Karen Torres
Chula Vista,CA
Summary
There are many other ways life can be lived. However, dentistry is just the forever calling for myself because of patient care and interactions with people. The field can be trained to anyone, but it is not just a job, he/she has to have the passion for it and determination. Overall patience and determination to administer the contents/knowledge to students is just as important as patient care.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
R.D.A.
Pegel Family Dental
04.2009 - 07.2023
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Educated patients and family members on best home care practices for healing and recovery.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
- Reduced risks of patient infection and cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
- Supported needs of multiple patients per hour.
- Increased sales up to 100% in any given day.
D.A
Anne Yang D.D.S.
01.2002 - 03.2004
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
- Prepared patient x-rays and images for dentist review.
- Sterilized rooms and prepped equipment and instruments for 10 procedures daily.
- Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
- Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
- Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
- Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
- Educated patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions.
Education
No Degree - Science Education
Southwestern College
Dental Assisting Certificate. -
Concorde Career College
06.1999
High School Diploma -
Bonita Vista Senior High School
06.1996
Psychology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 03.2024 - Current
Skills
- Quick Problem Solver
- Family Support and Assistance
- EMR Updating/Dentrix applications
- Chair Side Assistance
- Cerec Skilled
- Administered permanent crowns and temporary bridges from start to finish of fabrication
- Nomad x-ray skilled
- Digital Panoramic X-rays
- Lab works such as alginates and study models
- Nitrous Oxide knowledgeable
- Worked with General Dentistry, Ortho, Oral Surgery, Endo offices
- Patient Relationship-Building
- Performing Patient Intakes
- Responding to Emergencies
- Oral Hygiene
- Documentation Procedures Expertise
- Patient-Focused Care
Baking, Cooking, Shopping
I started baking and cooking for my children and discovered that I can actually cook!
Timeline
Psychology
Arizona State University
03.2024 - Current
R.D.A.
Pegel Family Dental
04.2009 - 07.2023
D.A
Anne Yang D.D.S.
01.2002 - 03.2004
No Degree - Science Education
Southwestern College
Dental Assisting Certificate. -
Concorde Career College
High School Diploma -
Bonita Vista Senior High School
Similar Profiles
Karen TorresKaren Torres
R.D.A. at Pegel Family DentalR.D.A. at Pegel Family Dental
Autumn WhiteAutumn White
Temp Registered Dental Hygienist at Archer Dental and Rusholme Family DentalTemp Registered Dental Hygienist at Archer Dental and Rusholme Family Dental
Donial GarciaDonial Garcia
Office Manager at Crystal Family Dental Care/United Dental PartnersOffice Manager at Crystal Family Dental Care/United Dental Partners
Gina M BelardoGina M Belardo
Assistant Nurse Manager at Kaiser San Diego Medical CenterAssistant Nurse Manager at Kaiser San Diego Medical Center
Steven Di Stefano JrSteven Di Stefano Jr
Academic and Technological Literacy | Speech | English 1 at Mater Dei Catholic High SchoolAcademic and Technological Literacy | Speech | English 1 at Mater Dei Catholic High School