Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

KATHLEEN NICKERSON

RDH
Midland,GA

Summary

Adept Public Health Hygienist with a proven track record at DPH, showcasing expertise in dental prophylaxis mastery and exceptional problem-solving capacity. Renowned for ultrasonic scaling aptitude and fostering team collaboration, I significantly enhance patient care standards while adhering to stringent infection control protocols. Certified hygienist with experience in both clinical and educational settings. Strengths include patient education, oral health assessments, and the ability to build rapport with diverse patient populations. Previous roles demonstrate commitment to promoting good oral hygiene habits, reducing anxiety for patients, and providing top-quality care.

Work History

Registered Dental Hygienist

Private Practice and DPH
Columbus , GA
08.1976 - Current
  • Administered local anesthetic injections prior to treatment procedures.
  • Established clean, sterile and welcoming environment for patients.
  • Applied sealants and protective coatings to teeth to protect enamel and prevent cavities.
  • Scheduled patient appointments and managed follow-up care.
  • Monitored patient progress during office visits and reported any changes in oral health to dentist.
  • Removed plaque and tartar from teeth using hand and mechanical scaler tools.
  • Obtained medical histories from new patients prior to beginning treatment plans.
  • Customized dental prophylactic treatment to meet individual patients' needs.
  • Assisted dentist during examination by retracting patient's tongue and cheeks.
  • Prepared treatment rooms for patient examinations.
  • Took dental images and X-rays to identify areas of concern and presented to dentists for review.
  • Handled general office duties to support administrative staff during peak hours.
  • Removed deposits from teeth by scaling and root planing with hand or ultrasonic instruments.
  • Maintained a clean work environment by following safety protocols set forth by the American Dental Association.
  • Accurately collected and recorded patient medical and dental histories.
  • Provided preventive dental care services such as cleaning teeth and instructing patients on oral hygiene techniques.
  • Participated in continuing education courses related to advances in the field of dentistry.
  • Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
  • Answered phones, scheduled appointments, greeted patients and ordered supplies.
  • Managed dental records and entered information into system, keeping important patient information on file.
  • Assessed patient needs for further dental treatment and referred them to appropriate dentists or specialists.
  • Managed sterilization processes for dental equipment according to OSHA guidelines.
  • Developed positive relationships with patients through effective communication techniques.
  • Examined gums manually and visually to determine periodontal disease and screen for oral cancer.
  • Scheduled appointments for follow-up visits with dentists or hygienists as needed.
  • Cared for patients using advanced tooth cleaning methods.
  • Examined gums for signs of disease using probes and other instruments.
  • Collaborated with dentists in developing individualized treatment plans for each patient's needs.
  • Cleaned and polished removable dentures, brackets, wires and other appliances.
  • Customized prophylactic treatment to individual patients' needs.
  • Ordered supplies necessary for daily operations within budgetary limits.
  • Instructed patients on postoperative instructions regarding medications, diet, brushing and flossing techniques.
  • Monitored patients for pain and administered topical anesthetic to numb sensitive areas.
  • Exposed dental diagnostic x-rays.
  • Positioned patients properly during examination or treatment for comfort and safety.
  • Conducted dental cleanings and checked teeth for cracked fillings.
  • Performed periodontal charting and took intraoral radiographs.
  • Kept track of treatment information in patient records.
  • Applied sealants, fluorides, desensitizing agents, topical anesthetics, cavity varnishes, and other restorative materials to teeth surfaces as needed.
  • Ensured that infection control procedures were followed at all times during treatments.
  • Studied new and advanced dental hygiene methods and technology by completing continuing education coursework.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient treatments utilizing electronic health records systems.
  • Educated patients about proper oral health care, including diet, brushing, flossing, and the use of fluoride.
  • Answered questions from patients concerning their dental needs or concerns.
  • Applied cavity preventing agents, like fluoride, and sealants, to protect patients' teeth from decay.
  • Reviewed patient charts before providing care in order to ensure accuracy of information.
  • Instructed patients on dental hygiene and oral care by demonstrating effective flossing and brushing techniques and recommending quality oral care products.
  • Performed administrative tasks such as filing documents or updating patient records.
  • Selected and prepared tools used for procedures by sanitizing and arranging.
  • Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
  • Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
  • Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
  • Conducted system analysis and testing to identify and resolve technical issues or inefficiencies.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
  • Conducted routine maintenance and repairs on mechanical systems and industrial equipment.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Updated and maintained databases with current information.
  • Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.

Education

Bachelor of Science - General Studies

Columbus State University, Columbus, GA
08-1976

Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene

Columbus State University, Columbus, GA
06-1976

Skills

  • Nutritional counseling
  • Detail-oriented focus
  • Dental prophylaxis mastery
  • Orthodontic hygiene support
  • Infection control expertise
  • Pediatric dental care
  • Ultrasonic scaling aptitude
  • Problem-solving capacity
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Time management prowess
  • Team collaboration mindset
  • Sealant application proficiency
  • Instrument sterilization protocols
  • Soft tissue management
  • Appointment scheduling efficiency
  • Handpiece maintenance know-how
  • Dental charting accuracy

Timeline

Registered Dental Hygienist - Private Practice and DPH
08.1976 - Current
Columbus State University - Bachelor of Science, General Studies
Columbus State University - Associate of Science, Dental Hygiene

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KATHLEEN NICKERSONRDH