Hi, I’m
Melody Gardner
Montgomery,AL
Summary
Registered Dental Hygienist with a proven track record at Luma Dentistry, excelling in periodontal assessment and building strong patient relationships. Effectively communicates and educates patients to enhance patient retention and meet specific needs. Commitment to continuous learning and adherence to industry standards underscores dedication to excellence in dental hygiene. Motivated and patient-focused Registered Dental Hygienist with 12 years of experience treating individuals with diverse dental concerns. 7 years of experience as a Dental Assistant, including Front Administration, and 5 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist, carrying over applicable skills to provide an excellent patient experience. Passionate about providing compassionate care and building trusting relationships with patients. Experienced in periodontal therapy, both with and without the use of local anesthetic administration. Effective communicator who successfully teaches patients and the community about oral hygiene and care. Knowledgeable in identifying early stages of oral health issues, such as tooth decay and oral cancer, allowing for communication of findings to dentists for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Overview
12
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Luma Dentistry
Registered Dental Hygienist
04.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Managed patient records with accuracy, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Performed dental radiographs for accurate diagnosis and planning of treatments.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- Captured patients' dental radiographs and provided to dentist for interpretation and diagnosis.
- Assessed periodontal status of patients using probing techniques, identifying areas requiring further attention or treatment planning modifications.
- Provided exceptional patient care by establishing rapport and addressing anxieties or concerns.
- Utilized ultrasonic scaling devices to efficiently remove plaque and calculus buildup from teeth surfaces.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through participation in continuing education courses, staying current with industry advancements.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in Dentrix.
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Coordinated hygiene inventory management by tracking supplies, placing orders and verifying receipt of items.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and staff.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer during routine examinations, promoting early detection and intervention when necessary.
- Administered local anesthesia as needed for dental procedures, ensuring patient comfort throughout the process.
- Strengthened communication skills by presenting complex information in an understandable manner to diverse patient populations.
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and concerns.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
- Coordinated with dental insurance providers to verify coverage and obtain necessary pre-authorizations for patient treatments, streamlining the financial aspect of care delivery.
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.
- Conducted patient interviews and gathered patient medical and dental histories, adding to dental charts.
Carmichael Dental Care
Registered Dental Hygienist
10.2019 - 04.2021
Job overview
- Managed patient records with accuracy, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Performed dental radiographs for accurate diagnosis and planning of treatments.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- Captured patients' dental radiographs and provided to dentist for interpretation and diagnosis.
- Provided exceptional patient care by establishing rapport and addressing anxieties or concerns.
- Assessed periodontal status of patients using probing techniques, identifying areas requiring further attention or treatment planning modifications.
- Contributed to practice growth by delivering excellent customer service, resulting in increased patient retention rates.
- Utilized ultrasonic scaling devices to efficiently remove plaque and calculus buildup from teeth surfaces.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through participation in continuing education courses, staying current with industry advancements.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in Eaglesoft.
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Collaborated with dental team members to provide comprehensive care for patients, enhancing overall experience.
- Applied preventive materials such as fluoride varnishes or sealants to protect teeth from decay or sensitivity issues.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer during routine examinations, promoting early detection and intervention when necessary.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques for optimal dental health and prevention of future issues.
- Strengthened communication skills by presenting complex information in an understandable manner to diverse patient populations.
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and concerns.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing and brushing.
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and care to prevent future dental issues.
- Administered topical anesthetics to patients' gums to prepare areas being worked on.
- Worked with dentists in developing and implementing personalized care plans for dental patients.
Glynwood Dental Care
Dental Assistant/Registered Dental Hygienist
05.2017 - 01.2019
Job overview
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
- Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
- Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry, endo procedures, and oral surgery.
- Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
- Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
- Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
- Managed inventory of dental supplies, reducing waste and optimizing resource allocation.
- Recorded patients' health histories, documented current symptoms, and pulled up records from prior visits for dentists to view and evaluate.
