Rachael Knowles
Frankfort,IN
Summary
Dedicated Dental Assistant with a proven track record at LOMSG, enhancing patient care through exceptional chairside assistance and expertise in dental radiography. Skilled in sterilization techniques and infection control, significantly improving office efficiency. Demonstrates strong teamwork and professionalism, committed to continuous education and excellence in dental health.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dental Assistant
LOMSG
Lafayette, IN
09.2009 - Current
- 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.
- Sterilized rooms and prepped equipment and instruments for Number procedures daily.
- Assisted dentists with complex procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.
- Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
- Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
- 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.
- Contributed to office organization by maintaining accurate patient records and updating files regularly.
- Measured and recorded vital statistics by taking patients' blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
- Educated patients on dental hygiene, pre-surgical instructions and post-surgical care.
- Entered patient data into computer system, adhering to strict privacy laws and maintaining high level of accuracy.
- Monitored patient comfort and safety during dental procedures.
- Prepared and sterilized instruments and materials for use by dentists.
- Assisted in emergency dental procedures, providing critical support in high-pressure situations.
- Enhanced patient comfort by carefully explaining procedures and addressing concerns prior to treatments.
- Prepared treatment areas for patient care, ensuring sterile and organized environment.
- Took dental images following strict patient protection rules, applying lead aprons.
- Scheduled and confirmed patient appointments.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dental office, creating welcoming atmosphere for patients.
- Reduced appointment cancellations by implementing reminder calls and text messaging services, resulting in improved scheduling efficiency.
- Prepared instruments and equipment for use in dental procedures, ensuring their availability when needed.
Education
Technical Certificate - Dental Assisting
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Lafayette, INIUPUI
Indianapolis, INSkills
- Dental radiography
- Equipment sterilization
- Treatment room setup
- Sterilization techniques
- Appointment scheduling
- Professionalism and etiquette
- Team collaboration
- Infection control proficiency
- Electronic charting
- First aid training
- Oral surgery assistance
- Continuing education commitment
- Medical records management
- Emergency response preparedness
- HIPAA compliance
- OSHA regulations
- Disinfecting rooms and equipment
- Infection control procedures
- Surgical setup
- Certified in CPR/AED
Certification
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) - Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination
- CPR/AED Certification
Timeline
Dental Assistant
LOMSG
09.2009 - Current
Technical Certificate - Dental Assisting
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
IUPUI