Gail Bethell
Lake Wales,FL
Summary
After graduating HS I Attended Milligan College and studied Psychology and Secondary education. Came home and raised a family of three children. I home schooled my children and at a point I had to go to work to help the family and ended up as receptionist at a dental office. Two and a half months later was put chair side. Went on to learn the basics of dentistry. I loved what I was learning
Over the years I have been educated and assisted in all areas of dentistry. Have attended conferences on communication, different personalities and team management.
My passion is helping and teaching others about dentistry. Having everyone I come in contact in dentistry is to calm their fears and educate them.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Dental Assistant
Peak Dentistry
780 E Main St , FL
03.2023 - Current
- Assisted dentist in providing dental treatment to patients, including taking patient medical histories and vital signs.
- Prepared dental materials such as amalgam, composite resin, impression material and cements for use by the dentist.
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and habits.
- Maintained a neat, clean and organized environment throughout the office.
- Conducted routine maintenance of equipment used in dentistry operations.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, answering telephones and updating patient records.
- Took digital X-rays of teeth using radiographic equipment.
- Sterilized instruments according to established guidelines and protocols.
- Kept accurate records of dental treatments provided for each patient's visit.
- Fabricated temporary crowns or bridges from impressions taken by the dentist.
- Ordered supplies necessary for daily operations of the practice.
- Instructed patients about postoperative instructions prescribed by their dentist.
- Greeted patients upon arrival at the office and escorted them to an examination room.
- Provided support services such as stocking rooms with supplies, cleaning trays and changing linens between patients.
- Reviewed patient charts prior to visits to ensure that all relevant information was available for the doctor's review.
- Assisted in laboratory procedures such as mixing impression materials or pouring casts from impressions taken by dentists.
- Helped maintain inventory levels of all dental supplies used in day-to-day operations.
- Responded promptly to requests from other staff members or dentists while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental examinations and procedures to boost efficiency and calm nervous patients.
- Laid out dental instruments and equipment before procedures.
- Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
- Documented patient records with procedures performed and added notes taken to charts.
- Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
- Utilized automated washers to sterilize instruments and prevent cross-infection between patients.
- Entered patient data into dental records system and observed confidentiality rules to maintain patient privacy.
- Gathered and reviewed patient records, data and health history to share with dentists for quick and accurate patient assessments, diagnoses and treatment.
- Created dental x-rays using traditional and digital methods to help dentists detect tooth decay, cavities and other issues needing to be treated.
- Assisted dentist during examinations by retracting patient's cheeks and tongue.
- Built loyal patient following and retained return patients by providing empathetic and caring service.
- Took preliminary impressions of patient teeth to prepare for custom impressions and fabrication of permanent dental work.
- Prepared patients by explaining scheduled treatments and potential side effects.
- Explained dental services and payment plans to help patients make informed decisions.
- Educated patients on techniques to optimize oral hygiene, control plaque and protect teeth and gums.
- Took patient blood pressure, pulse and temperature and accurately recorded results in patient charts.
- Checked with participants throughout procedures to help alleviate anxiety.
- Followed dentists' directions for giving patients desensitizing agents to prepare for anesthetic administration.
- Applied sealants and protective coatings to teeth to protect enamel and prevent cavities.
- Established clean, sterile and welcoming environment for patients.
- Sterilized dental equipment using automatic washers to prevent cross contamination.
- Kept track of treatment information in patient records.
- Updated patient records with new data and treatment information.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
- Documented patient records during procedures and added notes taken to treatment chart.
- Passed instruments to dentist, gently sprayed water, suctioned fluids and mixed materials to support dentists during procedures.
- Selected and prepared tools used for procedures by sanitizing and arranging.
- Exposed diagnostic dental x-rays to analyze teeth condition.
- Gave patients desensitizing agents to prepare for anesthetic administration.
- Gathered and documented patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
- Briefed patients on dental procedures and payment plans to help make informed decisions.
- Cleaned and polished removable dentures, brackets, wires and other appliances.
- Created and fit dental appliances for patients. adjusting as necessary.
- Fabricated custom teeth impressions and temporary restorations for patients from given samples.
Dental Assistant
Creative Smiles Dentistry
Lutz, Florida
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Assisted dentist in providing dental treatment to patients, including taking patient medical histories and vital signs.
- Prepared dental materials such as amalgam, composite resin, impression material and cements for use by the dentist.
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
Prestige Dentistry
Dental assistant/ Treatment coordinator
Trinity , Florida
01.2012 - 12.2019
- Developed and implemented new strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Provided expertise in the areas of policy development, business analysis, and project management.
- Conducted research and gathered data to evaluate current processes and procedures.
- Assisted with developing detailed plans that included timelines, milestones, resources, and budgets.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in the organization's services.
- Participated in meetings with clients to discuss their needs and objectives.
- Drafted proposals outlining ways to improve customer experience by leveraging company resources effectively.
- Provided technical assistance when needed during customer onboarding activities.
Dental Assistant
Dr Ralph Fortson
Tampa, Florida
04.2001 - 05.2012
Education
Dental Assisting
University of Florida Dental Assisting
Gainesville, FLSkills
- Dental Assisting
- Inventory Management
- Instrument preparation
- Patient Education
- Equipment Sterilization
- Procedure Support
- Patient Services
- Clinical Support
- Patient Counseling
- Patient Relations
- Instrument Sterilization Techniques
- Impression Taking Skills
- Continuing Education Commitment
- Patient records gathering
- Sterilization techniques
- First Aid Training
- Dental terminology knowledge
- Orthodontic Procedure Support
- Patient Scheduling
- OSHA Regulations Knowledge
- Endodontic Procedure Assistance
- Restorative Dentistry
- Disinfecting rooms and equipment
- Restorative Dentistry Support
- Restorative procedures
- Treatment Room Breakdown
- Prosthodontic Treatment Support
- Patient Record Maintenance
- Medical Records Management
- Preventive dentistry promotion
- Appointment Scheduling
- Oral Healthcare
- Chairside assistance
- Oral X-Rays
- Oral Surgery Assistance
- Chair-side support
- Dental Software Management
- Oral Surgery
- Exam room setups
- Oral hygiene education
- Patient schedule management
- Dental impressions
- Electronic Charting
- Knowledgeable in [Software]
- Four-handed procedures
- Periodontics
- HIPAA Compliance Understanding
- Dental Radiography
- Cross-Training Capabilities
- Periodontal treatment assistance
- Treatment Planning
- Self Motivation
Timeline
Dental Assistant
Peak Dentistry
03.2023 - Current
Dental Assistant
Creative Smiles Dentistry
06.2021 - 12.2022
Prestige Dentistry
Dental assistant/ Treatment coordinator
01.2012 - 12.2019
Dental Assistant
Dr Ralph Fortson
04.2001 - 05.2012
Dental Assisting
University of Florida Dental Assisting