Amber Shaffer
Natrona Heights
Summary
Dedicated dental hygienist with extensive experience in maintaining accurate patient records through electronic health record systems. Proficient in providing preventive care services, including teeth cleaning and patient education on oral hygiene techniques, while ensuring adherence to infection control protocols. Collaborated effectively with dental professionals to develop tailored treatment plans, assessed patient needs for further treatment, and referred patients to specialists as necessary. Committed to continuous professional development through participation in relevant continuing education courses.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kaur Dental
Pittsburgh
06.2025 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of patient treatments utilizing electronic health records systems.
- Provided preventive dental care services such as cleaning teeth and instructing patients on oral hygiene techniques.
- Examined gums for signs of disease using probes and other instruments.
- Instructed patients on postoperative instructions regarding medications, diet, brushing and flossing techniques.
- Ensured that infection control procedures were followed at all times during treatments.
- Collaborated with dentists in developing individualized treatment plans for each patient's needs.
- Reviewed patient charts before providing care in order to ensure accuracy of information.
- Assessed patient needs for further dental treatment and referred them to appropriate dentists or specialists.
- Applied sealants, fluorides, desensitizing agents, topical anesthetics, cavity varnishes, and other restorative materials to teeth surfaces as needed.
- Removed deposits from teeth by scaling and root planing with hand or ultrasonic instruments.
- Ordered supplies necessary for daily operations within budgetary limits.
- Participated in continuing education courses related to advances in the field of dentistry.
- Performed periodontal charting and took intraoral radiographs.
- Answered questions from patients concerning their dental needs or concerns.
- Obtained medical histories from new patients prior to beginning treatment plans.
- Educated patients about proper oral health care, including diet, brushing, flossing, and the use of fluoride.
- Applied cavity preventing agents, like fluoride, and sealants, to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Monitored patients for pain and administered topical anesthetic to numb sensitive areas.
- Took dental images and X-rays to identify areas of concern and presented to dentists for review.
- Examined gums manually and visually to determine periodontal disease and screen for oral cancer.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Polished Dental
Natrona Heights
11.2017 - 06.2023
- Maintained accurate records of patient treatments utilizing electronic health records systems.
- Provided preventive dental care services such as cleaning teeth and instructing patients on oral hygiene techniques.
- Examined gums for signs of disease using probes and other instruments.
- Collaborated with dentists in developing individualized treatment plans for each patient's needs.
- Ensured that infection control procedures were followed at all times during treatments.
- Instructed patients on postoperative instructions regarding medications, diet, brushing and flossing techniques.
- Reviewed patient charts before providing care in order to ensure accuracy of information.
- Educated patients about proper oral health care, including diet, brushing, flossing, and the use of fluoride.
- Applied cavity preventing agents, like fluoride, and sealants, to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Studied new and advanced dental hygiene methods and technology by completing continuing education coursework.
- Took dental images and X-rays to identify areas of concern and presented to dentists for review.
- Examined gums manually and visually to determine periodontal disease and screen for oral cancer.
- Customized dental prophylactic treatment to meet individual patients' needs.
- Instructed patients on dental hygiene and oral care by demonstrating effective flossing and brushing techniques and recommending quality oral care products.
- Took medical and dental history and recorded vital signs of patients.
- Performed periodontal charting and took intraoral radiographs.
- Participated in continuing education courses related to advances in the field of dentistry.
- Ordered supplies necessary for daily operations within budgetary limits.
- Removed deposits from teeth by scaling and root planing with hand or ultrasonic instruments.
- Monitored patient progress during office visits and reported any changes in oral health to dentist.
- Applied sealants, fluorides, desensitizing agents, topical anesthetics, cavity varnishes, and other restorative materials to teeth surfaces as needed.
- Assessed patient needs for further dental treatment and referred them to appropriate dentists or specialists.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Morningside Dental
Pittsburgh
08.2006 - 11.2017
- Maintained accurate records of patient treatments utilizing electronic health records systems.
- Provided preventive dental care services such as cleaning teeth and instructing patients on oral hygiene techniques.
- Examined gums for signs of disease using probes and other instruments.
- Instructed patients on postoperative instructions regarding medications, diet, brushing and flossing techniques.
- Ensured that infection control procedures were followed at all times during treatments.
- Collaborated with dentists in developing individualized treatment plans for each patient's needs.
- Reviewed patient charts before providing care in order to ensure accuracy of information.
- Assessed patient needs for further dental treatment and referred them to appropriate dentists or specialists.
- Applied sealants, fluorides, desensitizing agents, topical anesthetics, cavity varnishes, and other restorative materials to teeth surfaces as needed.
- Monitored patient progress during office visits and reported any changes in oral health to dentist.
- Removed deposits from teeth by scaling and root planing with hand or ultrasonic instruments.
- Ordered supplies necessary for daily operations within budgetary limits.
- Participated in continuing education courses related to advances in the field of dentistry.
- Performed periodontal charting and took intraoral radiographs.
- Answered questions from patients concerning their dental needs or concerns.
- Maintained a clean work environment by following safety protocols set forth by the American Dental Association.
- Obtained medical histories from new patients prior to beginning treatment plans.
- Managed sterilization processes for dental equipment according to OSHA guidelines.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing documents or updating patient records.
- Developed positive relationships with patients through effective communication techniques.
- Scheduled appointments for follow-up visits with dentists or hygienists as needed.
- Studied new and advanced dental hygiene methods and technology by completing continuing education coursework.
- Applied cavity preventing agents, like fluoride, and sealants, to protect patients' teeth from decay.
- Educated patients about proper oral health care, including diet, brushing, flossing, and the use of fluoride.
- Managed dental records and entered information into system, keeping important patient information on file.
- Took dental images and X-rays to identify areas of concern and presented to dentists for review.
- Monitored patients for pain and administered topical anesthetic to numb sensitive areas.
- Customized dental prophylactic treatment to meet individual patients' needs.
- Examined gums manually and visually to determine periodontal disease and screen for oral cancer.
- Conducted dental cleanings and checked teeth for cracked fillings.
Education
Associate of Science -
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA08-2006
Skills
- Electronic health records
- Dental radiography
- Infection control
- Patient education
- Local anesthesia
- Itero scans
Certification
Registered Dental Hygienist -2006
Dental Anesthesia license - 2010
CPR expires 2027
Accomplishments
- Who’s Who Amongst Americas Junior Colleges
- Golden Scaler Award
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kaur Dental
06.2025 - Current
Registered Dental Hygienist
Polished Dental
11.2017 - 06.2023
Registered Dental Hygienist
Morningside Dental
08.2006 - 11.2017
Associate of Science -
University of Pittsburgh