Debra Chasse, CDA, RDA
North Dartmouth
Summary
CDA with 33 years of experience in dental assisting, serving as Lead Dental Assisting Instructor at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. Proven expertise in curriculum development and team collaboration, leading to enhanced student performance and engagement. Skilled in budget management and externship coordination, fostering strong industry partnerships to improve career readiness. Committed to creating dynamic learning environments that promote practical skills and theoretical knowledge in dental assisting.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Dental Assisting Instructor
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
New Bedford
08.2010 - Current
- Developed and implemented comprehensive curriculum for dental assisting students.
- Evaluated and updated curriculum to align with evolving industry standards.
- Coordinated externship opportunities with local employers for graduating students.
- Utilized diverse instructional techniques to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with faculty to design new courses catering to incoming class needs.
- Assessed student performance through written and practical exams to ensure mastery.
- Developed individualized education plans (IEPs) to address learning gaps effectively.
- Facilitated dental advisory board meetings, recording minutes for documentation.
- Works collaboratively with the Director of CVTE and Academy Administrators to evaluate and select appropriate, high-quality instructional materials aligned with MA Curriculum Frameworks, District expectations, and evidence-based strategies.
- Collaborates with the Director of CVTE/Academy Administrators to develop and propose annual budget requests, including equipment, supplies, and textbooks per timeline set by the Director of CVTE Programs. Obtains quotes as requested.
- Served on the interview committee for the hiring of dental assisting instructors.
- Represent the dental assisting program on Senior Awards Night and graduation.
- Facilitates and runs dental advisory board meetings including. Records minutes to the meeting and submits to Directory of CVTE.
Lead Dental Assistant
Adrien W. Mercier
Dartmouth
09.2002 - 08.2010
- Provided chairside assistance during dental procedures according to established protocols.
- Assisted dentist with cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals.
- Maintained accurate patient records and prepared treatment plans for dentist review.
- Prepared treatment rooms by sterilizing instruments and ensuring availability of supplies.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered dental supplies to maintain cost efficiency.
- Built relationships with patients through high-quality customer service.
- Performed digital X-rays for diagnostic purposes and fabricated all advanced laboratory prosthetic devices.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations from local, state, and federal laws.
- Provided support to new hires while they learn the duties associated with being a Registered Dental Assistant.
- Managed clinical operations in absence of the dentist or hygienist.
- Built loyal patient following and retained return patients by providing empathetic and caring service.
Dental Assistant
Anthony M. Martin, DDS
New Bedford
08.1991 - 09.2002
- Greeted patients upon arrival at the office and escorted them to an examination room.
- Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Helped maintain inventory levels of all dental supplies used in day-to-day operations.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, answering telephones and updating patient records.
- Assisted dentist in providing dental treatment to patients, including taking patient medical histories and vital signs.
- Instructed patients about postoperative instructions prescribed by their dentist.
- Reviewed patient charts prior to visits to ensure that all relevant information was available for the doctor's review.
- Provided support services such as stocking rooms with supplies, cleaning trays and changing linens between patients.
- Kept accurate records of dental treatments provided for each patient's visit.
- Took digital X-rays of teeth using radiographic equipment.
- Sterilized instruments according to established guidelines and protocols.
Education
Dental Assisting
Chapter 74 Teaching License 9-12
06-2012
Associate of Science - Medical Management
Bristol Community College
Fall River, MA06-1991
Skills
- Certified Dental Assistant (DANB) 1993
- Registered Dental Assistant
- Curriculum development
- Instructional Strategy Development
- Budget management
- Team collaboration
- Clinical expertise
- Mentoring proficiency
- Hands-on clinical instruction
- Internship oversight
- Problem-solving abilities
Affiliations
SkillsUSA advisor Dental Assisting leading many to gold, silver and bronze medals
Timeline
Lead Dental Assisting Instructor
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
08.2010 - Current
Lead Dental Assistant
Adrien W. Mercier
09.2002 - 08.2010
Dental Assistant
Anthony M. Martin, DDS
08.1991 - 09.2002
Dental Assisting
Chapter 74 Teaching License 9-12
Associate of Science - Medical Management
Bristol Community College
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