Sarah Rathbone
Hemet
Summary
Hi. I have been an RDA for 25 years now. I enjoy working with patients and easing their dental anxiety. I am highly skilled in preparing patients for examinations, assisting with chairside procedures and educating patients on the dental procedures they will be having done. I like to focus on each patient as an individual and get to know their own personal needs and what makes them feel most comfortable during their dental treatment.
Friendly dental assistanting is very important to me, as well as building strong relationships with patients and providing quality support during dental procedures. I am knowledgeable and experienced in dental procedures. I work well with all personality types when interacting with patients and staff. I have great time management and pay attention to detail. I am reliable and dependable as well. I take pride in doing my job and doing it to the best of my ability.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
2002
2002
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Registered Dental Assistant
Hemet Valley Dental
Hemet
02.2023 - 10.2025
- Prepared examination rooms for patient visits and ensured cleanliness.
- Assisted dentists during procedures by providing necessary instruments and materials.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions.
- Managed patient records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations.
- Operated dental imaging equipment for radiographs and diagnostic purposes.
- Coordinated patient appointments, optimizing scheduling for efficiency and flow.
- Sterilized dental tools and maintained inventory of supplies for procedures.
- Supported new staff through training on office protocols and clinical procedures.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Created bitewing, panoramic and periapical X-ray images for dentist to review.
- Assisted dentists in permanent and temporary restorative procedures, applied dental fillings, placed temporary crowns and seated permanent crowns.
- Maintained inventory of supplies used during treatments.
- Prepared trays of instruments for dental procedures.
- Passed instruments to dentist, gently sprayed water, suctioned fluids and mixed materials to support dentists during procedures.
- Escorted patients to exam rooms while making friendly conversation to prepare for cleanings and procedures.
- Sterilized tools, exam chair, trays and surfaces for clean and safe dental office.
- Gathered medical information, dental health history and vitals from patients.
- Created dental x-rays using traditional and digital methods to help dentists detect tooth decay, cavities and other issues needing to be treated.
- Instructed patients on postoperative care to protect dental work and promote healing.
- Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
- Organized lab cases for dentists by tracking progress throughout production cycle until delivery back to practice.
- Scheduled cleanings and dental appointments for patients using appointment software.
- Positioned patients for treatment by making chair adjustments and prepared necessary equipment for procedures.
- Instructed patients on how to use prescribed oral health aids and products.
- Documented all treatment plans in patient records according to office standards.
- Collected payments from patients at time of service or following completion of treatment plan via cash or credit card transactions.
- Obtained informed consent forms from patients prior to performing any treatment procedure.
- Ensured that all paperwork was completed accurately prior to patient departure from office visit.
- Checked with participants throughout procedures to help alleviate anxiety.
Registered Dental Assistant
Dr. Bob Straubinger
Hemet
03.2015 - 10.2018
- Prepared examination rooms for patient visits and ensured cleanliness.
- Assisted dentist during procedures by providing necessary instruments and materials.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Operated dental imaging equipment for radiographs and diagnostic purposes.
- Sterilized dental tools and maintained inventory of supplies for procedures.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Created bitewing, panoramic and periapical X-ray images for dentist to review.
- Assisted dentists in permanent and temporary restorative procedures, applied dental fillings, placed temporary crowns and seated permanent crowns.
- Maintained inventory of supplies used during treatments.
- Prepared trays of instruments for dental procedures.
- Escorted patients to exam rooms while making friendly conversation to prepare for cleanings and procedures.
- Sterilized tools, exam chair, trays and surfaces for clean and safe dental office.
- Gathered medical information, dental health history and vitals from patients.
- Assisted dentist in the administration of local anesthetics and nitrous oxide sedation.
- Created dental x-rays using traditional and digital methods to help dentists detect tooth decay, cavities and other issues needing to be treated.
- Instructed patients on postoperative care to protect dental work and promote healing.
Registered Dental Assistant
Vineyard Dental Group
04.2000 - 11.2006
- Prepared examination rooms for patient visits and ensured cleanliness.
- Assisted dentists during procedures by providing necessary instruments and materials.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions.
- Managed patient records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations.
- Assisted dentists and hygienists with patient care by preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, taking x-rays, and providing other assistance as needed.
- Completed documentation of patient information including charting of findings, diagnosis, treatment plan and progress notes.
Education
Dental Assisting - Dental Assisting
Concorde Career College
08.1999 - 05.2001
Hemet High School
Hemet, CaliforniaSkills
- Dental radiography
- Patient education
- Infection control
- Chairside assistance
- Dental imaging
- Instrument sterilization
- Radiography techniques
- Appointment scheduling
- Oral health education
- Team collaboration
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Oral X-rays
- Dental records
- Infection control procedures
- Dental material handling
- Instrument preparation
- Instrument sterilization techniques
- HIPAA compliance
- Dental terminology
- Radiography safety
- Disinfecting rooms and equipment
- Inventory management
- Strong writing and verbal skills
- Dental procedure preparation
- Equipment sterilization
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Dental Assistant
Hemet Valley Dental
02.2023 - 10.2025
Registered Dental Assistant
Dr. Bob Straubinger
03.2015 - 10.2018
Registered Dental Assistant
Vineyard Dental Group
04.2000 - 11.2006
Dental Assisting - Dental Assisting
Concorde Career College
08.1999 - 05.2001
Hemet High School