MARGUERITE CUNNINGHAM
CALEDONIA,WI
Summary
Manager of Clinical Dental Assistants at Marquette University with ability to mentor junior staff.
Experienced in Dental Assisting, patient care, and dental procedures; utilizes effective communication and organizational skills to ensure smooth clinic operations. Track record of maintaining high standards of sterilization and patient safety protocols.
Dental professional with 30+ years of experience in patient care and clinic operations; known for reliability, adaptability, and strong focus on teamwork and achieving clinical excellence.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Proven ability to streamline processes and improve productivity through effective leadership. Demonstrated proficiency in team coordination and problem-solving in fast-paced environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Clinical Dental Assistants
Marquette University
06.2025 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives to optimize resource allocation and reduce costs.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and enhancing team performance.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends and inform decision-making processes.
Lead Dental Assistant
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
05.2012 - 06.2025
- Managed inventory of dental supplies, minimizing waste while ensuring necessary resources were readily available for all procedures.
- Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
- Recorded vital statistics, dental and health histories.
- Developed strong relationships with patients, fostering a welcoming environment that encouraged return visits.
- Mentored junior dental assistants, sharing valuable knowledge to strengthen the overall quality of the team''s performance.
- Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
- Ensured strict adherence to infection control protocols, maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for both staff and patients.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing thorough explanations of dental procedures and answering questions with patience.
- Conducted routine maintenance on dental equipment, prolonging the life span of costly tools and instruments essential for daily operations.
- Acted as a liaison between patients and dental specialists, streamlining the referral process and fostering seamless continuity of care.
- Assisted in marketing efforts to attract new patients, showcasing the practice''s commitment to top-notch oral health care services.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of dentistry.
- Collaborated with other dental professionals to formulate comprehensive treatment plans for complex cases.
- Coordinated continuing education courses for colleagues within the practice, further enhancing the clinical skills of each team member.
Receptionist/Dental Assistant
King Family Dental
Greenfield, WI
05.2008 - 08.2011
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
- Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
- Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry and cosmetic procedures.
- Assisted dentists, hygienists, and other personnel by handing appropriate tools and supplies needed for procedures.
Education
Dental Hygiene
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WISkills
- Infection control proficiency
- Endodontic procedure
- Team collaboration
- Patient schedule management
- First aid training
- Inventory management
- Complex Problem-solving
- Regulatory compliance
- OSHA regulations
- Organizational skills
- Payroll processing
Timeline
Manager of Clinical Dental Assistants
Marquette University
06.2025 - Current
Lead Dental Assistant
Marquette University
05.2012 - 06.2025
Receptionist/Dental Assistant
King Family Dental
05.2008 - 08.2011
Dental Hygiene
Gateway Technical College