Sara Haushalter
Brule,USA
Summary
Versatile and detail-oriented Certified Dental Assistant with 9 years of experience in providing exceptional patient care and support. Proficient in assisting with dental procedures, preparing treatment rooms, and maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols. Possess a strong understanding of dental terminology and have completed continuing education courses to stay updated on the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques. Skilled in patient education, chairside assistance, and managing patient records. Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments and maintain a calm and reassuring atmosphere for patients.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Dental Assistant
Hayward Dental Clinic
Hayward, WI
09.2025 - 10.2025
- Assisted dentists during procedures to ensure patient comfort and safety.
- Prepared treatment rooms by sterilizing instruments and organizing supplies.
- Managed patient records using electronic health record systems for accuracy.
Medical Assistant
Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center
Duluth
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Assisted healthcare providers with patient examinations and procedures.
- Managed patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Scheduled patient appointments and coordinated follow-up care.
Dental Assistant
Lake Superior dental
Duluth, MN
10.2023 - 01.2025
- Assisted dentist during dental procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety
- Prepared treatment rooms for patient visits, sterilizing instruments and setting up necessary equipment
- Took dental x-rays, ensuring high-quality images for accurate diagnosis
- Performed basic laboratory tasks such as pouring impressions
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provided post-treatment care instructions
- Managed inventory of dental supplies, ordering new materials when needed to maintain adequate stock levels
- Scheduled appointments and maintained organized patient records using electronic health record systems
- Provided chairside assistance to dentists during complex procedures such as root canals or extractions
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials
- Collaborated with the front desk staff to ensure smooth patient flow and efficient appointment scheduling
- Supported patients with special needs or anxiety by creating a calm and reassuring environment in the dental office
- Managed the maintenance schedule for dental equipment, coordinating repairs with external service providers
- Instructed patients on post-operative care following oral surgery procedures like extractions or implant placements
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA regulations
- Assisted in the fabrication and adjustment of dental prosthetics such as dentures or bridges
- Provided support during dental emergencies, assisting with immediate patient care and contacting necessary specialists
- Participated in continuing education courses to stay updated on the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques
- Assisted in infection control protocol, ensuring compliance with OSHA guidelines
- Updated patient medical histories regularly to reflect any changes or updates provided by patients themselves
Oral Surgeon Assistant
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
Duluth, MN
11.2016 - 08.2023
- Assist in operations, under the supervision of the surgeons. Helps set up surgery room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons.
- Prepare biopsy documentation
- Assist doctors with sterile hospital cases as directed
- Assisted oral surgeon in performing various surgical procedures, including extractions, implant placements, and bone grafting
- Prepared treatment rooms by sterilizing instruments and ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies were readily available
- Provided chairside assistance during surgeries, anticipating the needs of the oral surgeon and maintaining a sterile environment
- Managed patient records and updated electronic health records accurately to ensure seamless communication between dental team members
- Educated patients on post-operative care instructions, ensuring proper healing and minimizing complications
- Performed pre-operative assessments, including taking vital signs, reviewing medical history, and documenting any allergies or contraindications
- Assisted with radiographic imaging procedures such as panoramic X-rays or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
- Maintained inventory of surgical supplies and equipment, promptly restocking when necessary to avoid disruptions during procedures
- Followed strict infection control protocols to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a safe working environment for both staff and patients
- Provided compassionate care to anxious or nervous patients by offering reassurance throughout their surgical experience
- Supported the oral surgery team in scheduling appointments, managing patient flow, and coordinating follow-up visits as needed
- Assisted in the administration of conscious sedation techniques such as nitrous oxide or intravenous (IV) sedation when required for complex cases
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations by safeguarding patient confidentiality at all times
- Participated in continuing education courses related to oral surgery techniques and advancements in dental technology
- Aided in the maintenance and sterilization of surgical instruments, adhering to strict infection control guidelines
- Assisted with the placement and removal of sutures following oral surgery procedures
- Provided post-operative instructions to patients, addressing any concerns or questions they may have had
- Assisted in the coordination of patient referrals to other dental specialists when necessary for comprehensive treatment
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, ensuring proper disposal of biohazardous materials
- Supported the oral surgeon during complex cases by anticipating instrument needs and providing efficient chairside assistance
- Collaborated with the front office staff to ensure accurate billing and timely submission of insurance claims
- Managed patient appointments using electronic scheduling systems, optimizing efficiency and minimizing wait times
- Assisted in training new oral surgery assistants on proper techniques, safety protocols, and workflow management
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of OSHA regulations pertaining to dental practices
- Coordinated with laboratory technicians to ensure timely delivery of prosthetic appliances or surgical guides prior to scheduled surgeries
- Achieved a reduction in procedural errors by implementing a checklist system for equipment preparation before each surgery
- Served as a liaison between patients' referring dentists or physicians and the oral surgery practice, facilitating seamless communication
- Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills by managing multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
- Contributed to improving overall clinic efficiency by streamlining inventory management processes for surgical supplies
- Maintained a high level of professionalism and empathy when interacting with patients experiencing dental anxiety or fear
- Achieved a reduction in surgical procedure time by implementing efficient workflow strategies and anticipating instrument needs
- Closely monitored patients' vital signs during procedures involving conscious sedation, ensuring their safety throughout the surgical experience
Certified Nursing Assistant
Essentia Health
Duluth, MN
08.2009 - 09.2019
- Assist with post coronary patient care and record keeping to provide timely information for physicians and other medical providers
- Settle/orient patients once they arrive on floor to provide familiarity, confidence, and overall comfort
- Provided basic patient care including changing dressings, bathing, comfort facilitation, feeding, and physical therapy to aid in overall patient satisfaction and recovery
- Operate common hospital room equipment including bed, blood pressure cuff, oxygen equipment, AED, heart monitors, and other medical instruments to track patient health
- Other duties include ordering and stocking supplies, cleaning public areas, and assisting family members
Education
DANB - Dental Assisting
DANB
Limited Radiology - Dentistry
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
MinnesotaSkills
- Medication Administration
- Patient Care
- Cleaning Experience
- Critical Care Experience
- Infection control
- Registered Dental Assistant
- Dental software
- 9 years of experience dental assisting
- Caregiving
- Chairside assisting
- Epic
- Laundry
- EMR Systems
- Infection Control Training
- Dental terminology
- Microsoft Word
- Alzheimer's Care
- Dental office experience
- Memory Care
- Customer service
- Hospital Experience
- Vital Sign
- X-ray Certification
- Treatment coordination
- Time management
Certification
- Certified Dental Assistant, 02/01/25, Present
- CPR Certification
- Infection Control Certification
- X-Ray Certification
- CNA
References
- Duncan Puffer DDS, (218) 269-4989
- Beth Mershon LDH, (218) 260-0498
- Craig Heehen, (218) 341-7068
- Marty Espe, (218) 391-8083
Timeline
Registered Dental Assistant
Hayward Dental Clinic
09.2025 - 10.2025
Medical Assistant
Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center
05.2025 - 08.2025
Dental Assistant
Lake Superior dental
10.2023 - 01.2025
Oral Surgeon Assistant
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
11.2016 - 08.2023
Certified Nursing Assistant
Essentia Health
08.2009 - 09.2019
DANB - Dental Assisting
DANB
Limited Radiology - Dentistry
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities