Karyn Ryan
Head of Westport,MA
Summary
Experienced Dental Assistant with over 33 years in clinical environments, specializing in four-handed dentistry, patient care, and infection control. Certified in radiology and CPR, with strong skills in treatment area preparation, appointment management, and office supply logistics. Committed to delivering high-quality patient care in fast-paced dental practices.
Overview
1
1
Certification
1
1
year of post-secondary education
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Assistant
Dr Jon Turesky
Norwood, Massachusetts
10.2026 - Current
Lead Dental Assistant
Martin & Kissell
Mansfield, Massachusetts
08.1994 - 06.2026
- Led chairside support for restorative and preventive care at Martin & Kissell dental practice.
- Assisted dentists with suction, retraction, and procedure setup during appointments.
- Prepared operatories with sterilized instruments and required supplies for patient procedures.
- Instructed patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and post-operative care.
- Assessed dental charts and updated patient records before treatment visits.
- Maintained patient charts, including medical histories, medications, and allergies.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Managed infection control routines and maintained clean clinical work areas.
- Implemented infection control policies when preparing treatment areas or disposing of hazardous waste materials.
- Trained new dental assistants on patient flow and office protocols.
- Assisted in the training of new dental assistants by providing guidance on protocols and processes.
- Coordinated front and back office communication for smooth patient scheduling.
- Monitored dental materials and replenished treatment rooms for daily use.
- Tracked inventory levels of dental materials, tools, and equipment to ensure sufficient stock was always available.
- Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records.
- Actively participated in team meetings to discuss workflow strategies for improving productivity.
- Coordinated office activities by communicating with other departments and staff members.
- Created dental x-rays using traditional and digital methods to help dentists detect tooth decay, cavities and other issues needing to be treated.
- Produced opposing models, study casts and impressions to provide dentists with information on relationship between teeth, gums, and dental arches.
- Escorted patients to exam rooms while making friendly conversation to prepare for cleanings and procedures.
- Explained dental services and payment plans to help patients make informed decisions.
- Passed instruments to dentist, gently sprayed water, suctioned fluids and mixed materials to support dentists during procedures.
- Laid out dental instruments and equipment before procedures.
- Applied sealants and protective coatings to teeth to protect enamel and prevent cavities.
- Took preliminary impressions of patient teeth to prepare for custom impressions and fabrication of permanent dental work.
- Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
- Updated patient records with new data and treatment information.
- Established clean, sterile and welcoming environment for patients.
- Assisted with the setup of treatment rooms and sterilization of instruments.
- Assisted dentist during examination by retracting patient's tongue and cheeks.
Education
Dental Assistant Certificate Program - Dental Assisting
Massasoit Community College
Canton, MA 09.1991 - 05.1992
Oliver Ames High School
North Easton, MASkills
- Surgical instrument setup
- Sterile field maintenance
- Vital signs monitoring
- Patient record management
Certification
- Licensed Dental Assistant
- CPR Certified
- AED Certification
- Radiology Certified
Timeline
Surgical Assistant
Dr Jon Turesky
10.2026 - Current
Lead Dental Assistant
Martin & Kissell
08.1994 - 06.2026
Dental Assistant Certificate Program - Dental Assisting
Massasoit Community College
09.1991 - 05.1992
Oliver Ames High School