Maria Paula Rodriguez
Woodside,NY
Summary
Patient-oriented Dental Hygienist offering 5 years of experience in high-volume dental offices and dental hygiene internships. Expertise in screening patients for cancer and oral diseases, performing prophylaxis and providing education on oral hygiene and health. Skilled in developing oral health programs and patient education programs. Organization-focused and curious to always learn new techniques, procedures, and protocols to improve patient care.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Temp Dental Hygienist
Cloud Dentistry, Stynt, Others
2024 - Current
- Collaborated with dentists to develop individualized care plans for optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintained sterilization protocols for instruments and equipment in compliance with regulations.
- Assisted in identifying oral health issues through patient assessments and screenings.
- Performed comprehensive dental cleanings, scaling, and polishing procedures.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and preventive care strategies.
- Maintained professionalism while adapting to every new office protocols and programs.
PT Lead Pediatric Dental Hygienist
Smiles+Grins Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentists
11.2024 - Current
- Patient assessments: checking medical history, oral cancer screening, oral hygiene instructions, dentition type evaluation, hard and soft tissue evaluations, and X-rays with NoMad (including panoramic).
- Prophylaxis for children (including brush and rubber cup prophylaxis), cleaning with braces, fluoride application, and nutritional counseling for parents.
- Recare appointments, co-diagnosis, oral product recommendations for patients under 18 years old and undergoing orthodontic treatment.
- Sales and education: inform patient/parents about products, treatments, and services needed for their children’s dental health. Recommendations given based on their specific needs, such as, sealants, orthodontic treatments, silver diamine fluoride treatment, hydroxyapatite applications, fluoride applications, and more.
- Documented patient records accurately using electronic health record systems.
- Trained new staff on best practices for pediatric patient interactions and hygiene procedures.
- Provided compassionate care, easing dental anxiety in young patients through effective communication.
- Coordinated with other healthcare providers when necessary for comprehensive treatment planning that addressed underlying medical conditions affecting oral health.
- Participated in community outreach events, promoting proper oral hygiene habits among local children and their caregivers.
- Assisted in training new team members on proper protocols and procedures specific to pediatric dentistry settings.
PT Dental Hygienist
Elikashvili & Kulick Dental Associates
11.2024 - 08.2026
- Patient assessments: checking medical history, oral cancer screening, oral hygiene instructions, periodontal charting, hard and soft tissue evaluations, and X-rays.
- Prophylaxis for adults and children, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planning, local anesthesia, fluoride application, prophy jet.
- Recare appointments, co-diagnosis, and oral product recommendations.
- Sales and education: inform and educate patient’s about products, treatments, and services needed for their specific dental needs. Recommendations given based on their specific need. Provide guidance on to teeth alignment options, whitening, periodontal therapies (SRPs, laser, irrigation, medications), products, and other treatments available for every patient. Keeping track of treatment development and work in collaboration with the Dentist and the office team to improve the outcomes of the treatment and their maintenance.
- Assisted in developing customized treatment plans based on individual patient needs.
- Collaborated with dentists to optimize treatment processes and improve patient outcomes.
- Evaluated new tools and technologies to enhance operational efficiency in the practice.
- Maintained up-to-date patient records, including medical histories and treatment plans, to facilitate accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments.
- Enhanced patient experience by building rapport, addressing concerns, and explaining procedures in a professional manner.
- Participated in continuing education courses to stay current on industry best practices and emerging technologies within the field of dental hygiene.
- Served as a mentor for new dental hygienists, sharing knowledge and best practices to help them excel in their roles.
- Fostered positive and supportive work environment, mentoring new dental hygienists.
Dental Hygiene Intern
New York University College of Dentistry, Department of Dental Hygiene & Dental Assisting
09.2022 - 09.2024
- Conducted mentorship for current dental hygiene students in oral examinations, cleanings, and preventative care to patients of all ages.
- Instructed students in dental materials, instrumentation, AxiUm system, and patient care.
- Participated in several Pediatric Outreaches throughout the city of New York, and provided care to children of all ages and backgrounds through screening, sealants, and oral hygiene education.
- Assisted in infection control guidelines, ultrasonic, and instrumentation for the 2nd year dental students under the mentorship of Professional Registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists.
- Collaborated with Faculty and other Dental professionals to create programs that could evaluate the gaps on the clinical practices, and provided tools that helped improve those gaps.
Lead Bartender and Brand Ambassador
Tao Group, Aqua Models, Blue Lion Events, others
01.2015 - Current
- Customer service and product sales.
- Explaining and showing product design and usage and promoting brands to consumers and client prospects.
- Maintaining customer relationships.
- Continuous learning about new product development to provide customers with up-to-date information.
Research Intern
CUNY
09.2018 - 07.2020
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects and identify relevant studies.
- Collaborated with Tutor to create the best pathway to our project goals.
- Assisted in data collection hands-on the lab, assuring that protocols were followed.
- Analyzed research findings, summarizing key points to contribute to team discussions and reporting efforts.
- Collaborated with team members to develop presentations summarizing research outcomes for academic conferences.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Dental Hygiene
New York University College of Dentistry
New York, NY01-2024
Associate of Applied Science - Biology
LaGuardia Community College, CUNY
LIC, NY01-2020
Skills
- Patient Education
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Biofilm Guided Protocols
- Airway evaluation
- Ultrasonic, piezo, and hand scaling
- Biolase Laser Treatment (experienced but currently obtaining certificate)
- Digital scanning: iTero, planmeca
- Sales of dental products and services
- AirPolishing: Cavitron Prophy Jet and EMS Airflow
- Radiographic imaging (Digital, Nomad, Panoramic)
- Local anesthesia admin
- Dental Software: Dentrix, Dexis, SoftEagle, Edge, OpenDental, VixWin
- Biolase theraphy
- Dental photography
- In-office whitening
- Sealants
- Arrestin, curadont, and fluoride application
- Sterilization protocol
- Instrument sharpening
- OSHA certified
- CPR certified
- Spanish speaker
- CE courses on customer service on the dental field
Accomplishments
- Created community outreach programs to educate public on oral health and care.
- Trained and mentored new hygienists and assistants.
- Supervised team of 30 staff members.
- Collaborated with team in the development of new dental hygiene programs and protocols and their implemementation.
Affiliations
American Dental Hygiene Association
Hispanic Dental Association
NYU Dentistry Alumi
Certification
- Licensed Dental Hygienist- New York and New Jersey.
- Licensed in Local Anesthesia - New York State.
- Certified in Basic Life Support.
- Currently Obtaining Biolase Laser Therapy ceritification.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Portuguese
Limited Working
Timeline
PT Lead Pediatric Dental Hygienist
Smiles+Grins Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentists
11.2024 - Current
PT Dental Hygienist
Elikashvili & Kulick Dental Associates
11.2024 - 08.2026
Dental Hygiene Intern
New York University College of Dentistry, Department of Dental Hygiene & Dental Assisting
09.2022 - 09.2024
Research Intern
CUNY
09.2018 - 07.2020
Lead Bartender and Brand Ambassador
Tao Group, Aqua Models, Blue Lion Events, others
01.2015 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Biology
LaGuardia Community College, CUNY
Temp Dental Hygienist
Cloud Dentistry, Stynt, Others
2024 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Dental Hygiene
New York University College of Dentistry