Heather Garcia Duenas
Annandale,VA
Summary
Skilled Dental Assistant with extensive experience in endodontic and restorative dentistry, notably at AMG Healthcare Services Inc. Demonstrates expertise in dental radiography and patient care coordination, enhancing clinic efficiency and patient satisfaction. Proven track record in improving office operations and mentoring staff, showcasing exceptional professionalism and patient relations.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Dental Assistant
AMG Healthcare Services Inc
Doral, FL
04.2019 - 03.2022
- Contracted Dental Assistant for Naval Health Clinic Quantico VA.
- Fulfilled monthly, quarterly, and annual online training requirements.
- Entered patient information, charting, and clinical findings into electronic charts.
- Assisted in managing and overseeing the flow of operations during clinical exam days.
- Gathered patient medical and dental histories, recorded vital signs, and conveyed details to the dentist.
- Provided exceptional customer service and managed clerical duties, ensuring smooth office operations.
- Trained staff in radiology and managed supply orders, stock, and rotation, maintaining efficient clinic workflow.
- Verified patient information and assisted in dental and surgical procedures, enhancing patient care.
- Managed post-operative communications and follow-up scheduling to enhance patient satisfaction and continuity of care.
- Instructed patients on postoperative care as prescribed by their dentist.
- Mentored new dental assistants in chairside techniques.
- Assisted our dental supply representative in ordering necessary supplies.
Endodontic Dental Assistant
Dr Sharon Giesler, DDS
Wilmington, NC
09.2013 - 03.2018
- Gathered and documented patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
- Assisted in taking digital x-rays and intraoral images using specialized imaging equipment.
- Handled appointment scheduling, confirmations, and rescheduling follow-ups to ensure efficient patient flow and satisfaction.
- Collected and verified patients' information and insurance details to confirm benefits and eligibility.
- Handled the submission of all dental claims to insurance companies for processing and payment.
- Organized and managed office and equipment maintenance schedules to support daily operations.
- Managed inventory by ordering, rotating, and disposing of expired dental supplies, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Assisted in both surgical and non-surgical endodontic procedures.
- Set up and cleaned operatories, and managed the processing and sterilization of dental instruments.
- Ensured cleanliness of office and operatories daily, promoting a hygienic workspace.
- Coordinated post-operative prescriptions for patients as directed by the dentist.
Endodontic Assistant
Dr David J Coon DDS
Charlottesville, VA
07.2011 - 06.2014
- Passed instruments to dentist, gently sprayed water, suctioned fluids and mixed materials to support dentists during procedures.
- Assisted the endodontist with various dental treatments such as root canal therapy, apicoectomy, and re-treatment of root canals.
- Instructed patients in post-operative care and maintenance of oral hygiene.
- Performed radiographs as needed to assist with diagnosis or treatment planning.
- Selected and prepared tools used for procedures by sanitizing and arranging.
- Greeted patients upon arrival at the office and provided them with any necessary paperwork prior to their appointment.
- Checked inventory levels of supplies and equipment used in endodontic procedures.
- Sterilized dental equipment using automatic washers to prevent cross contamination.
- Prepared and sterilized instruments, materials, and treatment rooms for endodontic procedures.
- Maintained a clean work environment by disposing of waste materials properly following all safety regulations.
- Maintained patient records, including medical history and x-rays.
- Kept track of treatment information in patient records.
Office Manager /Endodontic Assistant
Montgomery Endodontics /
Gaithersburg, MD
08.2008 - 07.2011
- Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Elevated customer satisfaction ratings by promptly resolving client and case issues.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
- Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms and cost savings.
- Ordered supplies and equipment to maintain adequate inventory levels.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Conducted collections activities to recover outstanding payments.
- Handled insurance claim filing and followed up on past due accounts.
- Assisted in endodontic procedures and facilitated staff training.
- Managed the ordering and rotation of dental supplies to ensure optimal inventory levels.
- Cleaned and set up operatories to maintain a hygienic and efficient work environment.
- Sterilized dental instruments to ensure patient safety and compliance with health regulations.
- Scheduled and performed routine equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Captured dental X-rays and provided post-operative care instructions.
- Referred patients to providers for routine care.
- Scheduled endodontic procedures, evaluations, and post-operative appointments.
- Handled phone inquiries regarding insurance and treatment procedures.
Endodontic Assistant
Dr David K Sullivan DMD
Jacksonville, FL
02.2006 - 06.2008
- Passed instruments to dentist, gently sprayed water, suctioned fluids and mixed materials to support dentists during procedures.
