Michelle Leighton
Weaverville,NC
Summary
Proficient Dental Hygienist with over 20 years of experience in all areas of dentistry, including prophylaxis and oral disease treatment. Accomplished in educating patients on oral hygiene and wellness with focus on disease prevention and periodontal disease treatment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Dental Hygienist
Marks Family Dentistry
Asheville, NC
10.2023 - Current
- Delivered patient education on oral hygiene practices to enhance overall dental health.
- Conducted thorough assessments of periodontal health, identifying treatment needs and recommending appropriate care plans.
- Implemented infection control protocols, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and safeguarding patient well-being.
- Collaborated with dentists to develop tailored treatment strategies based on individual patient assessments and feedback.
- Maintained up-to-date patient records, including medical histories and treatment plans, to facilitate accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments.
- Educated patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques to promote long-term oral health.
- Cleaned patient's teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Enhanced patient experience by building rapport, addressing concerns, and explaining procedures in a professional manner.
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Improved patient oral health by conducting thorough dental cleanings and providing personalized home care instructions.
- Promoted a welcoming environment by maintaining a clean and organized workspace, leading to increased patient satisfaction rates.
- Took and interpreted X-rays to identify cavities, impacted teeth and other dental issues.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques for improved dental health.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Michael Martinsen
Fairview, NC
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Instructed patients on dental hygiene and oral care by demonstrating effective flossing and brushing techniques and recommending quality oral care products.
- Took dental images and X-rays to identify areas of concern and presented to dentists for review.
- Managed dental records and entered information using Open Dental to keep important patient information on file.
- Customized dental prophylactic treatment to meet individual patients' needs.
- Applied cavity preventing agents, like fluoride and sealants, to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Established clean, sterile and welcoming environment for patients.
- Removed plaque and tartar from teeth using hand and mechanical scaler tools.
- Determined need for and performed SRP and follow up Periodontal Maintenance cleanings for patients with periodontal disease.
- Cleaned and sterilized instruments after each patient.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Appalachian Dental Associates
Asheville, NC
08.2020 - 02.2023
- Examined gums manually and visually to determine periodontal disease and screen for oral cancer.
- Instructed patients on dental hygiene and oral care by demonstrating effective flossing and brushing techniques and recommending quality oral care products.
- Took dental images and X-rays to identify areas of concern and presented to dentists for review.
- Managed dental records and entered information using EagleSoft to keep important patient information on file.
- Customized dental prophylactic treatment to meet individual patients' needs.
- Applied cavity preventing agents, like fluoride and sealants, to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Accurately collected and recorded patient medical and dental histories.
- Customized prophylactic treatment to individual patients' needs.
- Applied sealants and protective coatings to teeth to protect enamel and prevent cavities.
- Established clean, sterile and welcoming environment for patients.
- Removed plaque and tartar from teeth using hand and mechanical scaler tools.
- Kept track of treatment information in patient records.
- Exposed dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patient examinations.
- Evaluated need for and performed SRP and Periodontal Maintenance cleanings for patients with periodontal disease.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Woody Bolonger
Weaverville, NC
07.2009 - 07.2020
- Examined gums manually and visually to determine periodontal disease and screen for oral cancer.
- Instructed patients on dental hygiene and oral care by demonstrating effective flossing and brushing techniques and recommending quality oral care products.
- Took dental images and X-rays to identify areas of concern and presented to dentists for review.
- Managed dental records and entered information paper charts to keep important patient information on file.
- Customized dental prophylactic treatment to meet individual patients' needs.
- Applied cavity preventing agents, like fluoride and sealants, to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Accurately collected and recorded patient medical and dental histories.
- Customized prophylactic treatment to individual patients' needs.
- Applied sealants and protective coatings to teeth to protect enamel and prevent cavities.
- Established clean, sterile and welcoming environment for patients.
- Removed plaque and tartar from teeth using hand and mechanical scaler tools.
- Kept track of treatment information in patient records.
- Exposed dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patient examinations.
Education
Diploma - Dental Assisting
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, NCAssociate of Science - Dental Hygiene
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, NC06.2006
Skills
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Regulatory Compliance
- Dental Disease Treatment
- Digital Radiographs
- Treatment Planning
- Dental Health Promotion
- Sealant Application
- Preventive Dentistry
- Instrument Preparation
- Periodontal Treatment
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Soft Tissue Management
Timeline
Dental Hygienist
Marks Family Dentistry
10.2023 - Current
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Michael Martinsen
02.2023 - 10.2023
Registered Dental Hygienist
Appalachian Dental Associates
08.2020 - 02.2023
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Woody Bolonger
07.2009 - 07.2020
Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
Diploma - Dental Assisting
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College