Jessica Kerns
Franklin,NC
Summary
Motivated and patient-focused Registered Dental Hygienist with 20 years of experience in the dental field treating individuals with diverse dental concerns. Passionate about providing compassionate care and building relationships with patients to facilitate trust. Active listener with commitment to developing rapport. Offering exceptional patient education skills to promote preventive care. Skilled Dental Hygienist with 20 years of experience in fast-paced, high-volume dental offices. Expert at performing dental examinations, prophylaxis and patient care. Focused on maintaining dental health and preventing disease through patient education. Friendly with patients while working quickly and efficiently to stay on schedule.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Dental Hygienist
Self-employeed
01.2019 - Current
- Managed patient records with accuracy, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- Performed dental radiographs for accurate diagnosis and planning of treatments.
- Captured patients' dental radiographs and provided to dentist for interpretation and diagnosis.
- Provided exceptional patient care by establishing rapport and addressing anxieties or concerns.
- Assessed periodontal status of patients using probing techniques, identifying areas requiring further attention or treatment planning modifications.
- Contributed to practice growth by delivering excellent customer service, resulting in increased patient retention rates.
- Utilized ultrasonic scaling devices to efficiently remove plaque and calculus buildup from teeth surfaces.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through participation in continuing education courses, staying current with industry advancements.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in [Software].
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Improved patient oral health by providing thorough dental cleanings and assessments.
- Coordinated hygiene inventory management by tracking supplies, placing orders and verifying receipt of items.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and staff.
- Collaborated with dental team members to provide comprehensive care for patients, enhancing overall experience.
- Applied preventive materials such as fluoride varnishes or sealants to protect teeth from decay or sensitivity issues.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer during routine examinations, promoting early detection and intervention when necessary.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques for optimal dental health and prevention of future issues.
- Strengthened communication skills by presenting complex information in an understandable manner to diverse patient populations.
- Performed preventive maintenance on dental equipment and resolved malfunctions by troubleshooting.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums.
- Capably performed prophylaxis in absence of periodontal disease or gingivitis.
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and concerns.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing and brushing.
- Counseled patients on nutritional choices impacting their oral health while developing customized dietary recommendations based on individual needs.
- Carried out advanced dental cleaning services.
- Participated in community outreach events promoting oral health awareness and offering free dental screenings to underserved populations.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing, brushing and [Task].
- Exposed, developed, and mounted both intraoral and extraoral dental x-rays.
- Improved and developed knowledge through continuing education courses and seminars.
- Interpreted patients dental radiographs.
- Assisted dentists in various procedures, ensuring efficient and successful treatment outcomes.
- Coordinated with dental insurance providers to verify coverage and obtain necessary pre-authorizations for patient treatments, streamlining the financial aspect of care delivery.
- Designed dental report card that explained patients' dental health status and treatment plans.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and care to prevent future dental issues.
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.
- Took and interpreted X-rays to identify cavities, impacted teeth and other dental issues.
- Administered topical anesthetics to patients' gums to prepare areas being worked on.
- Cleaned patient's teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Polished patients' teeth to remove surface stains.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Richards Dental Care
06.2014 - 01.2019
- Managed patient records with accuracy, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- Performed preventive maintenance on dental equipment and resolved malfunctions by troubleshooting.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums.
- Capably performed prophylaxis in absence of periodontal disease or gingivitis.
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and concerns.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing and brushing.
- Counseled patients on nutritional choices impacting their oral health while developing customized dietary recommendations based on individual needs.
- Carried out advanced dental cleaning services.
- Participated in community outreach events promoting oral health awareness and offering free dental screenings to underserved populations.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing, brushing and [Task].
- Exposed, developed, and mounted both intraoral and extraoral dental x-rays.
- Improved and developed knowledge through continuing education courses and seminars.
- Interpreted patients dental radiographs.
- Coordinated with dental insurance providers to verify coverage and obtain necessary pre-authorizations for patient treatments, streamlining the financial aspect of care delivery.
- Assisted dentists in various procedures, ensuring efficient and successful treatment outcomes.
- Designed dental report card that explained patients' dental health status and treatment plans.
- Served as leader of Dental Hygiene team by overseeing [Number] staff providing quality care to patients within [Type] dentistry practice.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and care to prevent future dental issues.