- Supported dentists during oral surgeries by preparing surgical rooms with necessary tools and sterilized instruments.
- Increased patient retention by building rapport through excellent communication skills and a friendly demeanor.
- Contributed to office organization by maintaining accurate patient records and updating files regularly.
- Handled administrative tasks such as billing, insurance claims processing, and appointment confirmation calls to support office operations efficiently.
- Collaborated with the dental team to develop customized treatment plans for individual patients.
- Facilitated patient education on oral hygiene practices, contributing to improved dental health.
- Enhanced patient comfort by carefully explaining procedures and addressing concerns prior to treatments.
- Improved patient care with meticulous attention to instrument sterilization and preparation.
- Assessed periodontal status of patients using probing techniques, identifying areas requiring further attention or treatment planning modifications.
- Contributed to practice growth by delivering excellent customer service, resulting in increased patient retention rates.
- Utilized ultrasonic scaling devices to efficiently remove plaque and calculus buildup from teeth surfaces.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through participation in continuing education courses, staying current with industry advancements.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in Eaglesoft.
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Improved patient oral health by providing thorough dental cleanings and assessments.
- Coordinated hygiene inventory management by tracking supplies, placing orders and verifying receipt of items.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and staff.
- Applied preventive materials such as fluoride varnishes or sealants to protect teeth from decay or sensitivity issues.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer during routine examinations, promoting early detection and intervention when necessary.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques for optimal dental health and prevention of future issues.
- Capably performed prophylaxis in absence of periodontal disease or gingivitis.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
- Participated in community outreach events promoting oral health awareness and offering free dental screenings to underserved populations.
- Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.
- Enhanced online engagement with the creation of compelling content for various platforms.
- Created social media content with consistent content and tone.
- Created shareable content that resonated with followers, driving increased engagement rates and audience growth.
- Developed a strong online presence for clients through targeted social media strategies tailored to their unique needs.
- Monitored comments sections across platforms to address negative feedback and maintain brand reputation.
- Collaborated closely with marketing teams to align social media initiatives with larger promotional goals.
Education
Alabama Dental Hygiene ProgramBirmingham
Registered Dental Hygienist from Dental Hygiene
07-2019
Eastern Florida State CollegeCocoa, FL
No Degree from Biology
Auburn University of MontgomeryMontgomery, AL
No Degree from Teaching
Stanhope Elmore HighschoolMillbrook, AL
High School Diploma
05-2011
Skills
- Root planning and scaling expertise
- Pediatric hygiene experience
- Dentrix software proficiency
- Eaglesoft software proficiency
- Local anesthesia administration
- Sealant Application
- Dental disease management
- OSHA and infection control adherence
- Medical History Documentation
- Treatment Planning
- Patient relationship building
- Tooth whitening
- Patient Education
Accomplishments
- Performed approximately 8-12 prophylactic procedures per day.
- Trained and mentored numerous new hygienists and assistants.
- Educated patients about treatments to reduce anxiety and reluctance to treatment.
- Supervised team of 5 staff members at endodontic office.
- Achieved new patient growth through social media campaigns with accuracy and efficiency.
- Developed training materials for new staff members.
- Developed literature to provide to patients for further education.
Certification
- CPR Certification - American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
- HIPAA Compliance Training Certificate- U.S Department of Health & Human Services.
- Local Anesthesia Certification - Alabama Board of Dentistry.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training Certification- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) - American Dental Association.
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Registered Dental Hygienist
Luma Dentistry
04.2021 - Current
Registered Dental Hygienist
Carmichael Dental Care
10.2019 - 04.2021
Dental Assistant/Registered Dental Hygienist
Glynwood Dental Care
05.2017 - 01.2019
Alabama Dental Hygiene Program
Registered Dental Hygienist from Dental Hygiene
Eastern Florida State College
No Degree from Biology
Auburn University of Montgomery
No Degree from Teaching
Stanhope Elmore Highschool
High School Diploma
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