Zasha Ochoa Certified Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
General Dentistry • Surgical & Implant Assistance • Prosthodontics • Digital Dentistry
Hello! I’m Zasha Ochoa, a Certified Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) with professional experience supporting general, restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, and implant dentistry. As a Dental Assistant at Aspen Dental, I work alongside dentists and the clinical team to provide efficient chairside support and compassionate, patient-centered care.
My clinical experience includes dental radiography, digital intraoral scanning, impressions and bite registrations, temporary crowns, dentures and partials, extractions, bone grafting, implant procedures, All-on-X cases, infection control, sterilization, clinical documentation, and patient education. Working in a fast-paced dental environment has strengthened my ability to anticipate clinical needs, adapt quickly, and support patients throughout increasingly complex treatment.
In addition to my EFDA training and professional dental experience, I am currently earning my Associate of Arts through the Health Science Pathway at Palm Beach State College. I am committed to continuous learning and to expanding my knowledge, clinical skills, and experience within the dental field.
My background in customer service, leadership, and teaching has also strengthened the communication, organization, patience, and teamwork I bring to patient care. I take pride in being dependable, coachable, detail-oriented, and committed to helping patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their dental experience.
I invite you to explore my portfolio to learn more about my professional experience, education, certifications, clinical competencies, and the skills I bring to a dental team.
Experience
Dental Assistant | 02/2026 - Present
Aspen Dental | Boca Raton, FL
As a Dental Assistant at Aspen Dental, I support dentists and patients throughout a wide range of general, restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, and implant procedures. Working in a fast-paced clinical environment has strengthened my chairside efficiency, technical skills, patient communication, and ability to anticipate the needs of both the doctor and patient.
My responsibilities extend from preparing treatment rooms and maintaining infection-control standards to assisting with complex surgical and implant cases. I also support patient education, clinical documentation, digital imaging, impressions, intraoral scanning, and patient flow while collaborating closely with the entire practice team.
Key Role Duties:
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Chairside & Clinical Assistance: Assist dentists throughout treatment procedures by preparing materials and instruments, maintaining visibility through suction and retraction, transferring instruments efficiently, anticipating procedural needs, and supporting patient comfort.
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Dental Radiography & Digital Imaging: Take diagnostic dental radiographs and support digital clinical records through intraoral imaging and scanning while following appropriate positioning, safety, and documentation protocols.
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Patient Care & Clinical Flow: Support patient handoffs, monitor clinical flow, communicate treatment-related information within the dental team, educate patients on oral hygiene, and help create a comfortable and professional patient experience.
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Infection Control & Sterilization: Prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment, set up and break down operatories, maintain treatment areas, and follow established infection-control and safety protocols.
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Prosthodontic Support: Assist with complete and partial dentures, impressions, bite registrations, wax try-ins, adjustments, repairs, relines, rebases, immediate dentures, and final deliveries.
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Surgical & Implant Assistance: Assist with simple and surgical extractions, bone grafting, alveoloplasty, implant placement, implant uncovering, healing abutments, suturing support, postoperative appointments, and implant restoration procedures.
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Digital Implant & Restorative Workflow: Support conventional impressions and digital implant scans, including scan-body workflows, implant crowns, temporary restorations, and implant-supported prosthetic treatment.
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All-on-X & Full-Arch Cases: Assist with full-arch implant and implant-supported prosthetic cases, including surgical setup, digital scans and records, chairside assistance, prosthetic procedures, adjustments, and restoration delivery.
Professional Growth & Clinical Development:
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Since joining Aspen Dental, I have expanded my clinical experience beyond foundational dental assisting into surgical dentistry, implant dentistry, prosthodontics, and full-arch restorative workflows. This experience has strengthened my ability to anticipate clinical needs, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, communicate confidently with patients, and collaborate closely with doctors and team members throughout complex treatment.
2025 | Dental Assistant Extern
Palms Dental Care | Lake Worth, FL
During my 60-hour clinical externship at Palms Dental Care, I gained supervised hands-on experience supporting restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dental procedures while developing foundational skills in patient care, chairside assistance, radiography, infection control, and clinical workflow.
Key Role Duties:
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Chairside Assistance & Clinical Support: Prepared instruments and materials for procedures, assisted dentists during restorative and preventive treatments, and ensured optimal patient comfort throughout each visit.
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Radiology & Imaging: Operated intraoral cameras and scanners to capture diagnostic images while adhering to safety standards and radiographic protocols.
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Sterilization & Infection Control: Followed strict sterilization procedures for instruments, equipment, and operatory areas to ensure compliance with OSHA and HIPAA regulations.
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Patient Education & Communication: Explained post-operative instructions and preventive oral hygiene techniques to enhance patient understanding and satisfaction.
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Documentation & Record Management: Maintained accurate and detailed patient charts, treatment notes, and digital records using dental software systems.
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Team Collaboration: Worked closely with dentists, hygienists, and front-office staff to ensure smooth patient flow and efficient scheduling.
Key Achievements:
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Successfully completed 60 hours of supervised hands-on clinical experience, applying classroom and laboratory training within a live dental practice environment.
