Patricia Franco

Highly skilled and newly licensed Dental Hygienist with a Doctor of Dental Medicine background, and extensive U.S. experience as a Dental Assistant. Proven ability to deliver exceptional patient-centered care, including prophylaxis, patient education, and radiographic imaging. Eager to apply comprehensive clinical knowledge and a proactive approach to enhance patient outcomes in a high volume healthcare setting. 

SKILLS
CLINICAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Dental Prophylaxis & Cleanings
• Periodontal Charting & Assessment
• Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
• Dental sealant application
• Fluoride Application
• Dental Radiography (Digital, Traditional, Panorex, FMX, BWX)
• Sterilization Techniques
• Chairside Assisting (General, Orthodontic, Surgical, Pediatric)
• Taking impressions (Alginate, PVS)
• Oral Hygiene Instruction
• Postoperative Instructions
• Patient Medical History & Vital Signs

ADDITIONAL CLINICAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Chairside Assisting (General, Orthodontic, Surgical, Pediatric)
• Sterilization Techniques & Infection Control (OSHA Compliance)
• Patient Medical History & Vital Signs Assessment
• Postoperative Instructions

ADMINISTRATIVE AND SOFTWARE SKILLS

• Dentrix Management
• Appointment Scheduling & Referrals
• Billing & Insurance Management
• Inventory Management & Supply Ordering
• Patient Record Management
• Online Communication & Marketing
• PATIENT CARE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
• Patient Management & Adaptation
• Problem-Solving
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Customer Service
• Mentoring & Training Junior Assistants

Licenses and Certifications. 

• Registered Dental Hygienist. License Number DH34289 
•  Passed the SPTCE, CSCE OSCE, and FHLR in Spring 2025. 
• Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE): Passed the comprehensive INBDE assessing dental cognitive skills, biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences (January 2025).

EXPERIENCE

New Star Dental, Ft. Lauderdale — Dental Assistant

February 2024 - PRESENT

• Assisted dentists chairside, gaining exposure to a wide range of procedures including orthodontics and surgery, enhancing understanding of comprehensive treatment planning.
• Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, post-operative care, and answer treatment-related questions.
• Performed full-mouth radiographic imaging and accurately take dental impressions.
• Accurately recorded patient medical histories and vital signs.
• Prepared treatment rooms and sterilize instruments following strict infection control protocols.
• Managed patient scheduling, referrals, billing, and insurance verification to ensure smooth clinic operations.
• Contributed to practice growth by assisting with online reviews and marketing initiatives.
• Mentored and trained new dental assistants, fostering a collaborative team environment.

Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry, Hollywood FL — Dental Assistant

September 2023 - February 2024

• Delivered engaging oral health education to children, emphasizing proper brushing and preventive care.
• Ensured strict adherence to infection control protocols, including sterilization of instruments and maintaining pristine treatment environments.
• Provided effective chairside assistance during examinations and procedures, enhancing dentist efficiency and patient experience.
• Assisted with pediatric dental radiography, ensuring diagnostic image quality.
• Mentored and trained junior dental assistants in pediatric dental practices and emerging technologies.

Paraiso Dental, Caracas, Venezuela — Independent Dentist 

March 2019 - July 2019

• Provided comprehensive dental care, including prophylaxis, emergency management, extractions, restorations, and prosthetic treatments.

Coastal Surveillance Command of the National Guard, Margarita, Venezuela — Dental Assistant

January 2018 - March 2018

• Assisted dentists with patient care and administrative tasks in a military dental facility.

Funda en Salud, Caracas Venezuela — Volunteer Dental Care Provider

April 2017 - September 2017

• Provided free dental care and oral hygiene education to underserved children and adults in low-income areas

Dr. Mauricio Mussa, Caracas, Venezuela — Dental Assistant

September 2016 - January 2017

•  Provided comprehensive chairside assistance to dentists during various procedures.
• Managed instrument sterilization, maintained patient records, and coordinated scheduling to optimize patient flow

Dr. Erich Marcano, Caracas Venezuela — Dental Assistant

March 2015 - June 2016

• Assisted dentists during patient examinations and treatments, ensuring a seamless workflow.
• Maintained a sterile environment by diligently cleaning and sterilizing dental instruments and equipment.
• Managed patient intake, scheduling, and appointment coordination, improving office efficiency.

EDUCATION

Universidad Santa Maria, Caracas, Venezuela - Doctor of Dental Medicine 
August 2013- Febuary 2019

Professional Development and Continuing education

• Foundation and surgical principle of oral surgery, Caracas, Venezuela, 10/01/18
• 1st Orthognathic Surgery Symposium, Caracas, Venezuela, 07/01/18
• Accident and injury prevention course for children and teenagers, Caracas, Venezuela, 03/01/17
• 42nd National Congress of Dentistry, Valencia, Venezuela, 06/01/16
• Pediatric Dentistry Seminar, Caracas, Venezuela, 11/01/14
• Scientific conferences of the Faculty of Dentistry 'Working as a team', Caracas, Venezuela, 02/01/14