Experienced in dental assisting with a strong focus on patient care and operational efficiency. Prepared treatment areas and sterilized instruments to comply with safety regulations, contributing to optimal patient outcomes. Collaborated with dental teams to manage appointments and maintain organized records, which enhanced clinic workflow. Provided chair-side assistance during procedures and educated patients on oral hygiene practices, fostering improved patient satisfaction.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2014
2014
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Dental Assistant
Dr. Donald A Flihan DDS. MD, PC
Utica
08.2020 - Current
Assisted in patient care procedures by preparing treatment areas and sterilizing instruments, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Collaborated with the dental team to manage patient appointments and maintain organized records, enhancing operational efficiency.
Educated patients on proper oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care, contributing to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Monitored inventory levels and restocked dental supplies, reducing downtime and ensuring smooth clinic operations.
Mentored junior staff members on best practices in patient care and office procedures, fostering a collaborative environment.
Facilitated patient intake processes, including recording medical histories and obtaining consent, improving workflow and patient experience.
Participated in continuing education workshops to stay current with dental practices and enhance patient care techniques.
Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
Sterilized instruments according to established guidelines and protocols.
Took digital X-rays of teeth using radiographic equipment.
Maintained a neat, clean and organized environment throughout the office.
Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
Laid out dental instruments and equipment before procedures.
Greeted patients upon arrival at the office and escorted them to an examination room.
Assisted in laboratory procedures such as mixing impression materials or pouring casts from impressions taken by dentists.
Provided support services such as stocking rooms with supplies, cleaning trays and changing linens between patients.
Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
Documented patient records with procedures performed and added notes taken to charts.
Took preliminary impressions of patient teeth to prepare for custom impressions and fabrication of permanent dental work.
Responded promptly to requests from other staff members or dentists while maintaining a professional demeanor.
Took patient blood pressure, pulse and temperature and accurately recorded results in patient charts.
Built loyal patient following and retained return patients by providing empathetic and caring service.
Checked with participants throughout procedures to help alleviate anxiety.
Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
Dental Assistant
Valley Dental
New Hartford
01.2020 - 07.2020
Prepared examination rooms and sterilized instruments, maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations to ensure optimal patient care.
Educated patients on post-treatment care and oral hygiene practices, contributing to improved patient understanding and satisfaction.
Conducted routine inventory checks and managed supply levels, ensuring the availability of essential materials for uninterrupted dental services.
Trained new dental assistants on clinic protocols and patient care techniques, fostering a cohesive team environment and improving service delivery.
Implemented patient follow-up procedures, resulting in increased appointment adherence and improved overall patient retention rates.
CNA
Sitrin Health Care
New Hartford
08.2016 - 01.2020
Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities, enhancing patient comfort and well-being.
Developed strong relationships with patients, contributing to improved patient satisfaction and trust in care.
Trained and mentored new staff members, enhancing team performance and patient care standards.
Provided assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
Performed vital sign assessments, such as taking blood pressure and temperature.
Maintained a clean, safe environment for the patient by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
CNA
Presbyterian Homes
New Hartford
02.2014 - 02.2015
Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities, enhancing patient comfort and well-being.
Monitored and documented patient vital signs, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and care standards.
Assisted in maintaining a clean and safe environment, promoting infection control and compliance standards.
Crew Member
McDonald's
New Hartford
03.2011 - 02.2013
Maintained cleanliness and organization of the dining area, ensuring a welcoming environment for customers.
Assisted in training new crew members, fostering a collaborative team atmosphere and enhancing service quality.
Processed customer orders accurately, improving transaction efficiency and contributing to overall customer satisfaction.
Education
Dental Assistant - ADAP Alternative Dental Assisting Program
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, NY
08.2024 - 04.2025
Phlebotomy - Health Care
Mvcc
Utica, NY
09.2023 - 02.2024
CNA - CNA
Presbyterian
08.2013 - 09.2013
Sauquoit Valley High School
Sauquoit, NY
Skills
Patient care
Instrument sterilization
Treatment preparation
Patient education
Chair-side assistance
X-ray imaging
Infection control
Patient intake
Treatment room sanitation
Supply restocking
Staff mentoring
Complex Problem-solving
Treatment room setup
Equipment sterilization
Professionalism and etiquette
Timeline
Dental Assistant - ADAP Alternative Dental Assisting Program