Catrina Coe
Santa Barbara,CA
Summary
Motivated Pre-Dental Student with extensive experience in clinical dentistry, research, and community health. Proficient in chairside assisting, patient communication, and infection control. Demonstrated leadership in research design and curriculum development, with a focus on addressing oral health disparities. Dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care while pursuing continuous professional growth.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dental Assistant
Dr. Del Pinho
01.2025 - Current
- Provide chairside support for restorative and cosmetic procedures (composites, crowns, implants, Invisalign) through four-handed dentistry, digital radiography, and strict adherence to infection-control protocols.
- Manage full operatory turnover and sterilization workflow, including procedure-specific tray setup, room disinfection between patients,a nd instrument sterilization in compliance with OSHA and CDC standards.
- Operate digital dentistry systems such as iTero for intraoral scanning, Sirona CEREC for same-day crown fabrication, and fabrication of custom bleaching trays.
- Maintain efficient clinic flow and positive patient experience by preparing operatories ahead of appointments, supporting scheduling needs, communicating procedures clearly, and easing patient anxiety.
Co-Lead of the Koegel Autism Program
Teach4Speech
01.2024 - Current
- Designed and led a neurodivergent-focused communication curriculum for Teach4Speech in collaboration with UCSB's Koegel Autism Center, using evidence-based, play-centered activities to support speech, social engagement, and self-expression.
- Co-lead biweekly intervention sessions and a pilot evaluation study with neurodivergent children, implementing structured 10-week programs and adapting instruction to individual communication needs.
- Developed and applied behavioral-tracking methods to assess communication outcomes, refine curriculum components, and identify activities most effective in promoting speech development.
- Collaborated across nonprofit, academic, and community settings, including adapting curriculum materials for diverse populations (e.g., incarcerated youth), strengthening skills in applied behavioral intervention.
Founder
FosterBox
02.2021 - Current
- Founded and lead FosterBox, a registered nonprofit addressing the intersection of food insecurity and oral-health disparities in underserved communities across California and Texas.
- Design and distribute integrated meal kits and dental-hygiene/education packets to homeless shelters, foster care centers, and transitional housing programs, promoting preventive care and self-sufficiency.
- Build and manage community partnerships with organizations such as Trader Joe's, Veggie Rescue, and local dental clinics to source nutritious food, assemble dental-care kits, and expand outreach capacity.
Honors Thesis Student
Bionic Vision Lab
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods honors thesis in UCSB's Bionic Vision Lab examining how blind and low-vision adults prefer invasive bionic implants versus non-invasive wearable aids.
- Designed survey measures and analyzed quantitative data in Python, conducting multivariate regression and subgroup analyses; found that greater mobility independence predicted lower willingness to adopt bionic vision, highlighting how functional independence shapes medical decision-making.
- Led qualitative interviews and thematic analysis, integrating results to identify patient priorities for assistive technologies, translating research findings into practical, patient-centered insights.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biopsychology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06-2026
Certification
- Infection Control Certification and X-Ray License from the California Institute of Dental Education
- BLS Provider Certified by American Heart Association
- Introduction of Dental Terminology by University of Pittsburgh
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Professional Working
Timeline
Dental Assistant
Dr. Del Pinho
01.2025 - Current
Honors Thesis Student
Bionic Vision Lab
01.2025 - 12.2025
Co-Lead of the Koegel Autism Program
Teach4Speech
01.2024 - Current
Founder
FosterBox
02.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biopsychology
University of California, Santa Barbara