Mariah Garcia
Wichita Falls
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with experience in dental assisting and psychiatric nursing. Skilled in documentation accuracy and equipment sterilization, contributing to efficient clinic operations and enhanced patient experiences through effective team collaboration.
Dedicated dental assistant with expertise in patient education and infection control. Proven ability to prepare examination rooms and assist in procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and safety.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dental Assistant
Vernon Smiles
Vernon
10.2025 - Current
- Assisted dentists during procedures, ensuring tools and materials were readily available.
- Prepared examination rooms by sterilizing instruments and organizing supplies efficiently.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions.
- Scheduled appointments and coordinated patient flow for optimal clinic operations.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow and improve patient experience consistently.
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Sterilized instruments according to established guidelines and protocols.
- Took digital X-rays of teeth using radiographic equipment.
- Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
- Prepared dental materials such as amalgam, composite resin, impression material and cements for use by the dentist.
Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
North Texas State Hospital
Vernon
11.2022 - 08.2025
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and personal hygiene needs.
- Monitored patient behaviors and reported changes to nursing staff.
- Documented patient interactions and progress in medical records accurately.
- Educated patients on coping strategies and mental health resources.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss patient care strategies and updates.
- Observed patients during meals, leisure times, and other activities to ensure safety and well-being.
- Assisted patients in accomplishing activities of daily living skills (ADLs).
- Ensured a safe environment for all patients by monitoring their behaviors closely and intervening when necessary.
- Interacted and engaged patients with chronic mental illness in group settings and individually.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Administered medications as directed by psychiatric nurse or physician.
Education
RDA - Wichita Falls Dental Assistant Program
Wichita Falls Dental Assistant Program
Wichita Falls, TX 09.2025 - 11.2025
Skills
- Patient education
- Clinical procedures
- Infection control
- Team collaboration
- Appointment scheduling
- Documentation accuracy
- Dental staff assistance
- Equipment sterilization
- Dental procedure preparation
- Strong writing and verbal skills
- Oral X-rays
- Dental impressions
- Dental material handling
- Radiography safety
- Treatment room breakdown
- Dental terminology
- X-ray processing
- Dental software management
- Disinfecting rooms and equipment
- Dentrix proficiency
- Teeth cleaning assistance
- Exam room setups
- OSHA regulations
- Professionalism and etiquette
- Surgical setup
- Restorative procedures
- Instrument preparation
- Chair-side support
Certification
- Registered Dental Assistant
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Dental Assistant
Vernon Smiles
10.2025 - Current
RDA - Wichita Falls Dental Assistant Program
Wichita Falls Dental Assistant Program
09.2025 - 11.2025
Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
North Texas State Hospital
11.2022 - 08.2025