Tameka Howard
Groveport
Summary
Customer-focused dental professional with 25 years of experience in dental and healthcare settings. Strong background in client communication, front desk coordination, scheduling, insurance support, patient education, and dental office operations. Experienced in working closely with patients, providers, and teams to ensure smooth service, accurate information flow, and a positive overall experience. Bringing deep knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and administrative support .With proven ability to support complex procedures. Guided team in maintaining high standards of patient care and implemented infection control protocols. Demonstrated expertise in patient communication and administrative efficiency.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Registered Dental Assistant
DentalWorks
Columbus, Ohio
05.2024 - Current
- Coordinated clinical and administrative tasks to support high-volume operations in a fast-paced dental practice.
- Serve as a point of contact for patients, helping with scheduling, phone communication, and office flow
- Assist with insurance processes, treatment coordination, and front desk support
- Use of Denticon to manage charting, scheduling, and patient information
- Supervised daily operations of dental procedures and assisted in patient care coordination.
- Trained and mentored junior staff, enhancing team performance and service quality.
- Implemented new digital record-keeping system, increasing efficiency in patient information management.
- Facilitated communication between patients and dental professionals, addressing concerns promptly and effectively.
- Collaborated with dentists to develop treatment plans, improving patient satisfaction and outcomes.
- Help create an efficient, welcoming, and service-focused patient experience
- Managed dental procedures ensuring compliance with safety protocols and regulatory standards.
Health Unit Coordinator
Nationwide Children's Hospital
11.2022 - 10.2024
- Managed phone communication, physician order transcription, and unit support activities
- Created patients and families while helping maintain an organized and professional environment
- Supported smooth communication between staff, patients, and visitors
- Maintained accurate documentation and helped ensure efficient daily operations
Dental Assistant /Dental Lab Technician Assistant
US Dental Care
Columbus, OH
07.2022 - 01.2024
- Assisted with patient communication related to prosthetic procedures and treatment expectations
- Supported front desk operations including appointment coordination and answering patient questions
- Helped patients feel informed and comfortable throughout the treatment process
- Worked closely with the dental team to support efficient service and follow-through
- Cross trained in on site dental laboratory. Pouring impressions, trimming models, mounting models on articulator, teeth setup on partial dentures, partial and denture tooth repairs, processing partial and complete dentures, finishing and polishing partials and complete dentures
- Maintained sterilization protocols for instruments and equipment to ensure patient safety.
- Assisted in patient preparation and chairside support during dental procedures.
MRS Agent
Lakeview Loan Servicing
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Contacted customers to discuss available service options and offers
- Delivered professional, courteous phone support and clear communication
- Built rapport with customers while maintaining accuracy and professionalism
Oral Surgery Assistant
Sedalia Dental
Groveport, OH
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Prepared rooms and supported oral surgery procedures in a high-care environment
- Explained procedures and post-op instructions clearly to patients
- Helped patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported before and after treatment
Dental Assistant
Just Smiles
02.2020 - 12.2020
- Assisted with general dental procedures and digital scan impressions
- Maintained sterilization standards and supported efficient patient care flow
Lead Dental Assistant / Front Desk
Dental Works
02.2016 - 01.2020
- Balanced chairside responsibilities with front desk and patient service support
- Managed scheduling, phones, patient communication, and day-to-day office coordination
- Helped improve workflow in a busy office through multitasking and strong organization
- Supported a positive patient experience from check-in through follow-up
Dental Assistant / Lab Coordinator
Ocean Dental
08.2014 - 01.2017
- Supported dental procedures while also coordinating lab-related tasks and office workflow
- Helped maintain organized communication and timely support between clinical and operational needs
Lead Dental Assistant
Alpha Dental
08.2012 - 07.2014
- Assisted with patient care, chairside procedures, and overall office support
- Contributed to team efficiency through leadership, organization, and patient communication
Lead Dental / Hygiene Assistant
Dental Works
09.2009 - 08.2012
- Supported dentists and hygienists while helping maintain smooth daily operations
- Assisted with patient interaction, treatment support, and office coordination
Dental / Hygiene Assistant
ImmediateDent
02.2008 - 07.2009
- Provided dental assisting support along with clerical and customer service duties
- Helped manage communication, patient flow, and office organization
Unit Coordinator
Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital
10.2003 - 01.2006
- Transcribed physician orders, arranged tests, answered phones, and greeted visitors
- Maintained detailed records and supported unit coordination
- Helped create an organized and professional experience for staff and visitors
Dental / Hygiene Assistant
Dr. Rhonda Steigerwald DDS
01.2001 - 02.2003
Education
High School Diploma -
Groveport Madison High School
Groveport, OH06.2001
Certificate of Technical Studies - Dental Assisting
Eastland Career Center
Groveport, OH06.2001
Skills
- Customer service and client support
- Dental terminology and procedure knowledge
- Front desk coordination
- Phone and email communication
- Scheduling and appointment management
- Dental office administration
- Dentrix
- Insurance verification and claims support
- Treatment plan communication
- Patient relations
- Medical and dental records
- Case coordination support
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Organization and multitasking
- HIPAA and confidentiality
- Dental radiography
- Infection control proficiency
- Sterilization techniques
- Staff training and development
- Insurance verification
- Oral surgery preparation
- Restorative dentistry
- Appointment scheduling
- Insurance billing
- Payment processing
- Patient counseling
- OSHA regulations
- Patient intake procedures
- Dental impression specialist
Certification
- Registered Dental Assistant
- X-Ray Certification
- Radiology Certification
- Radiation Health & Safety Certification
- Nitrous Oxide Certification
- CPR Certification
- BLS Certification
- First Aid Certification
Timeline
Lead Registered Dental Assistant
DentalWorks
05.2024 - Current
Health Unit Coordinator
Nationwide Children's Hospital
11.2022 - 10.2024
Dental Assistant /Dental Lab Technician Assistant
US Dental Care
07.2022 - 01.2024
MRS Agent
Lakeview Loan Servicing
11.2021 - 11.2022
Oral Surgery Assistant
Sedalia Dental
06.2020 - 06.2021
Dental Assistant
Just Smiles
02.2020 - 12.2020
Lead Dental Assistant / Front Desk
Dental Works
02.2016 - 01.2020
Dental Assistant / Lab Coordinator
Ocean Dental
08.2014 - 01.2017
Lead Dental Assistant
Alpha Dental
08.2012 - 07.2014
Lead Dental / Hygiene Assistant
Dental Works
09.2009 - 08.2012
Dental / Hygiene Assistant
ImmediateDent
02.2008 - 07.2009
Unit Coordinator
Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital
10.2003 - 01.2006
Dental / Hygiene Assistant
Dr. Rhonda Steigerwald DDS
01.2001 - 02.2003
High School Diploma -
Groveport Madison High School
Certificate of Technical Studies - Dental Assisting
Eastland Career Center