Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Katherine Earwood

Big Stone Gap,VA

Summary

Dental professional with solid experience in teaching and clinical practice. Skilled in dental procedures, chairside manners, and patient education. Strong focus on team collaboration and adapting to changing needs. Reliable and passionate about fostering student success, enhancing educational experiences, and promoting continuous learning. Possessing a positive and approachable demeanor, equipped with in-depth knowledge of dental procedures and sterilization techniques, alongside expert-level proficiency in patient care and instructional skills. Well-versed in dental radiography and chairside assisting, with a strong foundation in dental anatomy and infection control protocols.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Adjunct Faculty Dental Assisting

Mountain Empire Community College
08.2022 - Current
  • Delivered comprehensive instruction on dental assisting techniques, contributing to students' professional growth.
  • Monitored student growth and learning through hands-on activities and exams.
  • Planned demonstrations for students to expand upon lecture topics.
  • Introduced interactive activities like role-playing exercises to simulate real-life patient interactions effectively.
  • Designed practical exercises that allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
  • Stayed current with industry trends by attending continuing education courses and conferences, incorporating new insights into lesson plans.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative teaching strategies and enhance the overall quality of instruction.

Home Educator K-12

Self Employed
12.1997 - 08.2021
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to meet the unique learning styles of each student effectively.
  • Managed a structured learning environment, establishing clear expectations and routines for optimal productivity.
  • Utilized effective behavior management strategies to maintain a focused and productive learning environment for all students.
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into daily lesson plans.
  • Cultivated critical thinking skills among students through inquiry-based lessons and problem-solving activities.
  • Researched and chose appropriate curriculum to meet children's abilities and grade levels.
  • Adapted teaching methods and lesson plans to changing student needs.
  • Organized hands-on instructional activities to supplement textbook instruction to engage and motivate students.
  • Submitted and assembled student portfolios for local school district to satisfy legal guidelines.
  • Graded homework, quizzes, classwork and exams to report on progress of student achievements.
  • Led groups of students on field trips to enriching destinations, introducing to new experiences and broadening education.
  • Attended textbooks fairs and homeschool meetings to understand different approaches to subject matter.
  • Researched multiple curricula, methodologies and perspectives as part of educational planning.
  • Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
  • Improved students' analytical skills by introducing state-of-the-art computer program technologies.

Registered Dental Hygienist

Stone Mountain Health Services
08.1994 - 10.1997
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Capably performed prophylaxis in absence of periodontal disease or gingivitis.
  • Performed preventive maintenance on dental equipment and resolved malfunctions by troubleshooting.
  • Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
  • Counseled patients on nutritional choices impacting their oral health while developing customized dietary recommendations based on individual needs.
  • Carried out advanced dental cleaning services such as scaling with root planing.
  • Participated in community outreach events promoting oral health awareness and offering free dental screenings to underserved populations.
  • Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.

Registered Dental Hygienist

Brown Dental Associates
04.1994 - 08.1994

I worked evenings 6-9pm to accommodate patients who needed evening appointments.

Registered Dental Hygienist

Dr. Barry Matheson, DDS, MSD, Periodontist
09.1993 - 04.1994

Registered Dental Hygienist

Dr. Gregory S. MacDonald, DDS
07.1990 - 08.1993

Registered Dental Hygienist

Dr. Luis Cuellar, DDS
11.1989 - 05.1990

Most of my patients were Spanish speaking. I had an assistant who interpreted for me.

Dental Hygiene Internship

Appalachian Student Health Coalition
06.1989 - 08.1989

While awaiting National Board exam results, I did this internship which served rural areas of Tennessee. I performed oral screenings, evaluations, education, and made referrals to local dentists who were collaborating with our health fairs for follow-up.

Pharmacy Technician and Cashier

Eckerd Drug Corporation
06.1985 - 01.1989

Education

Bachelor of Science - Community Health Education

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
05.1989

Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
05.1989

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability
  • Self-motivation
  • Hands-on clinical instruction
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Professionalism
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Team building

Certification

Registered Dental Hygienist, Virginia Board of Dentistry, March 1992

Certified Dental Assistant, DANB, July 2022

Dental Assistant II, Virginia Board of Dentistry, July 2024

BLS Certification through American Heart Association Renew 06/26

Timeline

Adjunct Faculty Dental Assisting

Mountain Empire Community College
08.2022 - Current

Home Educator K-12

Self Employed
12.1997 - 08.2021

Registered Dental Hygienist

Stone Mountain Health Services
08.1994 - 10.1997

Registered Dental Hygienist

Brown Dental Associates
04.1994 - 08.1994

Registered Dental Hygienist

Dr. Barry Matheson, DDS, MSD, Periodontist
09.1993 - 04.1994

Registered Dental Hygienist

Dr. Gregory S. MacDonald, DDS
07.1990 - 08.1993

Registered Dental Hygienist

Dr. Luis Cuellar, DDS
11.1989 - 05.1990

Dental Hygiene Internship

Appalachian Student Health Coalition
06.1989 - 08.1989

Pharmacy Technician and Cashier

Eckerd Drug Corporation
06.1985 - 01.1989

Bachelor of Science - Community Health Education

East Tennessee State University

Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene

East Tennessee State University
Katherine Earwood