Calista Kennedy
Pittsburgh
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with a proven track record in surgical assistance and patient care. Known for effective communication and collaboration with dental teams, resulting in improved patient flow and operational efficiency during procedures. Providing care with solid foundation in dental assisting, skilled in supporting dental procedures and patient care. Proven ability to adapt to dynamic work environments and collaborate effectively with dental teams. Known for attention to detail and excellent communication skills, fostering positive experience for patients and colleagues.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Oral Surgery Assistant
Dr. Pasqual
Pittsburgh, PA
07.2025 - 04.2026
- Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring instruments and materials were prepared and sterilized for safe use.
- Collaborated with dental surgeons to streamline patient flow and enhance operational efficiency during procedures.
- Educated patients on post-operative care, addressing concerns to improve recovery experiences.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring all documentation met compliance standards and supported treatment plans.
- Coordinated scheduling for surgeries and consultations, optimizing calendar management to enhance patient access to care.
- Minimized complications during surgery by effectively monitoring anesthesia levels under the guidance of an Oral Surgeon or Dental Anesthesiologist.
- Assisted surgeon during procedures by wiping up bodily fluids and handing over needed dental instruments.
- Educated patients prior to surgery regarding what to expect, how to treat pain and which side effects could occur.
- Prepared surgical area by ensuring that all necessary dental instruments were sterilized and patients were ready.
- Established trustful relationships with patients throughout their treatment journey ensuring consistent care delivery.
- Promoted exceptional patient experiences from initial contact through post-operative followups.
- Calmed nervous patients by speaking softly, answering questions, and providing compassionate care.
- Measured and recorded vital statistics by taking patients' blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
- Scheduled and confirmed patient appointments.
- Monitored patient comfort and safety during dental procedures.
- Recorded patients' health histories, documented current symptoms, and pulled up records from prior visits for dentists to view and evaluate.
- Prepared patient X-rays and images for review by dentist.
- Staged tray for procedures by arranging dental instruments and equipment.
- Exposed, developed and mounted dental x-rays.
- Removed sutures during post operative appointments
- Opened airway and stabilized patients' head during IV sedation surgeries
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Northside Dentalcare
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2022 - 07.2024
- Provided comprehensive oral hygiene education for patients, promoting long-term dental health.
- Managed patient records with attention to detail, updating medical histories and inputting relevant information into the practice management software system.
- Dental charting used and personal detailed notes taken on paper and entered into digital chart for each patient
- Coronal polishings on pediatric patients and informed patients on dental hygiene techniques and dental health tips
- Placed sealants using proper techniques
- Placed temporary and composite fillings using proper techniques and isolation techniques
- Applied fluoride varnish to pediatric patients
- Used film and dip tanks as well as a processor for developing films
- Followed a busy and demanding schedule by being efficient with managing time during work hours
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Polish Crown Dental
Green Tree, PA
03.2020 - 02.2021
- Managed sterilization of instruments and equipment, adhering to safety and hygiene protocols.
- Supported dentists in executing complex procedures, contributing to improved patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline clinic operations and enhance patient experience.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies and dental software for improved operational efficiency.
- Used Dexis programming
- Knowledge and use of digital xrays
- Optimized inventory management by maintaining accurate records of supplies and equipment usage, minimizing waste, and ordering necessary materials in a timely manner.
- Ensured smooth operation of dental practice by performing routine maintenance on equipment, identifying issues early on to prevent costly repairs.
- Proficient in placing sealants
- Packed cord in preparation for final impressions during crown preparations.
- Covid19 procedures followed and patient screening done on patients
- Scanned patient paperwork into digital charts
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Butler Dental
McKees Rocks, PA
06.2019 - 03.2020
- Assisted in patient chair-side procedures, ensuring comfort and clarity throughout treatments.
- Educated patients on post-operative care and preventive dental practices for enhanced oral health.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation to facilitate efficient workflow management.
- Applied fluoride varnish and sealants.
- Built strong rapport with patients through empathetic communication skills, fostering trust in dental care providers.
- Increased efficiency in the dental office by assisting with chairside duties such as taking impressions and fabricating temporary crowns.
- Expanded knowledge of dental techniques and advancements by attending continuing education courses, applying new learnings to daily practice.
- Conducted pre-operative assessments of patients'' medical history to minimize risks associated with anesthesia administration during dental procedures.
- Assisted in coronal polishing.
- Achieved higher level of patient education on oral health practices by creating and distributing informative brochures and materials.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by participating in regular team meetings and suggesting process enhancements.
- Helped dentists restore teeth by applying permanent and temporary fillings and crowns.
- Exposed, developed and mounted dental x-rays.
Dental Assistant
Sewickley Dental Care
Sewickley, PA
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Assisted in patient preparation and management during dental procedures.
- Maintained sterilization of instruments and adherence to safety protocols.
- Recorded patient medical histories and updated electronic health records accurately.
- Provided chairside support to dentists, ensuring efficient workflow during treatments.
- Mixed alginate and took detailed impressions
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists'' evaluations.
Education
Diploma in Dental Assisting - Expanded Functions Dental Assisting
Career Training Academy
Pittsburgh, PA09.2018
High School Diploma -
Keystone Oaks Highschool
Pittsburgh, PA06.2016
Skills
Dental Radiology Certified
Dental Assisting Program Diploma
Timeline
Oral Surgery Assistant
Dr. Pasqual
07.2025 - 04.2026
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Northside Dentalcare
04.2022 - 07.2024
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Polish Crown Dental
03.2020 - 02.2021
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Butler Dental
06.2019 - 03.2020
Dental Assistant
Sewickley Dental Care
03.2018 - 12.2018
Diploma in Dental Assisting - Expanded Functions Dental Assisting
Career Training Academy
High School Diploma -
Keystone Oaks Highschool