Tara D Grier
13707 Ashville,AL
Summary
I love dental assisting, along with helping patients feel at ease with being at the dentist. I’m very compassionate about learning. I’m a fast learner. I have learned so much in such a short time and would appreciate the opportunity to continue my journey closer to home.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Dental Assistant
Pell City Dental
Pell City, Alabama
11.2023 - Current
- Greeted patients upon arrival at the office and escorted them to an examination room.
- Took digital X-rays of teeth using radiographic equipment.
- Instructed patients about postoperative instructions prescribed by their dentist.
- Assisted in laboratory procedures such as mixing impression materials or pouring casts from impressions taken by dentists.
- Sterilized instruments according to established guidelines and protocols.
- Reviewed patient charts prior to visits to ensure that all relevant information was available for the doctor's review.
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
- 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.
- Maintained a neat, clean and organized environment throughout the office.
- Prepared dental materials such as amalgam, composite resin, impression material and cements for use by the dentist.
- Assisted dentist in providing dental treatment to patients, including taking patient medical histories and vital signs.
- Fabricated temporary crowns or bridges from impressions taken by the dentist.
- Kept accurate records of dental treatments provided for each patient's visit.
- Conducted routine maintenance of equipment used in dentistry operations.
- Provided support services such as stocking rooms with supplies, cleaning trays and changing linens between patients.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, answering telephones and updating patient records.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and habits.
- Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Laid out dental instruments and equipment before procedures.
- Assisted dentist during examinations by retracting patient's cheeks and tongue.
- Educated patients on techniques to optimize oral hygiene, control plaque and protect teeth and gums.
- Built loyal patient following and retained return patients by providing empathetic and caring service.
- Utilized automated washers to sterilize instruments and prevent cross-infection between patients.
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental examinations and procedures to boost efficiency and calm nervous patients.
- Took bitewing, periapical, panoramic and occlusal X-rays and prepared for dentists to review.
- Documented patient records with procedures performed and added notes taken to charts.
- Created dental x-rays using traditional and digital methods to help dentists detect tooth decay, cavities and other issues needing to be treated.
- Performed basic laboratory tasks, such as pouring impressions and trimming models.
- Explained dental services and payment plans to help patients make informed decisions.
- Followed dentists' directions for giving patients desensitizing agents to prepare for anesthetic administration.
- Gathered and reviewed patient records, data and health history to share with dentists for quick and accurate patient assessments, diagnoses and treatment.
- Checked with participants throughout procedures to help alleviate anxiety.
- Entered patient data into dental records system and observed confidentiality rules to maintain patient privacy.
- Took preliminary impressions of patient teeth to prepare for custom impressions and fabrication of permanent dental work.
- Passed instruments to dentist, gently sprayed water, suctioned fluids and mixed materials to support dentists during procedures.
- Updated patient records with new data and treatment information.
- Selected and prepared tools used for procedures by sanitizing and arranging.
- Cleaned and polished removable dentures, brackets, wires and other appliances.
- Assisted dentist during examination by retracting patient's tongue and cheeks.
- Briefed patients on dental procedures and payment plans to help make informed decisions.
- Sterilized dental equipment using automatic washers to prevent cross contamination.
- Established clean, sterile and welcoming environment for patients.
- Documented patient records during procedures and added notes taken to treatment chart.
- Kept track of treatment information in patient records.
Dental Lab Assistant
Pell City Dental
Pell City
11.2023 - Current
- Polished finished products for aesthetic appeal before shipping them out to customers.
- Maintained laboratory equipment and supplies to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
- Created accurate models from impressions for use in the production of dental appliances.
- Operated milling machines, grinders, lathes, presses and wax injectors to produce dental appliances according to specifications.
- Cleaned molds and casts after each use following established protocols for safety and hygiene purposes.
- Performed quality control checks on all finished products.
- Provided technical advice regarding design options for patients' dental appliances.
- Assisted in the fabrication of dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, dentures and other appliances.
Skills
- Clinical Support
- Equipment Sterilization
- Dental Hygiene
- Procedure Support
- Instrument preparation
- Dental impressions
- Sterilization techniques
- Patient Scheduling
- Exam room setups
- Strong writing and verbal skills
- Oral X-Rays
- Treatment Room Breakdown
- Chair-side support
- Dental staff support
- Taking X-rays
- Treatment room setup
- Electronic Charting
- Disinfecting rooms and equipment
- Chairside assistance
- Complex Problem-Solving
Timeline
Dental Assistant
Pell City Dental
11.2023 - Current
Dental Lab Assistant
Pell City Dental
11.2023 - Current