Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Hobbies and Interests
Languages
Timeline
Generic

MERCEDES LAM

Napa,California

Summary

I am an experienced Registered Dental Assistant with over 20 years of expertise in providing high-quality patient care and support in dental practices. After a fulfilling pause to focus on raising my family, I am excited to refocus on my career and bring my skills and passion back to the dental field. Seeking a rewarding opportunity in the Napa Valley area to contribute to a dynamic team committed to excellent patient care.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Orthodontic Assistant

Orthoworks
01.2004 - 05.2017
  • Prepared patient for orthodontist and performed simple tasks such as tightening braces and conducting preliminary examinations.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills while educating patients on oral hygiene practices specific to their orthodontic treatments.
  • Took digital x-rays, photographs, and impression for patient treatment diagnosis and record
  • Provided exceptional chairside assistance to orthodontist during complex procedures such as bracket placement and adjustments, aligner fittings, and appliance installations.
  • Maintained detailed progress notes for each patient to support continuity of care throughout their treatment plan.
  • Increased overall patient satisfaction by promptly addressing any discomfort or concerns related to their treatments.
  • Assisted in fabricating custom orthodontic appliances tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Enhanced practice efficiency by maintaining well-organized inventory of orthodontic supplies and equipment.
  • Poured and shaped molds from impressions and trimmed molds in grinder.
  • Improved patient comfort by efficiently assisting with orthodontic procedures and providing clear explanations of treatment plans.
  • Contributed to successful treatment outcomes by accurately taking dental impressions, X-rays, and intraoral scans.
  • Managed emergency situations calmly, providing immediate care when necessary before escalating to the orthodontist if needed.
  • Set appointments and made follow-up calls.
  • Promoted positive patient experiences by building rapport and addressing concerns during appointments.
  • Reduced appointment wait times with efficient room setup and breakdown between patients.
  • Prepped examination rooms, sterilized equipment and instruments and maintained appropriate tray setup.
  • Collaborated closely with dentists to develop customized treatment plans tailored specifically to each individual''s needs.
  • Increased case acceptance rates by presenting comprehensive treatment options and financial arrangements to patients.

Dental Assistant and Front Desk Manager

Dr. Michael T.C. Ma
01.1998 - 01.2003
  • Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
  • Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
  • Supervised front desk staff to ensure smooth daily operations and excellent customer service.
  • Negotiated pre-authorizations for necessary dental procedures, securing coverage for vital treatments otherwise not covered.
  • Supported patients throughout the treatment process by answering questions about their financial responsibility concerning deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance amounts.
  • Assisted patients in understanding their dental insurance benefits, coverage limits, and out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Collaborated with dentists to create treatment plans that optimize available insurance benefits without compromising quality of care.

Dental Assistant

Dr. Louis Cheng
01.1997 - 01.1998
  • Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
  • Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
  • Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Education

Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP) -

Orthoworks
San Bruno, CA
01-2015

Dental Law And Infection Control Certificate -

Orthoworks
San Bruno, CA
01-2015

Registered Dental Assistant License -

Dental Board of California
01-2006

Certificate of Completion of Radiation Safety Program -

University of The Pacific
01-1998

Skills

  • Invisalign
  • Impression
  • Itero Scan
  • Case submission
  • Patient education
  • Traditional braces
  • Self-ligating braces
  • Banding
  • Direct bonding
  • Wire changes
  • Debanding
  • Elastics placement
  • Debonding
  • Incognito
  • Indirect bonding
  • Fixed appliance placement
  • Removal
  • Expander
  • Lingual arches
  • Orthopedic appliance
  • Headgear
  • Facemask
  • Care and instructions
  • Orthodontic Records
  • Digital X-Ray
  • Non digital X-Ray
  • Panoramic radiographs
  • Lateral cephalometric radiographs
  • Impression of diagnostics models
  • Photos
  • Retainers
  • Acrylic repair
  • Essix retainer fabrications
  • Patient instructions
  • Insurance billing
  • Payment collection
  • Management of office inventory
  • Management of dental supply inventory
  • Ortho 2 Viewpoint
  • Ortho 2 Edge
  • Scheduling
  • Charting
  • Treatment coordination
  • Case presentation
  • Payment option
  • Contract review
  • Sterilization Protocol
  • Chart updating
  • Orthodontic patient follow-up
  • Orthodontic practice growth

Certification

  • 03/01/15, California Dental Law and Infection Control Certificate, Orthoworks, San Bruno, California
  • 02/01/15, Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP) Class Completion Certificate, Orthoworks, San Bruno, California
  • 11/01/14, CPR Certificate, American Heart Association
  • 04/01/06, Registered Dental Assistant License, Dental Board of California
  • 11/01/98, Certificate of Completion of Radiation Safety Program, University of the Pacific

Hobbies and Interests

  • Gardening
  • Cooking with seasonal and local ingredients

Languages

English
Chinese (Cantonese)
Chinese (Mandarin)

Timeline

Orthodontic Assistant

Orthoworks
01.2004 - 05.2017

Dental Assistant and Front Desk Manager

Dr. Michael T.C. Ma
01.1998 - 01.2003

Dental Assistant

Dr. Louis Cheng
01.1997 - 01.1998

Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP) -

Orthoworks

Dental Law And Infection Control Certificate -

Orthoworks

Registered Dental Assistant License -

Dental Board of California

Certificate of Completion of Radiation Safety Program -

University of The Pacific

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