Lisa Penca
Lead Orthodontic Assistant/ Dental
Christiansburg,VA
Summary
Skilled in orthodontic appliance adjustment and fostering patient satisfaction, I significantly enhanced treatment outcomes and efficiency at Dr. Christopher Hansen DMD. Trained peers in sterilization techniques, contributing to a 30% increase in clinic efficiency. Excelled in patient education and orthodontic emergencies, ensuring high-quality care and safety. Considerate Orthodontic Assistant supports orthodontists in treating patients requiring corrective procedures for spacing and alignment issues. Efficiently arranges dental tools and instruments and sterilizes equipment. Experience taking and developing x-rays and instructing patients on proper care of dental appliances. High-energy Orthodontic assistant/Lead desiring position in dental field. Offering extensive experience supporting patients and staff in fast-paced offices. Excellent communicator and diligent about providing detailed education to improve dental health.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Orthodontic Assistant
Dr. Christopher Hansen DMD
07.2018 - 08.2024
- Provided backup support for other dental professionals in the practice, contributing to overall team effectiveness.
- Maintained a safe and sterile working environment, adhering to all infection control protocols.
- Streamlined workflow in the orthodontic lab by maintaining an organized and efficient work area.
- Expedited appointment times by preparing instruments and equipment in advance for each procedure.
- Promoted a positive workplace atmosphere by collaborating effectively with team members at all levels of the practice hierarchy.
- Assisted orthodontists with complex cases, ensuring timely and effective treatments for patients.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills while educating patients on oral hygiene practices specific to their orthodontic treatments.
- Took x-rays, photographs, and impressions of patients' teeth and mouth.
- Provided exceptional chairside assistance to orthodontist during complex procedures such as bracket placement and adjustments, aligner fittings, and appliance installations.
- Maintained detailed progress notes for each patient to support continuity of care throughout their treatment plan.
- Increased overall patient satisfaction by promptly addressing any discomfort or concerns related to their treatments.
- Assisted in fabricating custom orthodontic appliances tailored to individual patient needs.
- Enhanced practice efficiency by maintaining well-organized inventory of orthodontic supplies and equipment.
- Poured and shaped molds from impressions and trimmed molds in grinder.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently assisting with orthodontic procedures and providing clear explanations of treatment plans.
- Contributed to successful treatment outcomes by accurately taking dental impressions, X-rays, and intraoral scans.
- Managed emergency situations calmly, providing immediate care when necessary before escalating to the orthodontist if needed.
- Promoted positive patient experiences by building rapport and addressing concerns during appointments.
- Collaborated effectively with other team members to ensure smooth workflow within the practice.
- Reduced appointment wait times with efficient room setup and breakdown between patients.
- Prepped examination rooms, sterilized equipment and instruments and maintained appropriate tray setup.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of various orthodontic appliances, enabling accurate preparation for each procedure.
- Taught patients strategies for boosting oral hygiene, controlling plaque, and protecting tooth enamel from long-term damage.
- Contributed to a welcoming and professional office environment by maintaining cleanliness and adhering to all safety protocols.
- Aided in improving treatment completion rates through diligent monitoring of progress and timely adjustments as needed.
- Ensured high-quality patient care through strict adherence to infection control protocols and sterilization procedures.
- Supported seamless appointment scheduling by coordinating with front office staff on patient follow-ups and updates.
- Increased practice efficiency, managed multiple patient appointments simultaneously without compromising care quality.
- Improved patient appointment efficiency by maintaining organized patient records and scheduling systems.
- Enhanced patient comfort and cooperation by providing detailed explanations of treatment procedures.
- Enhanced patient engagement and satisfaction, regularly updating them on treatment progress and adjustments needed.
- Assisted orthodontists in applying braces, which led to successful treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Prepared and sterilized instruments and treatment areas, ensuring safe and hygienic environment for every patient.
- Facilitated successful treatment outcomes, meticulously following orthodontic treatment plans and adjusting as necessary.
- Contributed to significant increase in patient referrals by delivering exceptional care and building strong patient relationships.
- Improved treatment outcomes with meticulous attention to detail in preparing and positioning orthodontic appliances.
- Supported patient education by creating informative materials on oral hygiene practices with orthodontic appliances.
- Fostered welcoming clinic environment, directly impacting patient comfort and reducing anxiety about orthodontic treatment.
- Streamlined digital imaging process, providing clear and precise images for treatment planning and progress tracking.
- Conducted initial patient assessments, gathering vital information for orthodontist to create customized treatment plans.
- Facilitated positive patient experience by addressing concerns and providing empathetic support throughout their treatment journey.
- Improved practice reputation by consistently receiving positive patient feedback on compassionate and professional care.
- Maintained strict compliance with infection control protocols, contributing to safe clinic environment for patients and staff.
- Enhanced team collaboration by actively participating in staff meetings and sharing insights on patient care improvements.
