Debra Nygren

• Coordinated and managed patient care with efficiency and professionalism by scheduling appointments, educating patients and resolving patient concerns.
• Educated patients on postoperative and general oral health care by suggesting warm saltwater rinsing, pain medication dosage, flossing methods, brushing techniques .
• Created dental x-rays using traditional and digital methods to help dentists detect tooth decay, cavities and other issues needing to be treated.
• Gathered and reviewed patient records, data and health history to share with dentists for quick and accurate patient assessments, diagnoses and treatment.

I am proficient in all aspects of assisting in Oral Surgery. I am proficient as a surgical technician in an operating room. Knowledge with cone-beam technology and extra oral radiographic images. Knowledge of these areas allows me to be adaptable and an asset to my team, which empowers us to exceed our mission goals.

Instruct patients and family members on proper discharge care. . I maintain patient charts and confidential files, record patients' medical history, vital statistics (temperature, pulse and blood pressure) and test results in medical records. Also to include calling and emailing patients to schedule and confirm appointments, medical needs and follow up to keep the fail rate low.. I’m entrusted with confidential medical information and must maintain complete confidentiality as outline in the Privacy Act of 1974 including the Health Information Portability Accountability Act (HIPPA). I verify that information in the computer system is up to date and accurate. I perform all duties in compliance with hospital and the Joint Commission care guidelines, standards of practice and help maintain dental readiness keeping it at a minimum of 95%. I am proficient at using the Composite Health Care System (CHCS) and the Corporate Dental System (CDS).I am familiar with S3 reports, OR utilization reports and preference card set up. Independently manage position responsibilities with little supervision as well as set priorities and deadlines, adjusting the flow and sequencing of work to meet team and patient needs. Developed procedures and training materials to ensure staff expectations are clear in regards to performance and specific process to be followed. Additional duties include inventory, monitoring, ordering and restocking supplies, also providing appropriate postoperative instructions as prescribed by dentist. Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts, clean and sterilize instruments and disposed of contaminated supplies. Designed improved training procedures to help new staff acclimate quickly. . Consistently follow protocols regarding quality assurance, bio hazards, infection control, charting and emergencies. Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies and procedures for health, safety and environmental compliance. I start and maintain peripheral intravenous lines on patients which allow the doctors access to administer medication to the patient. I maintain patient safety before, during and after treatment. Taking all necessary measures to prevent damage and avoid cross-contamination to patients, monitor patients under conscious sedation throughout surgery, closely observing numerical displays and monitor audible alarms, always maintaining a safe and sterile environment. Prepare and document anesthesia flow sheets according to strict hospital criteria. During immediate recovery phase, monitor patient, provide all care instructions and supervise discharge and patient transport.

Worked with the Residency program for 1 yr., Orthodontics for 2yrs. Assisting dentist chair side, infection control, preparation of dental trays, preparation of treatment rooms, pouring and trimming dental models, postoperative instructions (educating patients), scheduling patients, locating charts for next day, reviewing charts, setting up new dental and orthodontic charts, prepare patient for banding procedures, removing and replacing elastics and wires, placing separators between teeth. Cleaning patient teeth with ultrasonic scalar after braces were removed. Lab work consisted of poring model impressions, making Essex retainers, night guards, sport guards and custom trays. Routinely completed inventory, supply orders and restocked supplies. Made preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts. Greeted and prepared patients for dental examinations. Properly sterilized dental equipment and examination rooms in accordance with infection control policies.

Dental Assistant 2006

RED CROSS, Landstuhl Germany 2005

Certified BLS and ACLS since 2015

Florida Licensed Dental Radiology 2020

Adult Procedural Conscious Sedation and Analgesia 2014

Sedation/Positional Asphyxia Approval 2014

Peripheral IV Access Management and Fluid Resuscitation 2015

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Monitor Training Landstuhl Regional Medical Hospital