Ava Subbert

During my time as a dental assistant at Mint Dental, I had the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment that required me to be quick on my feet and stay organized. From greeting patients to preparing exam rooms and assisting the dentist during procedures, every day presented new challenges that required a mix of technical skills and interpersonal abilities. One of the key aspects of working in a high-speed environment was the need to stay calm and composed under pressure. With multiple procedures scheduled throughout the day and varying patient needs, it was essential to manage time efficiently and stay focused on the task at hand. I quickly learned how to prioritize tasks, keeping patient comfort at the forefront while also ensuring that the dental team was always prepared for each procedure. I was able to perform well under pressure by developing effective systems for multitasking and anticipating the needs of both the dentist and the patients. Whether it was quickly setting up the right instruments, assisting in taking X-rays, or managing patient flow, I made sure to maintain a sense of urgency without sacrificing quality care. Additionally, communication played a major role in my success. Being able to quickly and clearly communicate with the team allowed us to move seamlessly through each appointment. The ability to remain composed, think on my feet, and adapt to the rhythm of the day helped me thrive in this fast-paced setting and deliver excellent patient care consistently. Ultimately, my time at Mint Dental strengthened my ability to stay focused, stay organized, and deliver top-notch service, even under pressure. It was a rewarding experience that honed my skills and reinforced my commitment to providing high-quality dental assistance in an efficient, calm manner.

While being a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Bentonville Community Center, I was able to combine my passion for water safety with my ability to teach and mentor others. This role allowed me to develop critical skills in supervision, emergency response, and instruction, while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all pool-goers.

As a lifeguard, my primary responsibility was to maintain a safe environment by closely monitoring swimmers, enforcing pool rules, and responding quickly and efficiently to any emergencies. I was trained in CPR, first aid, and water rescue techniques, which allowed me to handle potentially dangerous situations with confidence and calm. My role required constant vigilance, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with both children and adults, ensuring everyone was aware of safety protocols and procedures.

In addition to lifeguarding, I also served as a swim instructor, where I taught swimming lessons to children and adults of varying skill levels. I created structured lesson plans tailored to each swimmer's abilities, and provided constructive feedback to help them improve. Whether teaching beginner swimmers how to float and kick, or working with more advanced swimmers on stroke technique and endurance, I was able to adapt my teaching methods to meet the needs of each individual.

This role helped me develop strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. I learned how to remain calm under pressure, whether it was during a rescue situation or when managing a busy pool with multiple lessons and swimmers. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in working with a diverse group of people, from parents and children to fellow staff members, all while ensuring a fun and safe environment for everyone.

I truly loved my time as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Bentonville Community Center was an incredibly rewarding experience. It not only strengthened my ability to work in high-pressure situations, but also enhanced my interpersonal skills and taught me the importance of patience, responsibility, and clear communication in ensuring the well-being of others.

As a dental assistant intern at Mint Dental, while pursuing my dental assisting license, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that significantly shaped my professional development. As an intern, I was able to apply the knowledge I had gained in the classroom to real-world situations, all while working alongside a highly skilled team of dental professionals in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment. My primary responsibilities as an intern included assisting the dentist during procedures, preparing treatment areas, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring that patients felt comfortable and informed. I also had the chance to assist with taking X-rays, watching the assistants assist the doctors, and ensuring that all necessary supplies were readily available for various treatments. Throughout my internship, I gained a deep understanding of dental procedures, office management, and the importance of patient care. What truly set my time at Mint Dental apart was the opportunity to work in a high-energy environment, where every day brought new challenges and learning experiences. I quickly learned to adapt to the rhythm of the practice, balancing multiple tasks while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor. My ability to stay organized and focused under pressure was put to the test, and I was proud to consistently meet expectations, even in busy and high-stress situations. The hands-on experience allowed me to fine-tune my technical skills, from properly assisting with dental instruments to understanding the nuances of patient care. Additionally, I developed strong communication skills, collaborating with the dental team, and helping patients feel at ease. My time at Mint Dental provided a solid foundation in both the clinical and administrative aspects of dental assisting, and it gave me the confidence to transition smoothly into my career once I received my license. Overall, my internship at Mint Dental was an invaluable part of my educational journey. It provided me with the practical experience I needed to complement my academic studies, and helped me develop a strong sense of professionalism and dedication to providing exceptional care in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Getting to work as a Summer Day Camp Counselor at the Roger's Activity Center, I had the rewarding opportunity to work with children of various ages, providing a fun, safe, and educational environment throughout the summer. In this role, I was responsible for overseeing daily activities, organizing games, and ensuring that campers were engaged and well cared for.

My primary duties included supervising children during structured activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor games, team-building exercises, and field trips. I worked closely with other counselors to develop age-appropriate programming that fostered creativity, teamwork, and physical activity. I also played a key role in maintaining a positive and inclusive atmosphere, addressing any conflicts that arose among campers, and promoting a sense of community.

I excelled in creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants. By maintaining clear communication with parents and camp staff, I ensured that each child’s needs were met, while also providing regular updates on their progress and behavior. I also took on the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the children at all times, from following safety protocols during field trips, to managing headcounts during activities.

One of my key strengths in this role was my ability to remain flexible and adapt to the changing needs of the campers. Whether it was modifying an activity to suit different age groups, or addressing a camper’s individual needs, I was always ready to think on my feet and adjust the plans as necessary.

My amazing experience as a Summer Day Camp Counselor at the Roger's Activity Center helped me develop strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The role enhanced my ability to manage multiple tasks at once, work as part of a team, and create meaningful experiences for children in a supportive, enjoyable setting.