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Recognized by supervising staff for strong chairside manner and attention to detail during restorative and radiographic procedures.
2024 - 2025 | Shift Leader
Plato's Closet | Wellington, FL
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Prior to beginning my professional dental career, I gained leadership and customer-service experience as a Shift Leader in a fast-paced retail environment. I supported daily operations, trained team members, resolved customer concerns, managed transactions and closing responsibilities, and helped maintain an organized and efficient workplace. This experience strengthened the communication, accountability, teamwork, multitasking, and leadership skills I now bring to patient care and the dental environment.
Certifications
EFDA Certificate
Through the EFDA program, I developed hands-on skills in chair-side assisting, restorative procedures, coronal polishing, dental materials handling, and removal of excess cement. I learned how to prepare treatment areas, assist during procedures, and ensure patient comfort and safety while following proper infection control standards.
Dental Radiology
I received in-depth training in taking and processing dental X-rays safely and effectively. I learned radiographic techniques, radiation safety protocols, and image evaluation to help dentists diagnose oral health conditions with accuracy and confidence.
Intraoral Imaging
In this certification, I gained proficiency in capturing detailed intraoral photographs to assist in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education. I learned proper camera techniques, lighting control, and patient positioning to produce clear, high-quality images.
OSHA and HIPAA Compliance
This certification provided me with a thorough understanding of workplace safety and patient privacy regulations. I learned OSHA standards for infection control, hazard communication, and dental operatory safety, along with HIPAA policies for safeguarding patient information and maintaining confidentiality.
BLS + CPR + AED
I completed training in Basic Life Support (BLS), including CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). I learned how to respond effectively in medical emergencies, perform high-quality chest compressions, and assist in life-saving situations with confidence and composure.
Intraoral Scanner
I trained in using digital intraoral scanners to capture precise 3D images of patients’ teeth and gums. I learned scanning protocols, data management, and how to support digital impressions for crowns, aligners, and restorations, enhancing patient comfort and workflow efficiency.
Adobe Illustrator
Through this certification, I gained skills in creating professional digital graphics and visual materials using Adobe Illustrator. I learned vector design, layout composition, and creative problem-solving, valuable for marketing materials, presentations, and educational visuals.
Adobe Photoshop
I developed technical proficiency in photo editing, retouching, and digital design with Adobe Photoshop. I learned how to enhance images, manage layers, and design professional visuals for use in business branding, marketing, and creative projects.
Entrepreneurship and
Small Business
This certification strengthened my understanding of business principles, financial management, and marketing. I learned how to manage operations, build client relationships, and promote services effectively, skills that enhance her professional versatility and potential for future leadership in the dental field.
Clinical Skills & Procedural Experience
My clinical experience spans preventive, restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, implant, and digital dentistry. Through formal EFDA education, clinical training, and professional experience as a Dental Assistant, I have developed a strong foundation in chairside assistance, patient care, infection control, dental technology, and complex treatment workflows.
RESTORATIVE PROCEDURES
Placement of Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM)
Experienced to mix and place IRM for temporary restorations, protecting prepared teeth and maintaining occlusal stability between appointments.
Removal of
Excess Cement
Experienced to safely and efficiently remove excess cement from crowns and bridges using hand instruments, maintaining restoration integrity and patient comfort.
Retraction Cord and
Restorative Isolation
Experienced with gingival retraction cord and trained in rubber dam placement, matrix bands, wedges, IRM, excess cement removal, and related restorative assisting procedures.
PREVENTIVE CARE AND PATIENCE COMFORT
Application of
Topical Anesthetic
Experienced to apply topical anesthetics to prepare patients for procedures comfortably, understanding dosage, placement, and patient safety protocols.
Sealants, Fluoride and Topical Anesthetic
Experienced in preventive and patient-comfort procedures, including sealant application, topical fluoride, and topical anesthetic within authorized clinical scope.
Coronal Polishing
Experienced in coronal polishing techniques to remove plaque and extrinsic stains while supporting preventive care and restorative treatment.
Placement of Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM)
Experienced to mix and place IRM for temporary restorations, protecting prepared teeth and maintaining occlusal stability between appointments.
Removal of Excess Cement
Experienced to safely and efficiently remove excess cement from crowns and bridges using hand instruments, maintaining restoration integrity and patient comfort.
SURGICAL & IMPLANT DENTISTRY
All-on-X and ImplantSupported Prosthetics
Assist with All-on-X, full-arch implant, and implant-supported prosthetic cases, including surgical preparation, digital records and scanning, prosthetic procedures, adjustments, and restoration delivery.
Bone Grafting and Alveoloplasty
Assist during bone grafting and alveoloplasty procedures, including preparation of surgical instruments and materials and maintenance of efficient chairside workflow.
Dental Implant Surgery
Assist with implant placement procedures through surgical setup, sterile-field support, suction, retraction, instrument transfer, and patient care.
Extractions and
Oral Surgery
Assist with simple and surgical extractions by preparing surgical setups and providing suction, retraction, instrument transfer, and patient support throughout treatment.
