Open To Work
Patricia Frankhauser
Registered Dental Hygienist
Las Cruces,NM
Summary
Dynamic Registered Dental Hygienist with extensive experience at Southwest Periodontal and Implant Specialists, excelling in periodontal assessments and patient education. Proven ability to enhance patient comfort through compassionate care and effective communication. Skilled in infection control protocols and treatment planning, contributing to improved patient outcomes and retention. Committed to continuous professional development.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Dental Hygienist
Southwest Periodontal and Implant Specialists
02.2018 - 07.2024
- Conducted thorough periodontal assessments to evaluate patient oral health and treatment needs.
- Educated patients on preventive care and effective oral hygiene techniques to enhance overall health.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and sterile environment for patient care.
- Collaborated with dental team to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Nutritional guidance
- Performing vital statistics for HBP, Diabetes screening
- 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 [Software].
- Coordinated hygiene inventory management by tracking supplies, placing orders and verifying receipt of items.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer during routine examinations, promoting early detection and intervention when necessary.
- Strengthened communication skills by presenting complex information in an understandable manner to diverse patient populations.
- Administered local anesthesia as needed for dental procedures, ensuring patient comfort throughout the process.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
- Performed dental radiographs ,curate diagnosis and planning of treatments.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- Provided exceptional patient care by establishing rapport and addressing anxieties or concerns.
- 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.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Brad Aday, Periodontal Specialist
03.1996 - 02.2019
- Performed dental radiographs for accurate diagnosis and planning of treatments.
- 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.
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Improved patient oral health by providing thorough dental cleanings and assessments.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and staff.
- 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.
- 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.
- Performed preventive maintenance on dental equipment and resolved malfunctions by troubleshooting.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums.
- 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.
- Counseled patients on nutritional choices impacting their oral health while developing customized dietary recommendations based on individual needs.
- Carried out advanced dental cleaning services.
- Participated in community outreach events promoting oral health awareness and offering free dental screenings to underserved populations.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing, brushing and [Task].
- Improved and developed knowledge through continuing education courses and seminars.
- Interpreted patients dental radiographs.
- Assisted dentists in various procedures, ensuring efficient and successful treatment outcomes.
- 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.
- Administered topical anesthetics to patients' gums to prepare areas being worked on.
- Cleaned patient's teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Polished patients' teeth to remove surface stains.
- Worked with dentists in developing and implementing personalized care plans for dental patients.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition and provided instructions for brushing, flossing and other preventive care.
- Correctly administered local anesthetic and adjunctive therapies such as fluoride treatments and irrigation.
- Conducted thorough periodontal assessments to evaluate patient oral health and treatment needs.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and sterile environment for patient care.
- Collaborated with dental team to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- 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 [Software].
- Coordinated hygiene inventory management by tracking supplies, placing orders and verifying receipt of items.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer during routine examinations, promoting early detection and intervention when necessary.
- Strengthened communication skills by presenting complex information in an understandable manner to diverse patient populations.
- Administered local anesthesia as needed for dental procedures, ensuring patient comfort throughout the process.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Charles Murrell, DDS
02.1985 - 12.1995
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and care to prevent future dental issues.
- Took and interpreted X-rays to identify cavities, impacted teeth and other dental issues.
- Educated patients on preventive care and effective oral hygiene techniques to enhance overall health.
- Performed dental radiographs for accurate diagnosis and planning of treatments.
- Assessed periodontal status of patients using probing techniques, identifying areas requiring further attention or treatment planning modifications.
- Improved patient oral health by providing thorough dental cleanings and assessments.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and staff.
- 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.
- 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.
- Performed preventive maintenance on dental equipment and resolved malfunctions by troubleshooting.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums.
- Counseled patients on nutritional choices impacting their oral health while developing customized dietary recommendations based on individual needs.
- Educated patients on importance of oral hygiene and demonstrated techniques for flossing, brushing and [Task].
- Improved and developed knowledge through continuing education courses and seminars.
- Assisted dentists in various procedures, ensuring efficient and successful treatment outcomes.
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Administered topical anesthetics to patients' gums to prepare areas being worked on.
- Cleaned patient's teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Polished patients' teeth to remove surface stains.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition and provided instructions for brushing, flossing and other preventive care.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and sterile environment for patient care.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- 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.
Education
Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene
El Paso Community College
El Paso, TXBachelor of Science - Dental Hygiene And Education
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ12-2018
Skills
- Periodontal assessments
- Infection control protocols
- Patient education
- Dental radiographs
- Nutritional counseling
- Treatment planning
- Inventory management
- Oral cancer screening
- Local anesthesia administration
- Compassionate patient care
- Clinical documentation
- Continuing education participation
- Preventive dental care
- Team collaboration
- Patient comfort monitoring
- Dentrix software proficiency
- Digital radiographs
- OSHA and infection control adherence
- Nitrous oxide sedation
- Patient relationship building
- Supply management
- Patient communication
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Geriatric dentistry
- History documentation
- Patient education and counseling
Certification
First Aid/CPR- Will need to certify this year. Expired 2024
- [Area of certification] Training - [Timeframe]
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Elementary
Interests
- Enjoying the art of baking and pastry-making, experimenting with recipes
- I enjoy sketching and drawing, which helps improve my creativity and attention to detail
- Offering time and support to shelters for the homeless, women, and animals
- Participating in local clean-up initiatives
- Dancing
- I like working with my hands and fixing things
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
- Backpacking and Hiking
- Experimenting with different creative mediums, like wheel throwing of pottery, oil painting, and hand crafting in wood
, to expand skills and techniques
- Volunteering
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
- Baking
- Web Development and Design
- Outdoor Recreation
- Knitting and Crocheting
- Community Cleanup
- Gardening
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- DIY and Home Improvement
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Cooking
- I participate in low-impact exercises to strengthen core muscles
- Music
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
- Genealogy
- Environmental Stewardship
- Mindfulness Practices
- Animal Care
- Team Sports
- Reading
- Volunteering at local animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
- Swimming
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- Animal Welfare Advocacy
- Road Trips
- Bread Making
Work Preference
Work Type
Part TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteTimeline
Registered Dental Hygienist
Southwest Periodontal and Implant Specialists
02.2018 - 07.2024
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Brad Aday, Periodontal Specialist
03.1996 - 02.2019
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Charles Murrell, DDS
02.1985 - 12.1995
Associate of Science - Dental Hygiene
El Paso Community College
Bachelor of Science - Dental Hygiene And Education
Northern Arizona University