Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Kendra Tapia

Greeley

Summary

Dynamic Lead Dental Assistant with extensive experience at Aspen Dental, excelling in patient management and infection control. Proven ability to enhance patient satisfaction through effective education and support during procedures. Skilled in digital X-ray techniques and team collaboration, consistently improving workflow and ensuring high-quality care in a fast-paced environment.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Dental Assistant

Aspen Dental
02.2022 - Current
  • Assisted in patient management and appointment scheduling to ensure efficient office operations.
  • Prepared treatment rooms by sterilizing instruments and setting up necessary equipment for procedures.
  • Supported dentists during examinations and procedures by providing necessary tools and materials promptly.
  • Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care to improve overall dental health awareness.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth workflow and high-quality patient care across all services offered.
  • Monitored inventory levels of dental supplies, assisting in ordering processes to prevent shortages or delays.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities to enhance knowledge of dental procedures and best practices.
  • Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
  • Measured and recorded vital statistics by taking patients' blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
  • Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
  • Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
  • Took dental images following strict patient protection rules, applying lead aprons.
  • Recorded patients' health histories, documented current symptoms, and pulled up records from prior visits for dentists to view and evaluate.
  • Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
  • Assisted dentists in various procedures, ensuring accurate treatment delivery and high-quality patient care.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients, fostering a welcoming environment that encouraged return visits.
  • Mentored junior dental assistants, sharing valuable knowledge to strengthen the overall quality of the team''s performance.
  • Assisted dentists by passing instruments, suctioning intraoral fluids, adding water, and mixing materials for fillings, Type, casts and impressions.
  • Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
  • Reduced wait times by effectively managing exam room turnover between appointments, minimizing downtime for both staff members and patients alike.
  • Ensured strict adherence to infection control protocols, maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for both staff and patients.
  • Enhanced patient comfort by providing thorough explanations of dental procedures and answering questions with patience.
  • Conducted routine maintenance on dental equipment, prolonging the life span of costly tools and instruments essential for daily operations.
  • Increased patient satisfaction rates through excellent customer service skills when addressing concerns or resolving issues promptly.
  • Prepared rooms for patient treatment by cleaning and sterilizing tools and equipment and setting up x-ray machines.
  • Supported dentists during procedures, assisting dental fillings, permanent, and temporary crowns and sealants.
  • Educated patients on dental hygiene, pre-surgical instructions and post-surgical care.
  • Typed patient data into computer system using Software while following privacy laws and maintaining high-level accuracy.
  • Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry, endo procedures, and oral surgery.
  • Helped dentists restore teeth by applying permanent and temporary fillings and crowns.
  • Improved practice workflow by efficiently setting up and breaking down dental operatories before and after each procedure.
  • Scheduled and confirmed patient appointments.
  • Prepared patient X-rays and images for review by dentist.
  • Entered patient data into computer system, adhering to strict privacy laws and maintaining high level of accuracy.
  • Prepared and sterilized instruments and materials for use by dentists.
  • Staged tray for procedures by arranging dental instruments and equipment.
  • Exposed, developed and mounted dental x-rays.
  • Monitored patient comfort and safety during dental procedures.
  • Assisted in chair-side dental procedures by filling cavities and taking impressions.

Dental Assistant

Smiles For Kids
04.2021 - 02.2022
  • Assisted dentists during procedures by preparing instruments and materials for efficient workflow.
  • Educated patients on oral hygiene practices to promote preventive care and increase awareness.
  • Managed patient records using electronic health record systems to ensure accurate documentation.
  • Scheduled appointments and coordinated patient follow-ups to optimize office efficiency.
  • Sterilized dental instruments and maintained a clean, organized work environment for safety compliance.
  • Analyzed patient needs and provided support during treatment planning to enhance patient experience.
  • Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
  • Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
  • Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
  • Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
  • Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
  • Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
  • Sterilized rooms and prepped equipment and instruments for Number procedures daily.
  • Assisted dentists with complex procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.
  • Prepared patient x-rays and images for dentist review.

Dental Assistant

Comfort Dental
07.2020 - 04.2021
  • Assisted in patient preparation and comfort during dental procedures.
  • Managed sterilization of dental instruments to ensure compliance with health standards.
  • Supported dentists by providing necessary tools and materials during treatments.
  • Educated patients on oral hygiene practices for improved health outcomes.
  • Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow and reduce wait times.
  • Prepared instruments and equipment for use in dental procedures, ensuring their availability when needed.
  • Supported dentists during oral surgeries by preparing surgical rooms with necessary tools and sterilized instruments.
  • Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, promoting long-term dental health.
  • Improved patient care with meticulous attention to instrument sterilization and preparation.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of dental office, creating welcoming atmosphere for patients.
  • Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
  • Took dental images following strict patient protection rules, applying lead aprons.
  • Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
  • Assisted dentists by passing instruments, suctioning intraoral fluids, adding water, and mixing materials for fillings, Type, casts and impressions.

Customer Service Cashier

Lowes Home Improvment
03.2018 - 07.2020
  • Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
  • Provided exceptional service by addressing customer inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
  • Maintained accurate cash drawer, ensuring all transactions balanced at shift end.
  • Assisted customers with product selections, enhancing overall shopping experience.
  • Trained new cashiers on operational processes and customer service best practices.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, promoting a welcoming environment for customers.
  • Handled high-pressure situations calmly, maintaining composure during busy periods or difficult interactions.
  • Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
  • Processed customer orders and accurately handled payment transactions.
  • Met customer service goals and exceeded customer expectations.
  • Resolved customer complaints and maintained clean and tidy checkout area.
  • Managed cash register operations accurately, reducing the risk of shortages or overages in daily reconciliations.
  • Provided support to fellow cashiers by stepping in during breaks or assisting with complex transactions as needed.
  • Handled sensitive information securely while processing payments through various methods including cash, credit cards, and gift cards.
  • Processed returns and exchanges with care, adhering to store policies while prioritizing customer satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated versatility by cross-training in various departments throughout the store when required.
  • Arranged and replenished service desk displays and merchandise racks to maintain appearance of store.

Education

Psychology

Aims Community College
Greeley, CO

University High School
Greeley, CO
05.2018

Skills

  • Appointment scheduling
  • Infection control proficiency
  • Patient charting
  • Endodontic procedures
  • Equipment sterilization
  • Oral surgery assistance
  • Dental radiography
  • Oral surgery
  • Patient education and counseling
  • Oral hygiene education
  • Sterilization techniques
  • Digital X-ray expertise
  • Impression taking
  • Team collaboration
  • Patient management
  • Restorative procedures
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Restorative dentistry
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Prophylaxis
  • Four-handed procedures
  • Instrument preparation
  • Exam room setups
  • Treatment room breakdown
  • Inventory management
  • Dental staff assistance

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Lead Dental Assistant

Aspen Dental
02.2022 - Current

Dental Assistant

Smiles For Kids
04.2021 - 02.2022

Dental Assistant

Comfort Dental
07.2020 - 04.2021

Customer Service Cashier

Lowes Home Improvment
03.2018 - 07.2020

Psychology

Aims Community College

University High School
Kendra Tapia