My name is Helen Tanaka, and I've been a part of the dental industry since the year 2000. Over the years, I've earned various certifications and honed my expertise. I hold two certifications from the National Board of Certification for Dental Technology, specializing in Complete Dentures and Implants. My educational journey includes studying Dental Technology at Riverside Community College, Dental Sleep Medicine at the Pankey Institute, Neuromuscular bite technique at the Las Vegas Institute, and Occlusion and function at the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies. I have a keen interest in occlusal theory and have recently delved into the world of digital dental technology. I've had the privilege of working in an "in-office setting" alongside an oral surgeon and three Prosthodontists, specializing in All-on-X and Overdentures. Throughout my career, I've managed and trained teams of various sizes at institutions like Clear Choice, MicroDental, Panda Dental Labs, and TDL Smile Creations. I also played a significant role in the successful launch of the MicrO2 at Microdental, which later evolved into what is now known as Pro Somnus. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new destinations through travel, and expanding my knowledge in fields like tax law and art. I find amusement parks, dancing, and going to the movies as some of my favorite ways to unwind and enjoy life.
Work History
Implant specialist
Arklign dental
Hayward, CA, United States
08.2024
Played a key role in dental conferences and exhibitions, representing the organization
Conducted chairside conversions and trained doctors in chairside pick up techniques, enhancing service quality
Researched and developed new products, contributing to the company's growth
Created SOPs for the Asia team, ensuring consistency and quality
Answered queries and trained our global team, promoting a collaborative work environment
Efficiently delivered chairside conversion services, enhancing patient satisfaction and turnaround
Implemented advanced techniques in denture processing, elevating product quality and durability
Certified Dental Technician
California Dental Arts
California
07.2021 - 04.2022
Implemented advanced techniques in denture processing, elevating product quality and durability
Demonstrated innovative problem-solving in developing new workflows
Exhibited strong leadership and collaboration in team training and mentorship
Achieved significant improvements in lab efficiency and patient outcomes
Optimized lab operations through data-driven performance metrics
Maintained meticulous oversight of lab protocols, ensuring top-tier precision in dental fabrications
Fostered a nurturing environment that enhanced team skills and morale, boosting lab productivity
Leveraged data analysis to refine dental lab processes, significantly reducing project turnaround times
Fabrication of FP3 style bridges
Converted the immediate dentures into FP3 screw retained bridge
Set up according to drs RX
Wax up
Mount cases using face bow and fox plate transfer plate
Process Immediate and FP3 Finals
Took care of shipping and receiving
Quality checked the fixed work that came in
Dental Lab Manager/ Certified Lab Tech
ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers
Walnut Creek, CA
05.2019 - 06.2021
Sr. Technical Rep
MICRODENTAL LABORATORIES
Dublin, CA
08.2012 - 03.2017
I worked with Doctors to case plan the more complex cases such as combination cases, or implant cases, flexible cases
I was responsible for troubleshooting problems
I would work with the team to communicate the individual case plan
I would make sure the correct restorative material was being used for the space/ margin style allowed
I was responsible for the final quality inspection of the restorative appliances/ restorations
I was responsible for handling customer service/relations
When we rolled out the new all digital sleep appliance I educated clients on the new bite fork/technique needed for the appliance
I co managed the sleep appliance team members, gave performance reviews, handled scheduling, aided in the hiring process
Implemented advanced techniques in denture processing, elevating product quality and durability
Demonstrated innovative problem-solving in developing new workflows
Exhibited strong leadership and collaboration in team training and mentorship
Achieved significant improvements in lab efficiency and patient outcomes
Optimized lab operations through data-driven performance metrics
Maintained meticulous oversight of lab protocols, ensuring top-tier precision in dental fabrications
Fostered a nurturing environment that enhanced team skills and morale, boosting lab productivity
Leveraged data analysis to refine dental lab processes, significantly reducing project turnaround times
Dental Lab Manager/tech
Panda Dental Lab
San Jose, CA
09.2009 - 08.2012
At Panda Dental Lab I was responsible for case entry, pouring up the cases, grinding and basing the cases, duplicating cases, mounting cases, case planning , making custom trays, Making bite rims
Selecting the correct teeth, setting up cases, waxing cases, investing cases, boiling out and packing cases, finishing cases, polishing cases, repairs, relines hard/ soft, case design, waxing, investing, injecting and finishing and polishing flexible cases
Immediate dentures, duplicate dentures, making verification jigs, and surgical guides
I fabricated night guards of all materials
I fabricated essix retainers
I fabricated acrylic temps
Also fabricated stayplates
I was responsible for ordering all supplies, for the final quality check of cases
I trained employees, I expanded the business to include crown and bridge
I layered porcelain, contoured crowns, glazed crowns