Skills I have required throughout my education and employment history are:

• patient screening procedures – review of medical history, extra-oral and intra-oral cancer screening, dental and periodontal charting, and taking blood pressure and pulse

• taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays) – film, digital, and panoramic

• removing calculus and biofilm from all surfaces of the teeth (scaling and root planing)

• applying preventive materials to the teeth (sealants and fluorides)

• providing oral hygiene instructions (tooth brushing, flossing, rinses, etc)

• counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral health

• taking and pouring impressions of patients’ teeth

• performing documentation and office management activities

•  administering local anesthesia and nitrous oxide for pain management

• assessing possible carious lesions using a Diagnodent and/or Caries Midwest device

• performing hygiene services using ultrasonic, hand instruments and air polishing unit

• polishing using rubber-cup or prophy-jet

• placing rubber dam or cotton rolls for isolations

• placing and evaluating Arestin for periodontal pocket reduction

• applying periodontal dressings

• removing sutures

• providing care to pediatric patients