Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Lela Mcknight

South Bend,IN

Summary

Dedicated and professional Dental Assistant with extensive knowledge of varied procedures, terminology and materials. Looking to share my passion of dentistry to help eager students succeed in their dental education. Experienced Lead Instructor adept at developing classes, motivating instructors and overseeing records. History of effectively working with adolescent students over [10]+ years in education.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Instructor

OceanPointe Dental Assisting
06.2021 - Current

Appointed OSHA officer for the practice. Taking x-rays, impressions, orthodontics, perio charting, treatment planning, coronal polishing and patient education. Followed aseptic procedures and sterilization for the office and hand piece and equipment maintenance. Participated in regular continuing education and professional development.

  • Conducted ongoing assessments to track student progress, adjusting instruction as needed to ensure mastery of course content.
  • Led after-school tutoring sessions focused on test preparation strategies, resulting in higher exam pass rates among participants.
  • Implemented effective classroom management strategies, fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Developed tailored instructional materials for diverse learners, improving overall classroom performance.


Dental Assistant Lead Instructor

South Bend Dental Assisting School
11.2018 - 06.2021

Proficiently and effectively manage and instruct a Dental Assistant course. The class is divided into 4 hours of lecture and 4 hours of clinical each Saturday of the 10 week session. Following curriculum and adding my own various measurements of comprehension and practice exercises I am involved in all aspects of the students education. Recording student grades and attendance, managing transcripts and assisting in payment collection and record keeping. Keeping an inventory of materials necessary to function at a superior level.

  • Contributed to office organization by maintaining accurate patient records and updating files regularly.
  • Increased patient retention by building rapport through excellent communication skills and a friendly demeanor.
  • Collaborated with the dental team to develop customized treatment plans for individual patients.
  • Streamlined appointment scheduling for increased efficiency and reduced wait times.
  • Managed inventory of dental supplies, reducing waste and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
  • Handled administrative tasks such as billing, insurance claims processing, and appointment confirmation calls to support office operations efficiently.
  • Aided in the development of staff training materials, fostering a cohesive team environment focused on continuous improvement.
  • Supported dentists during oral surgeries by preparing surgical rooms with necessary tools and sterilized instruments.
  • Assisted dentists with complex procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.
  • Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, promoting long-term dental health.

Certified Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

OceanPointe Dental Assisting School
02.2011 - 09.2014

I am fortunate to be a team member in a patient care orientated practice. Helping with all general procedures including amalgam and composites, root canal therapies, crown and bridge and others. Working independently I take digital x-rays, impressions, denture adjustments, lab work, orthodontic care, provisional fabrication and cementation, mixing and removing of cements, liners and bases.

  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans for patients with diverse needs.
  • Contributed to a positive patient experience by effectively addressing concerns and answering questions about dental treatments.
  • Assisted dentists in complex procedures, ensuring efficient and high-quality treatment outcomes.

Education

Dental Assisting - Dental Assistant

Ross Medical Education Center
Mishawaka, IN United States
12.2010

Skills

  • Patient educator
  • OSHA training
  • Dental equipment maintenance
  • Fully Expanded Dental Assisting
  • Digital radiology professional
  • Experienced in Dentrix and Appointment scheduling
  • Impression taking/model pour and trim
  • Sealants and Topical fluoride
  • In office whitening
  • Custom trays/base plates
  • Facilities Management
  • Recordkeeping requirements
  • Relationship Building
  • Mentoring
  • Student and parent relations

Certification

Healthcare Provider CPR certified

OSHA Certified

Dental Assisting

Childcare License

Accomplishments

Owner of Over The Rainbow Licensed Home Childcare and Operator established in 2021.

Timeline

Lead Instructor

OceanPointe Dental Assisting
06.2021 - Current

Dental Assistant Lead Instructor

South Bend Dental Assisting School
11.2018 - 06.2021

Certified Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

OceanPointe Dental Assisting School
02.2011 - 09.2014

Dental Assisting - Dental Assistant

Ross Medical Education Center
Lela Mcknight