Karen Gillespie
Granby,CT
Summary
Compassionate Community Health Worker and healthcare/dental professional with 25+ years of experience in fast-paced positions. Committed to helping community members improve wellness through hands-on support, direct care, and education. Experience with multi-disciplinary referrals for care and adjunct services. Licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health direct dental care provider (hygienist) for 26 years.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dental Hygienist
Scott Merkleson, DMD
01.2016 - 08.2022
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient care notes.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing and brushing.
- Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Dental Hygienist/Community Health Educator
Community Health And Wellness Center
01.2011 - 04.2015
- Developed and implemented an educational program for nursing professionals in conjunction with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to benefit the overall health and reduce risk of aspirating pneumonia amongst individuals in a skilled nursing facility .
- Direct patient care, including educating patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for oral self care.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in electronic medical records platform.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
- Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.
- Improved and developed knowledge through continuing education courses and seminars.
- Maintained accurate and complete records to document program activities and outcomes.
- Promoted available resources and connected individuals with services.
- Developed and distributed health education materials to increase awareness and understanding.
- Participated in community outreach activities to promote health education initiatives.
- Created pamphlets, videos and other health education materials to promote health awareness and preventive health practices.
- Continually improved knowledge, skills, and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
- Developed and implemented health education programs to help individuals and communities improve health and well-being.
- Monitored health trends and data to identify health concerns and develop related health education initiatives.
- Participated in health education research initiatives, developing and evaluating health education programs.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to design and deliver health education services to clients.
- Gave public talks on importance of health education and specific disease prevention and treatment strategies.
- Conducted health screenings and assessments to identify health needs and risk factors for individuals and communities.
Dental Hygienist
Gary Millinger, DMD
01.2003 - 02.2011
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing and brushing.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental treatment information by documenting important patient data in electronic medical records .
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and care to prevent future dental issues.
- Cleaned patient's teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Education
Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene
Tunxis Community Technical College
Farmington, CTBS - Health Studies
Charter Oak State University
New Britain, CT05.2022
Skills
- Infection Control Training
- Healthcare Management
- Dentrix dental practice management software
- Documentation review
- Medical Scheduling
- HIPAA
- Anatomy Knowledge
- Chronic Disease Management
- Direct Patient Care
- Case Management
- Patient Education
- Preventive Oral /Medical Health Education
- Nutrition Counseling
- Rapport Development
- Patient Safety Proficiency
- Exceptional Written Communication Skills
- Active Listening
- Visual Examinations
- Anesthetic Administration
- Dentrix Software Proficiency
- Infection Control
- Electronic Health Records
- Treatment Planning
- Patient Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Patient Assessments
Certification
- CT DPH Dental Hygiene License 005939
- Certification in Local Anesthetic Administration
- CPR/First Aid
- OSHA/CDC Infection Control
Personal Information
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
- Title: Dental Hygienist
Timeline
Dental Hygienist
Scott Merkleson, DMD
01.2016 - 08.2022
Dental Hygienist/Community Health Educator
Community Health And Wellness Center
01.2011 - 04.2015
Dental Hygienist
Gary Millinger, DMD
01.2003 - 02.2011
Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene
Tunxis Community Technical College
BS - Health Studies
Charter Oak State University
- CT DPH Dental Hygiene License 005939
- Certification in Local Anesthetic Administration
- CPR/First Aid
- OSHA/CDC Infection Control
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