Tracy Jones
Semaphore,SA
Summary
I am a skilled Dental Assistant with experience and training necessary to assist with various dental procedures. Hands-on training in dental radiography, chairside assisting and front office administrative duties. A quick learner and successful in building relationships with co-workers and patients.
I will provide assistance in an environment that requires productivity and efficiency. My focus is to create a positive and caring atmosphere and be sensitive to the needs of each patient.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dental Assistant
National Dental Care
12.2021 - Current
- 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.
- Prepared and arranged instruments, medications, and required materials for dental procedures.
- Successfully assisted dentist by performing four-handed dentistry and other chair-side duties.
- Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry, endodontic procedures, and oral surgery.
- Assisted dentists with complex procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.
- Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
- Assisted dentists, hygienists, and other personnel by handing appropriate tools and supplies needed for procedures.
- Prepared instruments and equipment for use in dental procedures, ensuring their availability when needed.
- Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
- Created dental impressions used for diagnostics, opposing models and study casts to make crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics.
- Managed inventory of dental supplies, reducing waste and optimizing resource allocation.
- Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
- Prepared patient x-rays and images for dentist review.
- Recorded patients' health histories, documented current symptoms, and pulled up records from prior visits for dentists to view and evaluate.
- Supported dentists during oral surgeries by preparing surgical rooms with necessary tools and sterilized instruments.
- Scheduled appointments for new and existing customers, factoring in provider availability and scheduling loads.
- Increased patient retention by building rapport through excellent communication skills and a friendly demeanour.
- Contributed to office organization by maintaining accurate patient records and updating files regularly.
- Prepared and positioned patients for procedures, clipping dental napkins and placing patient safety devices.
- Educated patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions.
- Reduced appointment cancellations by implementing reminder calls and text messaging services, resulting in improved scheduling efficiency.
- Handled administrative tasks such as billing, insurance claims processing, and appointment confirmation calls to support office operations efficiently.
- Collaborated with the dental team to develop customized treatment plans for individual patients.
- Conducted preliminary assessments of new patients, gathering crucial information for accurate diagnoses.
- Aided in the development of staff training materials, fostering a cohesive team environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Promoted ongoing professional development by attending industry conferences, seminars, workshops.
- Implemented educational programs within the practice that emphasized preventative care strategies for patients.
- Prepared and sterilized instruments and materials for use by dentists.
- Monitored patient comfort and safety during dental procedures.
- Assisted dentists by passing instruments, suctioning intraoral fluids, adding water, and mixing materials for composite fillings , casts and impressions.
- Entered patient data into computer system, adhering to strict privacy laws and maintaining high level of accuracy.
- Staged tray for procedures by arranging dental instruments and equipment.
- Helped dentists restore teeth by applying permanent and temporary fillings and crowns.
- Exposed, developed and mounted dental x-rays.
- Measured and recorded vital statistics by taking patients' blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
- Verified patient insurance eligibility and benefits.
- Corporation.
Dental Assistant
Dencast Dental Temping Agency
09.2021 - 12.2021
Receptionist
Bupa Dental Care, Grenfell Street
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Maintained a well-organized reception area, contributing to a welcoming environment for visitors, including COVID 19 instruction. Taking into consideration, removing the updated Health Fund materials.
- Corporate.
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Marcus Tham, Westcare Dental – Trinity Medical Centre
07.2018 - 06.2021
- 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.
- Scheduled appointments, prepared bills and received payment for dental services by completing insurance forms, verifying insurance information, and maintaining records.
- Reduced appointment cancellations by implementing reminder calls and text messaging services, resulting in improved scheduling efficiency.
- Conducted preliminary assessments of new patients, gathering crucial information for accurate diagnoses.
- Aided in the development of staff training materials, fostering a cohesive team environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Served as a liaison between the dentist''s office and local schools and community.
- Scheduled and confirmed patient appointments.
- Entered patient data into computer system, adhering to strict privacy laws and maintaining high level of accuracy.
- Designed dental report card to explain patient dental health status and treatment plans. Including COVID 19 instructions.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
- Restocked supplies and submitted purchase orders to maintain stock levels.
- Maintained visitor log for entering and leaving facility for security purposes.
- Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
- Compiled information from files and research to satisfy information requests.
- Monitored and screened visitors to verify accessibility to inter-office personnel.
- Helped office staff prepare reports and presentations for internal or client-related use.
Receptionist
Health Partners, Hutt Street Dental Centre
04.2004 - 10.2004
- Not for Profit.
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Jack Linn and Dr Ian Trantor
03.2001 - 04.2004
- Specialist
Dental Assisting, Reception and Staff Training
Dr Alan Broughton
02.2000 - 03.2001
- Specialist.
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Alan Broughton
05.1991 - 05.1999
- Specialist.
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Wally Hassoun
05.1991 - 05.1999
- Locum.
Dental Assistant/ Receptionist
Dr Margaret Evans, Paedodontist
05.1991 - 05.1999
- Locum.
Dental Assistant/ Receptionist
Dr Iain Douglas
05.1991 - 05.1999
- Partnership and included Bridgewater Dental Clinic.
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Leon Nicolas
05.1989 - 05.1991
- 1989, first year employed in dentistry after Pre-vocational (3 month training at TAFE Gilles Plains). Training "on the job".
- 1990, Superannuation introduced.
- 1990, Studied at Adelaide Dental Hospital "night school" and the first year of a 4 year "apprenticeship".
