I gained over 500 hours of clinical experience as a dental assistant through the UAB Dental Assisting Program in 2012. Directly after graduating with a 4.0 GPA, I was employed by Dr. Michelle Jones, DMD at Chelsea Family Dentistry. I gained one year of experience working along side Dr. Jones and her associate dentist, Dr. Brittney Gilbert, DMD. The professional duties performed during my employment include the following: - seating patients in the treatment area- passing requested instruments to the dentist during dental procedures- sterilization and preparation of instruments- taking impressions of teeth for study models- polishing clinical crowns- packing gingival retraction cord- matching tooth shades for cosmetic work- exposing and developing X-rays/digital X-rays- providing assistance in the office with tasks such as appointment scheduling, record keeping, telephone management, and billing-ordering dental and office supplies- serve as office manager or receptionist, greeting patients, and introducing patients to the dental practice- manage patient records, filing, and recall systems- operate the dental software called Dentrix- assist the dentist directly at chairside with operative General Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Endodontics- provide oral hygiene instructions, preventive dentistry & dietary counseling- take x-rays, impressions, and apply fluoride and assist with placement of sealants- assist with patient management by working with a wide range of population groups- perform laboratory functions such as pouring & trimming models, constructing custom trays, and fabricating temporary crowns and bridges- assist with implementation and documentation of current infection control standards