- Documented patient records during procedures and added notes taken to treatment chart.
- Ordered dental supplies as necessary to ensure availability for upcoming appointments.
- Assisted the endodontist with various dental treatments such as root canal therapy, apicoectomy, and re-treatment of root canals.
- Instructed patients in post-operative care and maintenance of oral hygiene.
- Performed radiographs as needed to assist with diagnosis or treatment planning.
- Kept accurate records of patient visits, including information about medications prescribed by the dentist.
- Greeted patients upon arrival at the office and provided them with any necessary paperwork prior to their appointment.
- Checked inventory levels of supplies and equipment used in endodontic procedures.
- Sterilized dental equipment using automatic washers to prevent cross contamination.
- Prepared and sterilized instruments, materials, and treatment rooms for endodontic procedures.
- Maintained a clean work environment by disposing of waste materials properly following all safety regulations.
- Maintained patient records, including medical history and x-rays.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
Lead Dental Assistant
Dr Bradley Hall DMD
Jacksonville, FL
01.2005 - 02.2006
- Actively participated in team meetings to discuss workflow strategies for improving productivity.
- Ensured that all necessary supplies were available for each procedure.
- Performed basic laboratory tasks, such as pouring impressions and trimming models.
- Assisted dentist during examinations by retracting patient's cheeks and tongue.
- Assisted with the setup of treatment rooms and sterilization of instruments.
- Educated patients on techniques to optimize oral hygiene, control plaque and protect teeth and gums.
- Exposed diagnostic dental x-rays to analyze teeth condition.
- Created and fit dental appliances for patients. adjusting as necessary.
- Documented patient records with procedures performed and added notes taken to charts.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
- Prepared injection syringes for use in various dental procedures according to protocol standards.
- Explained dental services and payment plans to help patients make informed decisions.
- Applied sealants and protective coatings to teeth to protect enamel and prevent cavities.
- Fabricated custom teeth impressions and temporary restorations for patients from given samples.
- Maintained patient charts, including medical histories, medications, and allergies.
- Tracked inventory levels of dental materials, tools, and equipment to ensure sufficient stock was always available.
- Assisted in the training of new dental assistants by providing guidance on protocols and processes.
- Provided feedback to the dentist regarding any observed changes in a patient's condition during treatment sessions.
- Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
- Passed instruments to dentist, gently sprayed water, suctioned fluids and mixed materials to support dentists during procedures.
- Utilized automated washers to sterilize instruments and prevent cross-infection between patients.
- Provided chairside assistance to dentists during dental procedures.
- Stocked and prepared exam and treatment rooms by setting up required instruments, tools, supplies and equipment.
Lead Assistant /Back Office Manager
Valley Endodontic Specialty Group
Tucson, AZ
08.2000 - 09.2004
- Monitored departmental activities, identified issues, and took corrective action as needed.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Reviewed and approved vendor invoices.
- Trained and supervised subordinate staff members in daily operations and procedures.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing documents, updating records.
- Stocked inventory and ordered office, dental and kitchen supplies.
- Offered reception coverage to relieve staff during absences or breaks.
- Received and distributed mail, letters and packages.
- Assisted in endodontic and periodontic treatments and surgical procedures.
- Conducted clinical examinations and performed pulp testing under the dentist's supervision.
- Sterilized instruments to maintain a hygienic environment.
- Cleaned and set up operatories to ensure readiness for procedures.
- Managed inventory and procurement of supplies for endodontic and periodontic procedures.
- Performed X-ray imaging for both pre and post-treatment evaluations, ensuring precise documentation.
Lead Dental Assistant
Dr John Chalpin DMD
Stratham, NH
01.1999 - 07.2000
- Performed basic laboratory tasks, such as pouring impressions and trimming models.
- Assisted dentist during examinations by retracting patient's cheeks and tongue.
- Assisted with the setup of treatment rooms and sterilization of instruments.
- Produced opposing models, study casts and impressions to provide dentists with information on relationship between teeth, gums, and dental arches.
- Exposed diagnostic dental x-rays to analyze teeth condition.
- Created and fit dental appliances for patients. adjusting as necessary.
- Prepared injection syringes for use in various dental procedures according to protocol standards.
- Positioned patients for treatment by making chair adjustments and prepared necessary equipment for procedures.
- Explained dental services and payment plans to help patients make informed decisions.
- Tracked inventory levels of dental materials, tools, and equipment to ensure sufficient stock was always available.