Implant Uncovering and
Healing Abutments
Assist with implant uncovering procedures and healing-abutment placement as part of the restorative implant workflow.
Implant Scanning & Restorations
Support digital and conventional implant impressions, including scan-body workflows, and assist with implant crown procedures through final restoration.
Sutures and Postoperative Care
Assist during surgical closure by preparing suture materials and maintaining visibility for the dentist, and support postoperative appointments including suture removal within authorized scope.
PROSTHODONTICS & DENTURE WORKFLOW
Complete and
Partial Dentures
Assist throughout complete and partial denture treatment, supporting the clinical workflow from initial records through delivery and follow-up.
Denture Relines,
Rebases and Repairs
Support denture soft relines, repairs, rebases, and adjustment appointments as part of ongoing prosthetic care.
Impressions and
Bite Registrations
Perform and assist with quality impressions and bite registrations used in restorative and prosthodontic treatment planning.
Immediate Dentures
Assist with preparation and placement workflows for immediate dentures following extractions, supporting both surgical and prosthodontic phases of treatment.
Wax Try-Ins
and Deliveries
Assist during wax try-ins, denture adjustments, and final deliveries while supporting fit, function, and patient communication.
RADIOLOGY & DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Dental Radiology
Experienced in taking diagnostic dental radiographs while applying proper patient positioning, radiation-safety principles, image quality standards, and clinical workflow protocols.
Digital Intraoral Scanning
Perform digital intraoral scans to capture accurate three-dimensional records used for restorative, prosthodontic, and implant treatment.
Implant Digital Workflow
Experienced supporting digital implant scanning, including scan-body workflows used in the fabrication of implant restorations.
Dental Software
and Clinical Documentation
Experienced in supporting digital patient records, clinical charting, treatment documentation, and practice workflow, with training in Dentrix and continued experience with dental practice technology.
CLINICAL LABORATORY SKILLS
Alginate Impressions
Experienced in taking alginate impressions for diagnostic study models, mouth guards, and custom trays, including proper material mixing, tray selection, and patient positioning to support accuracy and patient comfort.
Pouring and Trimming
Study Models
Trained in pouring dental stone into alginate impressions and trimming study models to appropriate diagnostic standards for case presentation and laboratory use.
Fabrication of
Bleaching Trays
Trained in fabricating custom bleaching trays through model preparation, trimming, and vacuum-forming techniques to support accurate fit and patient comfort.
CHAIRSIDE & CLINICAL OPERATIONS
Chairside Assisting
Provide chairside support throughout general, restorative, prosthodontic, surgical, and implant procedures through organized preparation, suction and retraction, efficient instrument transfer, material preparation, and anticipation of clinical needs.
Infection Control
and Sterilization
Follow established infection-control protocols for instrument processing and sterilization, treatment-room disinfection, operatory turnover, and maintenance of a safe and organized clinical environment.
Operatory Setup
and Breakdown
Prepare operatories according to scheduled procedures, organize required instruments and materials, and efficiently break down, disinfect, and reset treatment areas following patient care.
Patient Flow
and Handoffs
Support efficient patient flow throughout the practice, facilitate professional patient handoffs, and communicate effectively with doctors, assistants, hygienists, and administrative team members to promote continuity of care.
Clinical
Charting Support
Support doctors with accurate patient charting, treatment documentation, and clinical records while maintaining patient privacy, confidentiality, and documentation accuracy.
Certifications
RADIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
RESTORATIVE PROCEDURES
Personal Skills
Attention to Detail
Maintains accuracy with clinical preparation, imaging, documentation, infection control, and procedural support.
Chairside Anticipation
Developing strong awareness of procedural sequence and dentist needs to support efficient instrument transfer and clinical workflow.
Clinical Adaptability
Quickly adapts to changing procedures, schedules, providers, technologies, and patient-care needs in fast-paced dental settings.
Coachability & Continuous Learning
Receptive to feedback and committed to continually expanding clinical knowledge, technical skills, and procedural efficiency.
Composure Under Pressure
Maintains focus, professionalism, and patient awareness during busy schedules and complex clinical procedures.
Leadership Foundation
Brings previous shift-leadership experience that strengthened accountability, communication, teamwork, initiative, and problem-solving.
Patient-Centered Care
Focused on helping patients feel informed, respected, comfortable, and supported throughout treatment.
Patient Rapport
Builds trust with patients of different ages and backgrounds through empathy, professionalism, and attentive communication.
Professional Communication
Communicates clearly and respectfully with patients, doctors, hygienists, assistants, and administrative team members.
Reliability and Accountability
Takes ownership of responsibilities and understands the importance of preparedness, consistency, and follow-through in patient care.
Team Collaboration
Works cooperatively across clinical and administrative teams to support efficient operations and exceptional patient care.
Time Management and Task Prioritization
Balances operatory preparation, patient flow, sterilization, clinical assistance, and supporting tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Get in Touch
For inquiries or to explore how my skills can benefit your practice, feel free to reach out. I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the dental field.
Connect with Me