Paula Lucas
Carterton
Summary
Dynamic Dental Therapist with a proven track record at Te Whatu Ora - Wairarapa, enhancing patient satisfaction through personalized treatment plans and effective pain management. Skilled in dental radiography and committed to teamwork, I prioritize patient comfort and education, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with best practices in dental therapy.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Dental Therapist
Te Whatu Ora - Wairarapa
05.2022 - Current
- Promoted good oral hygiene habits through educational resources and in-person demonstrations for patients of all ages.
- Enhanced patient comfort during procedures by utilizing effective pain management techniques.
- Collaborated with dentists and other dental professionals for optimal patient care and treatment success.
- Efficiently managed dental emergencies, prioritizing urgent cases while maintaining quality care standards for all patients.
- Increased patient satisfaction by developing personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Work together as a team, so that our collective actions improve the experience and outcomes for patients, Whanau and communities.
- Always including and acknowledging the Te Mauri O Rongo, NZ Health Charter and Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
- Achieved a high standard of care by staying abreast of best practices in dental therapy through research, networking, and professional memberships.
- Maintained accurate patient records, documenting treatment plans, progress, and outcomes in a timely manner.
- Regularly attended continuing education courses to stay current on the latest advancements in dental therapy practices.
- Reduced anxiety in nervous patients by creating a supportive atmosphere through clear communication and gentle approach to care delivery.
- Conducted patient interviews and gathered patient medical and dental histories, adding to dental charts.
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Screened patients for signs of oral cancer, lesions, or disease by visually and manually inspecting mouth and gums.
- Correctly administered local anesthetic and adjunctive therapies such as fluoride treatments and irrigation.
Dental Therapist
Bee Healthy Dental Service
03.2009 - 06.2017
- Improved patient oral health by providing comprehensive dental therapy treatments and preventive care.
- Performed thorough dental assessments, identifying issues early on for timely intervention and treatment planning.
- Increased patient satisfaction by developing personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Ensured compliance with infection control protocols, maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members alike.
- Developed rapport with pediatric patients using age-appropriate language and engaging activities during visits.
- Provided expert guidance on available restorative options to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment course.
- Conducted regular follow-up appointments after major treatments or surgeries to monitor recovery progress and address any concerns.
- Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in .Titanium
- Captured patients' dental radiographs for interpretation and diagnosis.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition and provided instructions for brushing, flossing and other preventive care.
- Improved and developed knowledge through continuing education courses and seminars.
- Maintained accurate patient records, documenting treatment plans, progress, and outcomes in a timely manner.
- Achieved a high standard of care by staying abreast of best practices in dental therapy through research, networking, and professional memberships.
- Regularly attended continuing education courses to stay current on the latest advancements in dental therapy practices.
- Reduced anxiety in nervous patients by creating a supportive atmosphere through clear communication and gentle approach to care delivery.
- Applied fluoride and dental sealants to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Correctly administered local anesthetic and adjunctive therapies such as fluoride treatments and irrigation.
- worked with in best practice guidelines, including Te Tiriti O Waitangi.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Oral Health Therapy
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ12-2008
Skills
- Dental radiography
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Orthodontic treatment support
- Restorative dentistry
- Preventive dentistry
- Nutritional counseling
- Dental anesthesia administration
- Dental charting proficiency
- Teeth cleaning techniques
- Tooth extraction
- Dental terminology
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Patient care
- Reliability
- Local anesthesia administration
- CPR certification
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Digital radiographs
- Decision-making
- Patient education and prophylaxis
- Dental charting
- Infection control
- Professionalism
- Medical history documentation
Timeline
Dental Therapist
Te Whatu Ora - Wairarapa
05.2022 - Current
Dental Therapist
Bee Healthy Dental Service
03.2009 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Oral Health Therapy
Auckland University of Technology
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