Education
Adelaide Dental Hospital - ADA
Skills
- Ability to work unsupervised and take initiative
- Enjoy being a team member
- Self-motivated, hardworking, and friendly
- Effective time management skills
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Absorbing and understanding new practices and procedures
- Adaptable
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Dependable and Responsible
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Computer Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Calm Under Pressure
- Active Listening
- Decision-Making
- Problem Resolution
Certification
- ADA, Certificate of Attendance, The Team Approach - Dental Assistant Surgical Implant Course (2023)
- Australian Red Cross, First Aid Certificate (2023)
- Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check, 12/01/2021
- Fit2Work Police Certificate, 15/09/21
- Wesley Institute of Training - Certificate III in Business Administration – Medical, including recognition of PRACSOFT Medical Accounting
- Wesley Institute of Training - Customer Service and MEDICAL TRIAGE for Non-Clinical Staff
- PAL/UniSA – Preparation Program (Year 12)
- DAECA Diploma for Dental Assisting
- DAECA Diploma for Dental Radiography
- DAECA Diploma for Infection Control
- Certificate IV - Small Business Management
- MYOB - Computerized Accounting with Inventory
Additional Information
I have a current Police Clearance for working at National Dental Care and a current Child-Related Employment Screening clearance (expires 1/2026).
Further Studies
- 2024, Vast Fitness Academy NUTRITION (Scholarship).
- 08/2017, Certificate III in Business Administration – Medical, Wesley Institute of Training, Medical Terminology, PRACSOFT – Medical Accounting, Health and Safety, Maintain Patient Records, Principles of confidentiality, privacy and security.
- 08/2017, Customer service and Medical Triage for Non-Clinical Staff, Wesley Institute of Training
- 08/2013, Red Cross – Emergency Asthma Management Course, Certified 21st August 2013 -VICASMA-21886
- 2006, UniSA - Urban and Regional Planning (Undergraduate)
- 2005, Pathway for Adult Learners (PAL), with DISTINCTION, Marden Senior College/UniSA
- 2004, Selling and Communication Skills, Workers Educational Association of SA Inc (WEA)
- 02/2001, Manage Your Own Business (MYOB), Douglas Mawson Institute of TAFE
- 07/1999, Small Business Management, Douglas Mawson Institute of TAFE, One Year, Full Time., Planning for Success, Insurance, Ownership Structures, Managing Yourself, Marketing, Small Business Bookkeeping, Business Finance, Taxation, Cost, Profit and Breakeven, Business Law
- 12-week course, Prevocational Course in Dental Studies, Gilles Plains College of TAFE
- Receptionist Typing Course, The Reception Centre of Adelaide
- Ingle Farm High School
Small Business
- 2010 - IC Power Electricians until 9/2019
- 2018 - SMSF (Self-Managed Super Fund)
In Service Training
- 2021 Dentrix Dental Software
- 2018 D4W, Dental 4 Windows Dental Software
- 2004 Invisage, Service Excellence also First Aid Training
- 2002 Prides, Centre for Excellence for training of Telephone Operations
- 2002 DAECA for training in Infection Control
- 1998 Access Mercantile Services for training in Debt Collection
- 1997 Levin Group for training in Practice Management
- 1995 Training for the use of Oasis Dental Software
- 1993 Dr Hawker (USA) for training in Practice Management
- 1991 Getting Started, Apple Macintosh computer course for training using K9 Dental Software
References
Referee:
Westcare Dental, Dr Marcus Tham BDS, 8249 2070
Written References:
Dr Alan Broughton BDS FRACDS MDS
Dr Iain Douglas BDS CCD
Dr Alyson Loughlin Senior Dentist
Hobbies and Interests
- Travel
- Music
- Arts
- Sport and Recreation
- Gardening
- WEA courses - Creative Candles, Fencing, Internet and the World Wide Web, Piano for Beginners, Positive Thinking and Assertiveness Training
- Service to the Community - Volunteering in the Church Recycled Clothing boutique for St Bede’s Anglican Church (Semaphore)
- Volunteer Work - Fund Raising for St Paul’s Anglican Church (Port Adelaide), Guide Dogs Association of SA/NT Inc (2/2000-9/2000), Red Cross Door Knock Appeal
- World Record - Astronomical Society of South Australia, "STAR PARTY" The Heights School Observatory 23rd May 2018
- Financial Aid to Red Cross Australia
Timeline
Dental Assistant
National Dental Care
12.2021 - Current
Dental Assistant
Dencast Dental Temping Agency
09.2021 - 12.2021
Receptionist
Bupa Dental Care, Grenfell Street
06.2021 - 09.2021
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Marcus Tham, Westcare Dental – Trinity Medical Centre
07.2018 - 06.2021
Receptionist
Health Partners, Hutt Street Dental Centre
04.2004 - 10.2004
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Jack Linn and Dr Ian Trantor
03.2001 - 04.2004
Dental Assisting, Reception and Staff Training
Dr Alan Broughton
02.2000 - 03.2001
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Alan Broughton
05.1991 - 05.1999
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Wally Hassoun
05.1991 - 05.1999
Dental Assistant/ Receptionist
Dr Margaret Evans, Paedodontist
05.1991 - 05.1999
Dental Assistant/ Receptionist
Dr Iain Douglas
05.1991 - 05.1999
Dental Assistant and Receptionist
Dr Leon Nicolas
05.1989 - 05.1991
Adelaide Dental Hospital - ADA