Hortencia (JoAnn) Mendoza
Roswell,NM
Summary
Compassionate and detailed-oriented healthcare professional with experience as a dental assistant, offering strong patient care and teamwork skills. Currently transitioning into a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant role, with a passion for helping students build functional skills, confidence, and independence to succeed in the classroom setting. Bilingual in Spanish and English.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Dental Assistant
Taylor Orthodontics
08.2005 - Current
- Assisted in clinical procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout treatments.
- Prepared and organized dental instruments and materials for orthodontic procedures.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions.
- Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross contamination and infection.
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines.
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
RISD Military Heights Elementary School
ENMU-R Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
03.2025 - 05.2025
- Under the supervision of the OTA/COTA
- Enhanced patient progress by implementing individual treatment plans under the supervision of an OT and OTA.
- Chose fun and interesting treatment activities that met treatment goals, particularly to keep students engaged in therapy.
- Maintained a clean and organized therapy environment to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care and improved outcomes.
- Daily documentation.
White Sands Healthcare
ENMU-R Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
01.2025 - 02.2025
- Observed the COTA
- Under the supervision of the COTA, I implemented individualized therapeutic intervention focusing on fine motor skills, balance, and coordination.
- Facilitated therapeutic exercise to improve strength, balance, and range of motion.
- Daily documentation.
- Maintained and promoted positive attitude toward clients and treatment programs.
- Educated patients and families on conditions, treatments and home exercises.
Joy Center - Adult Day Care
ENMU-R Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Monitored and assisted clients with therapeutic activities, using puzzles, balls, and arts and crafts.
Student Services
ENMU-R Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Observed developmentally, emotionally challenged students get educated in basic living skills.
Certified Dental Assistant
Spring River Dental
02.2017 - 09.2019
- Educated young patients and parents on dental hygiene, pre-surgical instructions and post-surgical care.
- Supported pediatric dentists during child specific procedures, assisting dental fillings, permanent, and temporary crowns and sealants.
- Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
- Collaborated with pediatric dentist to develop tailored treatment plans based on individual patient needs.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Eastern New Mexico University- Roswell
Roswell, NM05-2025
Certificate - Dental Assistant
Pima Medical Institute
Albuquerque, NM01-1999
Skills
- Patient care and education
- Dental radiography
- Team collaboration
- Sterilization/Infection control
- Communication/Documentation skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Bilingual: Spanish and English
Timeline
RISD Military Heights Elementary School
ENMU-R Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
03.2025 - 05.2025
White Sands Healthcare
ENMU-R Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
01.2025 - 02.2025
Joy Center - Adult Day Care
ENMU-R Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
08.2024 - 11.2024
Student Services
ENMU-R Occupational Therapy Assistant Student
01.2024 - 04.2024
Certified Dental Assistant
Spring River Dental
02.2017 - 09.2019
Certified Dental Assistant
Taylor Orthodontics
08.2005 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Eastern New Mexico University- Roswell
Certificate - Dental Assistant
Pima Medical Institute