Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Heather Fortman

Canton,MI

Summary

I am a Dental Assistant with hands-on experience. Skilled at chairside assisting, dental radiography and building relationships with patients. Well-rounded knowledge of dentistry and enthusiasm to bring strong work ethic to excellent dental practice.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

School Crossing Guard

Plymouth Canton Community Schools
Canton, MI
09.2018 - 03.2020
  • Monitored traffic to ensure safe passage of pedestrians.
  • Educated students on following instructions given by Crossing Guards and obeying traffic laws when walking across streets or intersections.
  • Adhered to strict standards set by state and federal regulations concerning student safety at school crossings.
  • Assisted pedestrians in crossing the street safely and efficiently.
  • Wore protective and reflective gear regularly.
  • Monitored school grounds and reported suspicious activity.

Paraprofessional

Bentley Elementary School
Canton , MI
09.2015 - 05.2018
  • Supported classroom teacher with daily instruction and management of student activities.
  • Observed students to help teachers identify potential learning blocks and opportunities for support.
  • Administered assessments to determine student's academic performance levels.
  • Monitored student progress and provided feedback to lead teacher.
  • Collaborated with special education staff to develop Individualized Education Plans.
  • Facilitated communication between students, teachers, and parents.
  • Handled clerical duties, managed classrooms and coordinated documents for teachers.
  • Assisted in preparing lesson materials and bulletin board displays.
  • Assisted students with special needs in completing tasks and understanding material.

Dental Assistant

Provident Dentistry
Novi, MI
03.2001 - 09.2011
  • Cleaned and polished removable dentures, brackets, wires and other appliances.
  • Gathered and reviewed patient records, data and health history to share with dentists for quick and accurate patient assessments, diagnoses and treatment.
  • Entered patient data into dental records system and observed confidentiality rules to maintain patient privacy.
  • Briefed patients on dental procedures and payment plans to help make informed decisions.
  • Assisted dentist in providing dental treatment to patients, including taking patient medical histories and vital signs.
  • Took patient blood pressure, pulse and temperature and accurately recorded results in patient charts.
  • Updated patient records with new data and treatment information.
  • Documented patient records with procedures performed and added notes taken to charts.
  • Selected and prepared tools used for procedures by sanitizing and arranging.
  • Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and habits.
  • Instructed patients about postoperative instructions prescribed by their dentist.
  • Maintained a neat, clean and organized environment throughout the office.
  • Gave patients desensitizing agents to prepare for anesthetic administration.
  • Sterilized dental equipment using automatic washers to prevent cross contamination.
  • Exposed dental diagnostic x-rays.
  • Performed basic laboratory tasks, such as pouring impressions and trimming models.
  • Assisted in laboratory procedures such as mixing impression materials or pouring casts from impressions taken by dentists.
  • Documented patient records during procedures and added notes taken to treatment chart.
  • Laid out dental instruments and equipment before procedures.
  • Applied protective coating of fluoride to teeth during dental procedures.
  • Reviewed patient charts prior to visits to ensure that all relevant information was available for the doctor's review.
  • Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
  • Provided chair-side assistance during dental examinations and procedures to boost efficiency and calm nervous patients.
  • Sterilized instruments according to established guidelines and protocols.
  • Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
  • 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.
  • Created and fit dental appliances for patients. adjusting as necessary.
  • Fabricated custom teeth impressions and temporary restorations for patients from given samples.
  • Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
  • Prepared patients by explaining scheduled treatments and potential side effects.
  • Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Prepared dental materials such as amalgam, composite resin, impression material and cements for use by the dentist.
  • Provided support services such as stocking rooms with supplies, cleaning trays and changing linens between patients.
  • Took preliminary impressions of patient teeth to prepare for custom impressions and fabrication of permanent dental work.
  • Gathered and documented patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
  • Established clean, sterile and welcoming environment for patients.
  • Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
  • Fabricated temporary crowns or bridges from impressions taken by the dentist.
  • Educated patients on techniques to optimize oral hygiene, control plaque and protect teeth and gums.
  • Followed dentists' directions for giving patients desensitizing agents to prepare for anesthetic administration.
  • Exposed diagnostic dental x-rays to analyze teeth condition.

Education

High School Diploma -

Salem High School
Canton, MI
06-1990

Some College (No Degree) - Medical Terminology

Schoolcraft College
Livonia, MI

Skills

  • Arts and crafts
  • Educational assistance
  • Documentation
  • Reading support
  • IEP compliance
  • Classroom support
  • Behavior improvements
  • Student accommodation
  • Small group instruction
  • Educational games
  • Autism spectrum
  • Learning strategies
  • Activity oversight
  • Classroom management
  • Goal setting and monitoring
  • Safety
  • Student health and safety
  • Small group and individual assistance
  • Peer mediation
  • Special education support
  • Parent communication
  • Student progress tracking
  • Teaching assistance

Timeline

School Crossing Guard

Plymouth Canton Community Schools
09.2018 - 03.2020

Paraprofessional

Bentley Elementary School
09.2015 - 05.2018

Dental Assistant

Provident Dentistry
03.2001 - 09.2011

High School Diploma -

Salem High School

Some College (No Degree) - Medical Terminology

Schoolcraft College
Heather Fortman