Susan Erdman
Normal,IL
Summary
Accomplished Registered Dental Hygienist with a proven track record at Gentle Family Dentistry, enhancing patient oral health through expert root planning and scaling, and exceptional patient relationship building. Achieved significant patient retention by leveraging Dentrix software proficiency and a compassionate approach. Continuously improved care standards by engaging in ongoing professional development.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Dental Hygienist
Gentle Family Dentistry
11.2018 - Current
- Managed patient records with accuracy, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Delivered compassionate care and monitored patient comfort through communication, exceptional clinical skills, gentle approach, and positive rapport development.
- Performed dental radiographs for accurate diagnosis and planning of treatments.
- Captured patients' dental radiographs and provided to dentist for interpretation and diagnosis.
- Provided exceptional patient care by establishing rapport and addressing anxieties or concerns.
- Assessed periodontal status of patients using probing techniques, identifying areas requiring further attention or treatment planning modifications.
- 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.
- 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].
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Improved patient oral health by providing thorough dental cleanings and assessments.
- 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.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer during routine examinations, promoting early detection and intervention when necessary.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques for optimal dental health and prevention of future issues.
- 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.
- 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.
- Capably performed prophylaxis in absence of periodontal disease or gingivitis.
- Developed individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and concerns.
- Cared for patients with special needs by providing education related to specific procedures and communicating with caregivers.
- 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].
- Exposed, developed, and mounted both intraoral and extraoral dental x-rays.
- 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.
- Designed dental report card that explained patients' dental health status and treatment plans.
- Sterilized equipment to keep dental tools clean and safe for use, reducing risk of infection.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and care to prevent future dental issues.
- Made and confirmed appointments to promote necessary follow-up care to maintain dental health.
- Took and interpreted X-rays to identify cavities, impacted teeth and other dental issues.
- 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.
- Conducted patient interviews and gathered patient medical and dental histories, adding to dental charts.
- 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.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Houska Dental Center
10.2013 - 10.2018
Registered Dental Hygienist
Barnes Dental Associates
08.1991 - 10.2013
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Michael Milligan
05.1984 - 08.1991
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Thomas Johnson
10.1983 - 05.1984
Education
Bachelor of Science - Dental Hygiene
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05.1983
Skills
- Root planning and scaling expertise
- Periodontal Assessment
- Dentrix software proficiency
- Sealant Application
- Local anesthesia administration
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Ultrasonic Scaling
- Digital Radiographs
- Periodontal Therapy
- Oral Hygiene Instruction
- Medical History Review
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Dental disease management
- Fluoride Treatment
- Medical History Documentation
- OSHA and infection control adherence
- Radiographic interpretation
- Treatment Planning
- Anesthetic Administration
- Preventive dentistry
- Treatment planning and execution
- Dental Radiography
- Patient relationship building
- Patient Relations
- Dental Instrument Sterilization
- Nutrition counseling
- Soft Tissue Management (STM)
- Periodontal evaluation
- Oraqix anesthetic expertise
- Caries Prevention
- Supply Management
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Intraoral imaging
- Patient Communication
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Preventive oral health education
- Dental impression specialist
- Dental evaluation and assessment
- Patient Screening
- Intra-oral camera operations
- Patient safety proficiency
- Restorative Assistance
- Geriatric dentistry
- Regulatory Compliance
- Stain Removal
- Teeth Scaling
- Special Needs Patients
- Restorative Dentistry
- Infection Control
- Fluoride Treatments
- Patient Education
- Patient Assessments
- Patient education and prophylaxis
- Safety Compliance
- Patient Management
- Electronic Health Records
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Prophylaxis
- Medical Records Management
- Medical billing and coding
- Dental records
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Chronic Disease Management
- Teeth Cleaning
- Appointment Scheduling
- Relationship Building
- Caring and Compassionate
- Instrument Sterilization
- Patient Charting
- Oral Health Management
- Gum and Tooth Examination
- Digital Radiology Software
- Medical Charting
- Electronic Dental Record (EDR)
- Oral Impressions
- Patient Needs Assessment
- Pain Control
- Full Mouth Radiographs
- Gum Disease Identification
- Documenting Patient History
- HIPAA Awareness Training Certification
- Equipment Maintenance
- X-Raying Procedures
- Diagnostic Equipment Operation
- Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Timeline
Registered Dental Hygienist
Gentle Family Dentistry
11.2018 - Current
Registered Dental Hygienist
Houska Dental Center
10.2013 - 10.2018
Registered Dental Hygienist
Barnes Dental Associates
08.1991 - 10.2013
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Michael Milligan
05.1984 - 08.1991
Registered Dental Hygienist
Dr. Thomas Johnson
10.1983 - 05.1984
Bachelor of Science - Dental Hygiene
University of Iowa
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