Maria Herrera
Norwalk ,CA
Summary
Positive, upbeat, and 35 years of compassionate, possessing foundational understanding of dental procedures and patient care. Knowledge of dental terminology and infection control techniques paired with skills in assisting with dental procedures and patient management. Committed to creating comfortable and efficient environment for patients, ensuring high-quality care and support.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Dental Assistant
Dental Wellness of Los Alamitos Dr. Zein DDS
3532 Howard Ave. Los Alamitos, Ca. 90720
05.2025 - 02.2026
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and postoperative care instructions clearly.
- Conducted routine equipment checks to maintain operational readiness in the clinic.
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
- Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
- Maintained a positive attitude under pressure while multitasking in a fast-paced clinical setting, leading to a more pleasant experience for both staff and patients alike.
- Prepared digital X-rays for dentist review, enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
Registered Dental Assistant
Dental Wellness of Los Alamitos Dr. Gipe DDS
Los Alamitos, CA
09.2017 - 05.2025
- Assisted in patient preparation and comfort during dental procedures.
- Maintained cleanliness and sterilization of dental instruments and operatory areas.
- Educated patients on post-treatment care and oral hygiene practices.
- Prepared comprehensive radiological images, allowing supervisory dental staff to spot cavities, tooth decay, and areas needing treatment.
- Supported dentists during procedures, assisting dental fillings, permanent, and temporary crowns and sealants.
Registered Dental Assistant
Dr. Brown Dental Associates
Los Alamitos, CA
02.2003 - 05.2017
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene habits, fostering long-term dental health improvement.
- Assisted dentists in performing complex procedures, resulting in successful treatment outcomes for patients.
- Prepared comprehensive radiological images, allowing supervisory dental staff to spot cavities, tooth decay, and areas needing treatment.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
- Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
Registered Dental Assistant
Dr. Markham Dental Officer
Westminster, CA
04.1997 - 08.2002
- Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
- Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
- Educated patients on postoperative care and best practices for protecting dental work and boosting healing process.
- Prepared rooms for patient treatment by cleaning and sterilizing tools and equipment and setting up x-ray machines.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
Education
High School Diploma -
Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School
Norwalk, CA06.1988
Skills
- Time management capabilities
- Oral hygiene education
- Multitasking
- Team collaboration
- Dental radiography
- Dental procedure assistance
- Equipment sterilization
Certification
- RDA - Registered Dental Assistant
- Coronal Polish Certificate
- Radiation Safety License
- CPR Certified
- OSHA and infection Control Certificate
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Interests
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Gardening
- Animal Care
- Outdoor Recreation
Timeline
Registered Dental Assistant
Dental Wellness of Los Alamitos Dr. Zein DDS
05.2025 - 02.2026
Registered Dental Assistant
Dental Wellness of Los Alamitos Dr. Gipe DDS
09.2017 - 05.2025
Registered Dental Assistant
Dr. Brown Dental Associates
02.2003 - 05.2017
Registered Dental Assistant
Dr. Markham Dental Officer
04.1997 - 08.2002
High School Diploma -
Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School