Karen Moorhead
West Monroe,LA
Summary
Dental assistant with proven expertise in managing dental procedures and patient education. Strong communication and collaboration skills enhance team efficiency and patient satisfaction. Committed to supporting a patient-centered approach in dental care.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Dental Assistant
NELA Dental
Farmerville, Louisiana
01.2009 - Current
- Assisted dentists during procedures and maintained patient comfort.
- Communicated effectively with patients to address concerns and questions.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth office operations.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure availability of essential dental supplies.
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Sterilized instruments according to established guidelines and protocols.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, answering telephones and updating patient records.
- Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
- Laid out dental instruments and equipment before procedures.
- Greeted patients upon arrival at the office and escorted them to an examination room.
- Assisted in laboratory procedures such as mixing impression materials or pouring casts from impressions taken by dentists.
- Managed support services by stocking supplies, cleaning trays, and changing linens to maintain a hygienic environment.
- Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
- Prepared dental materials such as amalgam, composite resin, impression material and cements for use by the dentist.
- Clarified dental services and payment plans, enabling patients to make informed decisions.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
- Fabricated and customized dental appliances for patients, making adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort.
Dental Assistant
Dr. White Graves
Monroe, LA
01.2001 - 12.2008
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
- Assisted dentists during procedures and maintained patient comfort.
- Prepared examination rooms and sterilized dental instruments.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care, enhancing their understanding and compliance.
- Communicated effectively with patients to address concerns and questions, fostering trust and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth office operations.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, answering telephones and updating patient records.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Monroe High School
West Monroe, LA05-1992
Skills
- Chair-side assistance
- Dental radiography
- Dental impressions
- Oral surgery assistance
- Dental procedure preparation
- Procedure support
- Sterilization protocols
- Patient education
- Patient record maintenance
- Treatment coordination
- Laboratory case management
- Dentrix proficiency
- Inventory management
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Professional etiquette
- HIPAA compliance
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Dental Assistant
NELA Dental
01.2009 - Current
Dental Assistant
Dr. White Graves
01.2001 - 12.2008
High School Diploma -
West Monroe High School