Jennifer Kuhlman
Bellingham,MA
Summary
Dynamic Certified Lead Dental Assistant with extensive experience at Dr. Alan Ko, DMD, excelling in patient management and infection control. Proven ability to streamline workflows and enhance patient care through effective appointment scheduling and precise diagnostic imaging. Committed to continuous professional development and fostering strong patient relationships.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Lead Dental Assistant
Dr. Alan Ko, DMD
03.2015 - Current
- Managed inventory of dental supplies, minimizing waste while ensuring necessary resources were readily available for all procedures.
- Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
- Measured and recorded vital statistics by taking patients' blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
- Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
- Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
- Ensured strict adherence to infection control protocols, maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for both staff and patients.
- Conducted routine maintenance on dental equipment, prolonging the life span of costly tools and instruments essential for daily operations.
- Prepared rooms for patient treatment by cleaning and sterilizing tools and equipment and setting up x-ray machines.
- Acted as a liaison between patients and dental specialists, streamlining the referral process and fostering seamless continuity of care.
- Supported dentists during procedures, assisting dental fillings, permanent, and temporary crowns and sealants.
- Typed patient data into computer system using Dexis while following privacy laws and maintaining high-level accuracy.
- Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry, endo procedures, and oral surgery.
- Maintained detailed patient records, contributing to better-informed treatment decisions and continuity of care.
- Helped dentists restore teeth by applying permanent and temporary fillings and crowns.
- Improved practice workflow by efficiently setting up and breaking down dental operatories before and after each procedure.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of dentistry.
- Collaborated with other dental professionals to formulate comprehensive treatment plans for complex cases.
- Coordinated continuing education courses for colleagues within the practice, further enhancing the clinical skills of each team member.
- Prepared patient x-rays and images for dentist review.
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
- Assisted dentists, hygienists, and other personnel by handing appropriate tools and supplies needed for procedures.
- Assisted in chair-side dental procedures by filling cavities and taking impressions.
- Scheduled and confirmed patient appointments.
- Prepared patient X-rays and images for review by dentist.
- Entered patient data into computer system, adhering to strict privacy laws and maintaining high level of accuracy.
Dental Receptionist
Dr. Alan Ko, DMD
03.2015 - Current
- Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
- Provided excellent customer service by promptly addressing patient inquiries via phone, email, or in-person interactions.
- Provided excellent customer service to create positive experiences and build patient trust.
- Communicated with insurance companies to dispute unpaid claims and verify patient coverages.
- Handled sensitive situations professionally such as discussing treatment costs or past-due account balances with patients to ensure a satisfactory resolution.
- Helped patients complete necessary medical forms and documentation.
- Improved billing accuracy by diligently verifying insurance coverage and updating patient financial records accordingly.
- Prepared insurance claim forms, explained benefits, and outlined pricing details for procedures and services.
- Understood dental terminology and insurance breakdowns to communicate with external stakeholders.
- Supported dentist in maintaining accurate documentation of treatment plans for better continuity of care between visits.
- Supported dental staff during peak times by assisting with patient preparation and post-care instructions.
- Reduced no-show rates through timely and effective appointment reminders and confirmations.
- Obtained payments from patients and scanned identification and insurance cards.
- Managed office logistics by scheduling appointments, maintaining files and collecting payments.
Certified Endodontist Assistant
Dr. Marta Rafla
03.2013 - 03.2015
- Communicated one-on-one with patients during consultative appointments to explain treatment plan and educate on upcoming procedures.
- Performed root canal procedures to treat nerve and dental pulp issues and prevent further damage to teeth and gums.
- Advised patients on appropriate treatment for pain and gave specific home care instructions.
- Diagnosed nerve and dental tissue damage by conducting careful examinations to determine need for root canal procedures.
Dental Assistant
Dr. Richard L. Pickett, DMD
09.1991 - 03.2013
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
Medical Receptionist / Medical Assistant
Dr. Douglas Wooldridge, MD
01.1990 - 08.1991
- Coordinated patient scheduling, check-in, check-out and payments for billing.
- Checked patient insurance, demographic, and health history to keep information current.
- Helped patients complete necessary medical forms and documentation.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of patient information, adhering to HIPAA regulations and medical office policies.
- Managed high call volumes, directing calls to appropriate departments while maintaining a polite and professional demeanor.
- Managed multi-line phone system and pleasantly greeted patients.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling for improved patient flow and reduced wait times.
- Improved accuracy of patient data with meticulous record-keeping.
- Assisted with medical coding and billing tasks.
- Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Nipmuc Regional High School
Mendon, MACNA / HHA
Nursing Assistant Training Center
Shrewsbury, MANursing
Newbury College
Wellesley, MASkills
- Appointment scheduling
- Infection control proficiency
- Patient charting
- Endodontic procedures
- Equipment sterilization
- Digital X-ray expertise
- Impression taking
- Patient management
- Diagnostic imaging
- Scheduling appointments
- Case management
- Insurance coordination
- Insurance claims
- Medical records management
- Medical billing and coding
- Records management
Timeline
Certified Lead Dental Assistant
Dr. Alan Ko, DMD
03.2015 - Current
Dental Receptionist
Dr. Alan Ko, DMD
03.2015 - Current
Certified Endodontist Assistant
Dr. Marta Rafla
03.2013 - 03.2015
Dental Assistant
Dr. Richard L. Pickett, DMD
09.1991 - 03.2013
Medical Receptionist / Medical Assistant
Dr. Douglas Wooldridge, MD
01.1990 - 08.1991
High School Diploma -
Nipmuc Regional High School
CNA / HHA
Nursing Assistant Training Center
Nursing
Newbury College
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