- Assisted in dental procedures, ensuring patient comfort and procedural efficiency.
Dental Technician / Expanded Function
Branch Dental Clinic NETC Naval Base
Newport, RI
06.1993 - 12.1998
- Polished finished dental prosthetics with pumice stones or diamond burs to create smooth surfaces.
- Constructed retainers and splints for TMJ therapy treatments per instructions from the dentist.
- Adjusted occlusion on removable prosthetic devices through grinding processes or relining techniques.
- Modeled patient mouth to produce accurate fits by using dental impression plaster and molds.
- Fabricated dentures, partials, and other dental prosthetics from impressions taken by the dentist.
- Provided technical support for dental equipment maintenance and troubleshooting issues.
- Manufactured temporary crowns and bridges out of acrylic resin material with precise measurements.
- Maintained records of all dental laboratory services provided to patients.
- Executed the processing and sterilization of instruments for a multi-function clinic, promoting a clean and safe workspace.
- Provided exceptional customer service by answering phone inquiries and scheduling patient appointments.
- Assisted in conducting dental exams and managing sick call appointments.
- Assisted in periodontic treatments and surgeries.
- Assisted in prosthodontic treatment appointments, ensuring efficient and accurate support.
- Assisted in general dentistry procedures, including filling and crown appointments.
- Delivered custom nightguards and performed occlusal adjustments on appliances.
- Performed external bleaching procedures, enhancing patient dental aesthetics.
- Performed supra gingival cleanings to ensure optimal dental health.
- Assisted in surgical procedures with an oral maxillofacial surgeon.
- Assisted in performing endodontic treatments, retreatments, and surgical procedures.
- Performed PA and panoramic X-rays with precision.
- Performed routine maintenance on operatory equipment.
- Charted forensic dentistry for new patients.
- Reviewed patient records and documented treatment information accurately.
- Recorded patients' vital signs accurately.
- Participated in code blue drills to enhance emergency response readiness.
- Managed daily filing and retrieval of patient charts to support dental operations.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Dental Assisting
Dental Technician "A" School
United States Naval Base San Diego, CASkills
- Instrument preparation
- Dental office administration
- Dentrix proficiency
- Oral X-rays
- Patient records gathering
- Patient schedule management
- Clinical support
- Sanitation protocols
- Instrument selection
- Instrument sterilization techniques
- Surgical setup
- Restorative dentistry
- Dental impression specialist
- Office management
- Patient counseling
- Professionalism and etiquette
- Dental radiography
- Patient record maintenance
- Treatment room setup
- Restorative dentistry support
- Patient data gathering
- Appointment scheduling
- Patient education
- Inventory management
- Dental software management
- Patient relations
- Patient care coordination
- Emergency response preparedness
- Oral surgery assistance
- HIPAA compliance
- Electronic charting
- Four-handed procedures
- Endodontic procedure assistance
- Dental procedure preparation
- Dental terminology
- Dental impressions
- Radiography safety
- Restorative procedures
- Prosthodontic treatment support
- Periodontics
- Chairside assistance
- X-ray processing
- Equipment sterilization
- Exam room setups
- Insurance billing
- Infection control proficiency
- Dental records
- Taking X-rays
- Infection control procedures
- Sterilization techniques
- Patient scheduling
- Treatment room breakdown
- Patient intake procedures
Affiliations
Board member for Fleet gift shop on Camp Shields Okinawa, Japan
Board Member for 3D Med Battallion on Camp Foster Okinawa, Japan
Timeline
Dental Assistant
AMG Healthcare Services Inc
04.2019 - 03.2022
Endodontic Dental Assistant
Dr Sharon Giesler, DDS
09.2013 - 03.2018
Endodontic Assistant
Dr David J Coon DDS
07.2011 - 06.2014
Office Manager /Endodontic Assistant
Montgomery Endodontics /
08.2008 - 07.2011
Endodontic Assistant
Dr David K Sullivan DMD
02.2006 - 06.2008
Lead Dental Assistant
Dr Bradley Hall DMD
01.2005 - 02.2006
Lead Assistant /Back Office Manager
Valley Endodontic Specialty Group
08.2000 - 09.2004
Lead Dental Assistant
Dr John Chalpin DMD
01.1999 - 07.2000
Dental Technician / Expanded Function
Branch Dental Clinic NETC Naval Base
06.1993 - 12.1998
Some College (No Degree) - Dental Assisting
Dental Technician "A" School
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