Ruthann Gallegos
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Compassionate Assistant with a strong background in patient care and clinic operations. Skilled in patient education, communication, and digital radiography. Proven ability to build relationships with patients, enhancing comfort and experience. Committed to optimizing patient care while fostering a collaborative work environment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Orthodontic Assistant
IDEAL
San Antonio, Texas
09.2022 - 08.2024
- Assisted orthodontists in preparing patients for procedures and treatments.
- Assisted orthodontist in clinical activities such as taking impressions, fitting bands, and placing arch wires.
- Attached wiring for braces and advised patient on how to properly and gently brush and floss.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions.
- Instructed patients on how to properly use orthodontic appliances such as headgear or elastics.
- Supported the creation of orthodontic appliances using advanced dental tools.
- Performed initial mouth examinations to assess patient needs and reported findings to the orthodontist.
- Managed patient records and maintained accurate documentation of treatments.
- Utilized dental software to update patient records and process digital images.
- Sterilized and organized dental instruments and equipment for daily use.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and efficient work environment.
- Monitored progress of each case by tracking changes in tooth movement over time.
- Made impressions of teeth for mouth guards and other oral fixtures.
- Performed initial mouth examinations to assess patient needs. and reported findings to the orthodontist.
- Performed minor orthodontic procedures such as suture removal and rubber dam placement.
- Provided postoperative instructions prescribed by orthodontist.
Dental Assistant
Methodist Healthcare Ministries
San Antonio, Texas
02.2011 - 07.2013
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
- Assisted dentists during procedures with instruments and patient care.
- Prepared treatment rooms by sterilizing tools and organizing supplies.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health systems.
- Communicated effectively with patients to ensure comfort and understanding.
- Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care.
- Took digital X-rays of teeth using radiographic equipment.
- Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Maintained a neat, clean and organized environment throughout the office.
- Provided support services such as stocking rooms with supplies, cleaning trays and changing linens between patients.
- Prepared dental materials such as amalgam, composite resin, impression material and cements for use by the dentist.
- Documented patient records with procedures performed and added notes taken to charts.
- Took preliminary impressions of patient teeth to prepare for custom impressions and fabrication of permanent dental work.
- Helped maintain inventory levels of all dental supplies used in day-to-day operations.
- Responded promptly to requests from other staff members or dentists while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Reviewed patient charts prior to visits to ensure that all relevant information was available for the doctor's review.
- Conducted routine maintenance of equipment used in dentistry operations.
- Explained dental services and payment plans to help patients make informed decisions.
- Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
- Created and fit dental appliances for patients. adjusting as necessary.
- Cleaned and polished removable dentures, brackets, wires and other appliances.
Education
Registered Dental Assistant - Dental Assisting
San Antonio College of Medical And Dental Assistants
San Antonio, TX 09.2003 - 03.2004
Skills
- Patient instruction
- Orthodontic procedures
- Dental software
- Sterilization techniques
- Clinical documentation
- Equipment maintenance
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Oral surgery
- Sedation dentistry
- Sedation monitoring
- Wisdom teeth extractions
- Full mouth extractions with immediate appliance delivery
- Adjustment of dentures and partials
- Problem solving
- Essex retainers
- Impact surgery
- Bone grafts
- Suture removal
- In house bleaching
- Invisalign knowledge
- Fabrication of single unit and multi unit temporaries
- Mouth guard fabrication
- Itero trained
- Endodontics
- Pulpotomies
- Treatment planning
- Full mouth rehab
- Lab case management
- Time management
- Customer service
- Reception support
- Orthodontic debonding
- Dental impressions
- Oral impressions
- Infection control
- Dental surgery
- Orthodontic archwire changes
- Space maintainer placement
- Orthodontic appliance adjustment
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Extractions
- Retainer fabrication
- Digital radiography
- Restorations
- Chart updating
- Orthodontic bonding
- Orthodontic bracket placement
- Elastics placement
- Supply inventory
Timeline
Orthodontic Assistant
IDEAL
09.2022 - 08.2024
Dental Assistant
Methodist Healthcare Ministries
02.2011 - 07.2013
Registered Dental Assistant - Dental Assisting
San Antonio College of Medical And Dental Assistants
09.2003 - 03.2004