- Assisted in minor orthodontic procedures, ensuring treatments were carried out smoothly and effectively.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing thorough education on oral hygiene practices during orthodontic treatment.
- Prepared patient for orthodontist and performed simple tasks such as tightening braces and conducting preliminary examinations.
Lead Orthodontic Assistant
Dr. Richard Tate DDS
04.1994 - 07.2018
- Trained new orthodontic assistants on proper techniques and protocols, ensuring consistent quality of care across the practice.
- Collaborated with orthodontists to implement new technologies and techniques, increasing efficiency and precision in orthodontic care.
- Implemented a sterilization protocol compliant with OSHA standards, ensuring a clean and safe environment for both patients and staff members.
- Helped maintain an inviting atmosphere within the office by keeping reception areas, treatment rooms, and other spaces clean and organized.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling process, leading to improved patient satisfaction and reduced wait times.
- Provided exceptional chairside assistance during complex orthodontic procedures, minimizing patient discomfort and promoting successful outcomes.
- Improved office organization by maintaining dental equipment inventory and implementing a system for tracking supplies.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong teamwork among staff members and promoting open communication.
- Contributed to the expansion of practice clientele through excellent customer service and strong rapport-building skills with patients.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing thorough explanations of orthodontic procedures and answering questions.
- Provided attentive support to patients during appointments by monitoring their comfort levels and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Assisted orthodontists with the application of braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances, ensuring proper placement for optimal treatment results.
- Managed detailed patient records, ensuring accurate documentation for insurance purposes and treatment followup.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between appointments by preparing necessary instruments, materials, or appliances ahead of time.
- Prepared patient for orthodontist and performed simple tasks such as tightening braces and conducting preliminary examinations.
- Took x-rays, photographs, and impressions of patients' teeth and mouth.
- Poured and shaped molds from impressions and trimmed molds in grinder.
- Prepped examination rooms, sterilized equipment and instruments and maintained appropriate tray setup.
- Taught patients strategies for boosting oral hygiene, controlling plaque, and protecting tooth enamel from long-term damage.
- 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.
- Recorded patients' health histories, documented current symptoms, and pulled up records from prior visits for dentists to view and evaluate.
- Created dental impressions used for Fabricating Essex Retainers.
- Staged tray for procedures by arranging instruments and equipment.
Education
X-Ray Certification
ODU
5115 Hampton Blvd Norfolk VA 23529Skills
Chart updating
Elastics placement
Orthodontic archwire changes
Orthodontic bonding
Oral Hygiene Instruction
Bracket removal
Orthodontic patient satisfaction
Orthodontic debonding
Orthodontic emergencies
Instrument Sterilization
X-Ray Processing
Orthodontic clinical efficiency
Sterilization techniques
Orthodontic instrument knowledge
Orthodontic patient follow-up
Retainer fabrication
Oral Impressions
Orthodontic supply inventory
Orthodontic appliance adjustment
Patient Education
Impression pouring
Infection Control
Record preparation
Orthodontic office organization
Space maintainer placement
Emergency treatment
Headgear fitting
Certification
- OSHA Certified
- X-Ray Certification
Gardening,Travel,Family
Family is the biggest blessing in my life, it's what keeps me grounded and brings balance to my life. I have two adult sons with three beautiful granddaughters,I could go on but won't bore you.
Travel,something about going to different areas whether here or abroad! Love learning about different cultures,traditions, ways of life and realizing how different we are but truly the same.
Gardening is an expressive outlet for me that involves nurturing,patience and love. Also very therapeutic,something about digging in the dirt and planning the layout of all the plants.....satisfying!
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureCareer advancementPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsPaid time offPaid sick leave401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing4-day work weekTeam Building / Company RetreatsTimeline
Orthodontic Assistant
Dr. Christopher Hansen DMD
07.2018 - 08.2024
Lead Orthodontic Assistant
Dr. Richard Tate DDS
04.1994 - 07.2018
X-Ray Certification
ODU
Similar Profiles
Hailey AtkinsonHailey Atkinson
Office Assistant at Debra L. Miller DMD, Dr. Aaron P. Frantz DMDOffice Assistant at Debra L. Miller DMD, Dr. Aaron P. Frantz DMD
Mijael Retamero CidMijael Retamero Cid
Lead Dental Assistant at Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Jyoti P. Srivastava, MS. DDS. DR. Robert Castracane, DMDLead Dental Assistant at Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Jyoti P. Srivastava, MS. DDS. DR. Robert Castracane, DMD
Emily BarkerEmily Barker
Dental Assistant at Dr. Glen W. Hisel DDS & Dr. Marissa J Best DMDDental Assistant at Dr. Glen W. Hisel DDS & Dr. Marissa J Best DMD
Ariana FallsAriana Falls
Family Services Specialist at Roanoke County Department of Social ServicesFamily Services Specialist at Roanoke County Department of Social Services
Brooke NealBrooke Neal
General Clerk II at DSI CorporationGeneral Clerk II at DSI Corporation