Kara-lee Forssman
Geelong,Australia
Summary
Experienced dental assistant with extensive knowledge in various types of orthodontic treatment. Demonstrates a strong work ethic and superior organizational abilities, specializing in infection control and sterilization techniques. Skilled in accurate patient record-keeping and adept at maintaining organized and up-to-date files. Versatile team player excelling in communication and interpersonal skills, providing compassionate care throughout dental procedures.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Orthodontic Dental Assistant
Geelong and Colac Orthodontics
05.2020 - Current
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
- Proficient in use of TOPS dental software
- Knowledgeable about the various types of Orthodontic treatment with their advantages and disadvantages
- Versatile team player who is eager to help others when needed
- Highly organized; skilled at keeping accurate records of patient visits and filing paperwork correctly
- Followed infection-control standards and sanitization protocols to safeguard patients and staff
- Offered gentle support and delivered compassionate care during dental procedures
- Liaised between patients and dentist to explain and support treatment plan
- Collaborated with clinical coordinator on schedule and follow-up of patient care and treatment
- Communicated with clinical coordinator to discuss and determine patient care and treatment
- Instructed patients in oral hygiene, plaque control programs pre op and post op treatment instructions
- Proficient in use of dental software, including digital x-ray imaging systems and iTero
- Assisting the Principal Dentists, Oral health therapists and Hygienists
- Setting up of procedures, cleaning and general maintenance of the surgery
- Maintaining patient records and charts accurately Including ongoing orthodontic, implant reconstruction treatment, Botox and experienced dental assistant knowledgeable in various types of orthodontic treatment, and skilled in accurate patient record-keeping
Snr Clinical Coordinator
Lara Dental
05.2007 - 04.2020
- Developing new procedures and processes
- Developing pre-op and post-instruction sheets
- Reception duties -answering and making calls, making appointments, processing invoices, payments, EFTPOS machine, HICAPs machine, CBDS dental scheme, general cashier duties, end-of-day banking
- Managing payment plans and outstanding accounts
- Assisting the Principal dentist, associate dentists and hygienists
- Setting up of procedures, cleaning and general maintenance of the surgery
- Maintaining patient records and charts accurately - Including ongoing orthodontic treatment
- Recorded vital signs such as blood pressure readings before each visit for accurate documentation purposes
- Developing X-rays - OPGs & Lat Cephs documenting downloading including intra-oral and extra-oral photos for records
- Pre-brief and debriefing patients about treatments
- Discussing treatment options and answering questions about treatment plans
- Supporting patient care goals, educating in dental health
- Excellent knowledge of the D4W Dental program
- Managed front desk operations such as scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and collecting payments
- Performed chairside duties such as suctioning, handing instruments, mixing materials
- Set up dental instruments and supplies in alignment with dentist preferences
- Assisted with ordering supplies and maintaining inventory
- Answered phone calls promptly and responded to inquiries regarding appointment scheduling or billing issues with accuracy
- Communicated professionally with other healthcare providers about treatment plans for individual patients
- Liaised between patients and dentist to explain and support treatment plan
- Participated in continuing education courses related to current dental practices and procedures
- Scheduled appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms and maintained records, manually, and using computer
- Provided postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist
Dental Assistant
All smiles repaired
05.2005 - 04.2007
- Competent in operating the iTRIO scanner
- Pre-brief and debriefing patients
- Discussing treatment options and answering questions about treatment plans
- Supporting patient care goals, educating in dental health
- Follow-up and aftercare calls to patients
- Ordering of general stock, orthodontic and implant
- Excellent knowledge of the OASIS and EXACT dental program
- Thorough understanding of Nobel BIOCARE and the MIS implant system
Dental Assistant Trainee
Dr Frazzetto's Dental surgery
03.1998 - 05.2005
- Developed positive relationships with patients and colleagues
- Greeted patients warmly upon their arrival at the office providing them with an overall positive experience
- Assisting the Principal and associate dentists
- Kept information confidential to maintain patient confidence and protect operations
- Assisted dentist chairside during examinations and treatments, ensuring patient comfort throughout procedure
- Prepared treatment rooms prior to patient arrival by setting out necessary equipment and materials while adhering to infection control standards
- Performed daily maintenance duties such as cleaning treatment rooms between patients, the opening and closing down of the surgery
- Exposed, developed, and mounted intraoral and extraoral dental x-rays
- Poured, trimmed, and polished study casts
- Reception duties -answering and making calls making appointments processing invoices, payments, general cashier duties, end-of-day banking
- Processed payments from clients accurately following company policies and procedures
- Discussing treatment options and answering questions about treatment plans
- Excellent knowledge of the D4W Dental program
- Generated recall lists for regular checkups based on patient records in computer system
- Monitored inventory levels of dental supplies ensuring adequate stock is available at all times
- 1 year of Practice management Experience - (maternity leave)
- End-of-month tasks
- Rosters
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of dental procedures and products through continuing education courses
- Training staff
Education
Certificate III - Dental Assisting: Dental
RMIT
Melbourne, VICCertificate III - Childrens service ages 0-12: Early Childhood Education (AECE)
Geelong training and education
Geelong, VIC06.1999
High School Diploma - undefined
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College
Geelong, VIC12.1997
Skills
- Patient Education
- Friendly
- Positive attitude and mindset
- Great communication and people skills
- Orthodontic case presentation
- Approachable
- Team Collaboration
- Orthodontic financial arrangements
- Strong work ethic
- Planning and organisational skills
Certification
- Current first aid and CPR certificate
- 13 Years of 'PRIME PRACTICE' seminars
- Levels 1 and 2 completed - TRAPEZIO Academy of Orthodontic assisting
- NOBLE BIOCARE Introduction to implant surgery skills for surgical assistants
- Victorian driver's license, PWC and Marine license
Timeline
Orthodontic Dental Assistant
Geelong and Colac Orthodontics
05.2020 - Current
Snr Clinical Coordinator
Lara Dental
05.2007 - 04.2020
Dental Assistant
All smiles repaired
05.2005 - 04.2007
Dental Assistant Trainee
Dr Frazzetto's Dental surgery
03.1998 - 05.2005
Certificate III - Dental Assisting: Dental
RMIT
Certificate III - Childrens service ages 0-12: Early Childhood Education (AECE)
Geelong training and education
High School Diploma - undefined
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College
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