Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Tamara Kuntz

Greenwood

Summary

Dynamic Expanded Functions Dental Assistant with proven expertise at Clark, Dean & Associates Children's Dentistry, excelling in patient care excellence and infection control protocols. Enhanced patient outcomes through effective communication and skillful application of restorative procedures. Committed to continuous improvement, fostering a welcoming environment while optimizing inventory management and supporting dental health initiatives.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Clark, Dean & Associates Children's Dentistry
09.2002 - Current
  • Contributed to a positive patient experience by effectively addressing concerns and answering questions about dental treatments.
  • Applied fluoride varnish and sealants.
  • Supported dentist during oral surgeries, ensuring proper instrument preparation and sterilization procedures were followed.
  • Built strong rapport with patients through empathetic communication skills, fostering trust in dental care providers.
  • Skillfully managed dental emergencies, stabilizing patients and coordinating appropriate follow-up care.
  • Increased efficiency in the dental office by assisting with chairside duties such as taking impressions and fabricating temporary crowns.
  • Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, safeguarding the health of patients and staff.
  • Expanded knowledge of dental techniques and advancements by attending continuing education courses, applying new learnings to daily practice.
  • Conducted pre-operative assessments of patients'' medical history to minimize risks associated with anesthesia administration during dental procedures.
  • Assisted in coronal polishing.
  • Assisted dentists in complex procedures, ensuring efficient and high-quality treatment outcomes.
  • Optimized inventory management by maintaining accurate records of supplies and equipment usage, minimizing waste, and ordering necessary materials in a timely manner.
  • Ensured smooth operation of dental practice by performing routine maintenance on equipment, identifying issues early on to prevent costly repairs.
  • Provided comprehensive oral hygiene education for patients, promoting long-term dental health.
  • Managed patient records with attention to detail, updating medical histories and inputting relevant information into the practice management software system.
  • Streamlined appointment scheduling and management, reducing wait times and improving patient satisfaction.
  • Fostered a welcoming and calming environment for patients by maintaining orderliness and cleanliness in all treatment areas.
  • Facilitated seamless coordination between front office staff and clinical team members by serving as a liaison for scheduling matters.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans for patients with diverse needs.
  • Elevated standard of care by continuously updating skills and knowledge through professional development courses and certifications.
  • Reduced occurrence of dental tool and equipment malfunctions with regular maintenance checks and timely repairs.
  • Played key role in emergency dental care by quickly responding to urgent patient needs and assisting in providing immediate treatment.
  • Successfully managed patient anxiety and improved their experience with effective communication and empathetic care practices.
  • Improved patient outcomes with skillful application of dental sealants and fluoride treatments, contributing to better oral health.
  • Contributed to dental team's effectiveness by sharing insights and feedback from patients regarding their care experience.
  • Optimized inventory management, ensuring availability of necessary dental supplies and reducing wastage.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement by participating in regular team meetings and suggesting process enhancements.
  • Improved patient understanding of dental procedures and aftercare instructions through clear and concise explanations.
  • Exposed, developed and mounted dental x-rays.
  • Assisted dentists by passing instruments, suctioning intraoral fluids, adding water, and mixing materials for fillings, [Type], casts and impressions.
  • Monitored patient comfort and safety during dental procedures.
  • Assisted in chair-side dental procedures by filling cavities and taking impressions.
  • Helped dentists restore teeth by applying permanent and temporary fillings and crowns.
  • Prepared and sterilized instruments and materials for use by dentists.
  • Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
  • Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
  • Streamlined dental procedure process, preparing instruments and materials ahead of each appointment.
  • Increased efficiency in dental treatments by proficiently assisting in various dental procedures such as fillings, extractions, and crowns.
  • Supported dental health promotion by participating in community outreach programs and free dental care events.
  • Achieved higher level of patient education on oral health practices by creating and distributing informative brochures and materials.

Education

Nitrous Oxide Admin. For Dental Professional

Indiana University
IN
05-2023

Advanced Straight Wire Assistant

American Orthodontic Society
04-2004

Expanded Functions

Indiana University
IN
01-2004

Straight Wire Assistant

American Orthodontic Society
Louisville, KY
03-2003

Dental Assistant

PCI
Indianapolis, IN
01-2001

High School Diploma -

North Decatur
Greensburg, IN
06-2000

Skills

  • Restorative procedures
  • Temporary crown fabrication
  • Patient care excellence
  • Sealant application
  • Dental radiography proficiency
  • X-ray processing
  • Impression taking
  • Continuing education
  • First aid trained
  • Infection control protocols
  • Prosthodontic support
  • Orthodontic assistance
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Patient communication
  • Digital dental records
  • Oral hygiene education
  • Sedation dentistry support
  • Adaptable to change
  • Dental material handling
  • Teeth impressions
  • Nitrous oxide administration
  • Crowns specialist
  • Restoration placement
  • Oral examination
  • X-ray proficiency
  • Coronal polishing
  • Chair-side support
  • Dental assistant
  • Disinfection and sterilization
  • Autoclave operation
  • Restorative dentistry
  • Treatment room preparation
  • Instrument tray preparation
  • Instrument sterilization
  • Dental radiography
  • Treatment Planning
  • Patient flow management
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Treatment room breakdown
  • Advising and educating patients
  • Inventory management
  • Postoperative care instructions
  • Equipment sterilization
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Full mouth radiographs
  • Patient intake procedures
  • Dental staff support
  • Emergency dental care
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Infection control proficiency
  • Sterilization techniques
  • Treatment room setup
  • Inventory replenishment
  • Dental staff assistance
  • Procedure support

Timeline

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Clark, Dean & Associates Children's Dentistry
09.2002 - Current

Nitrous Oxide Admin. For Dental Professional

Indiana University

Advanced Straight Wire Assistant

American Orthodontic Society

Expanded Functions

Indiana University

Straight Wire Assistant

American Orthodontic Society

Dental Assistant

PCI

High School Diploma -

North Decatur
Tamara Kuntz