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.
- Took and interpreted X-rays to identify cavities, impacted teeth and other dental issues.
- Administered topical anesthetics to patients' gums to prepare areas being worked on.
- Cleaned patient's teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Polished patients' teeth to remove surface stains.
- Worked with dentists in developing and implementing personalized care plans for dental patients.
- Conducted patient interviews and gathered patient medical and dental histories, adding to dental charts.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition and provided instructions for brushing, flossing and other preventive care.
- Correctly administered local anesthetic and adjunctive therapies such as fluoride treatments and irrigation.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Lang DDS
09.2007 - 06.2014
- Managed patient records with accuracy, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- Performed dental radiographs for accurate diagnosis and planning of treatments.
- Captured patients' dental radiographs and provided to dentist for interpretation and diagnosis.
- Provided exceptional patient care by establishing rapport and addressing anxieties or concerns.
- Assessed periodontal status of patients using probing techniques, identifying areas requiring further attention or treatment planning modifications.
- Contributed to practice growth by delivering excellent customer service, resulting in increased patient retention rates.
- Utilized ultrasonic scaling devices to efficiently remove plaque and calculus buildup from teeth surfaces.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through participation in continuing education courses, staying current with industry advancements.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in [Software].
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Improved patient oral health by providing thorough dental cleanings and assessments.
- Coordinated hygiene inventory management by tracking supplies, placing orders and verifying receipt of items.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and staff.
- Collaborated with dental team members to provide comprehensive care for patients, enhancing overall experience.
- Applied preventive materials such as fluoride varnishes or sealants to protect teeth from decay or sensitivity issues.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer during routine examinations, promoting early detection and intervention when necessary.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques for optimal dental health and prevention of future issues.
- Strengthened communication skills by presenting complex information in an understandable manner to diverse patient populations.
- Performed preventive maintenance on dental equipment and resolved malfunctions by troubleshooting.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums.
- Capably performed prophylaxis in absence of periodontal disease or gingivitis.
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and concerns.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing and brushing.
- Counseled patients on nutritional choices impacting their oral health while developing customized dietary recommendations based on individual needs.
- Carried out advanced dental cleaning services.
- Participated in community outreach events promoting oral health awareness and offering free dental screenings to underserved populations.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing, brushing and [Task].
- Exposed, developed, and mounted both intraoral and extraoral dental x-rays.
- Improved and developed knowledge through continuing education courses and seminars.
- Interpreted patients dental radiographs.
- Assisted dentists in various procedures, ensuring efficient and successful treatment outcomes.
- Coordinated with dental insurance providers to verify coverage and obtain necessary pre-authorizations for patient treatments, streamlining the financial aspect of care delivery.
- Designed dental report card that explained patients' dental health status and treatment plans.
- Served as leader of Dental Hygiene team by overseeing [Number] staff providing quality care to patients within [Type] dentistry practice.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and care to prevent future dental issues.
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.
- Took and interpreted X-rays to identify cavities, impacted teeth and other dental issues.
- Administered topical anesthetics to patients' gums to prepare areas being worked on.
- Cleaned patient's teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Polished patients' teeth to remove surface stains.
- Worked with dentists in developing and implementing personalized care plans for dental patients.
- Conducted patient interviews and gathered patient medical and dental histories, adding to dental charts.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition and provided instructions for brushing, flossing and other preventive care.
- Correctly administered local anesthetic and adjunctive therapies such as fluoride treatments and irrigation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Dental Hygiene
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CTAssociate of Applied Science - Dental Hygiene
Asheville Buncombe Technical College
Asheville, NC06.2007
Associate of Arts - Dental Assisting
Asheville Buncombe Technical College
Asheville, NC05.2003
Skills
- Communication
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Active Listening
- Creativity
- Skills Management
- Adaptability
- Attention to Detail
- Organization
- Collaboration
Timeline
Registered Dental Hygienist
Self-employeed
01.2019 - Current
Registered Dental Hygienist
Richards Dental Care
06.2014 - 01.2019
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Lang DDS
09.2007 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Science - Dental Hygiene
University of Bridgeport
Associate of Applied Science - Dental Hygiene
Asheville Buncombe Technical College
Associate of Arts - Dental Assisting
Asheville Buncombe Technical College