during dental procedures to assist the doctor by maintaining a dry and isolated field, improving visibility and efficiency. Ensured patient comfort and supported the dentist in achieving optimal procedural outcomes.
Lead Dental Assistant
Great Smiles Dental & Orthodontics
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Provided comprehensive training and mentorship to externs and fellow dental assistants, ensuring they developed proficiency in clinical procedures, patient care protocols, and office operations. Fostered a collaborative learning environment and supported their integration into the dental team to enhance overall practice efficiency.
- Reviewed and processed Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) to verify accuracy of insurance claims, payments, and patient charges. Collaborated with insurance companies and patients to resolve discrepancies, ensured timely payments, and maintained accurate financial records to support smooth billing operations.
- Performed essential laboratory tasks such as pouring dental impressions and trimming models, ensuring accuracy and quality in the fabrication of dental restorations and appliances.
- Utilized Dentrix software to accurately chart patient dental histories, update treatment notes, and create comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring efficient documentation and streamlined communication between the dental team.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Data Analytics
University of North Texas
Denton, TX10.2027
Certificate - Dental Assisting
Concorde Career College
Richards, TX08.2014
Skills
- Equipment sterilization
- Impression Taking
- Dental radiography
- Restorative procedures
- Prophylaxis
- Treatment room setup
- Treatment Room Breakdown
- Patterson EagleSoft
- Endodontic Procedures
- Patient Charting
- Patient Intake Procedures
- Strong Communication Skills
- Patient Relations
- Team collaboration
- Pediatric Care
- Infection control proficiency
Timeline
Lead Dental Assistant
DECA
03.2023 - Current
Dental Assistant
DECA
08.2020 - 03.2023
Dental Assistant
Mint Dentistry
06.2019 - 08.2020
Dental Assistant
La Prada Family Dentistry
08.2018 - 06.2019
Dental Assistant
Azul Dental
11.2016 - 02.2018
Lead Dental Assistant
Great Smiles Dental & Orthodontics
08.2014 - 08.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Data Analytics
University of North Texas
Certificate - Dental Assisting
Concorde Career College