In honor of National Dental Assistants Week and Team Member of the Quarter, we are excited to feature Mayra Gonzalez this month!
Mayra Gonzalez has always been a very cheerful, caring, motivated, focused team member, who deeply cares about her patients and team. She is dedicated and very hard working! Since becoming an employee 5 years ago, Mayra has assisted Dr. Greenhalgh side by side, learning and performing many dental techniques that only high functioning, focused individuals can perform. For example, Mayra has the ability to design a tooth that will be placed in the patients mouth! We refer to it as the “one appointment crown” designed with the 3D Camera on our CEREC CadCam computer. We are so proud of Mayra for her growth and willingness to learn and take on new challenges. We look forward to the bright future ahead that she has in her career. I took a few moments to ask Mayra to share some insight about her choice to become a dental assistant and why she loves working with Dr. Greenhalgh and team:
What is the one thing your patients might be surprised to know about you?
I have an 8 year old sister. And, I’m obsessed with chocolate!
What is your favorite part of dental assisting and being a part of the dental community?
I enjoy helping patients conquer their fears and knowing I am able to take part in the enjoyment of helping them have great smiles!
How long have you been working for Dr. Greenhalgh?
5 and a half years and loving it!
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Orange County, CA and moved to Washington from Santa Ana at age 11 with my family.
What was the last picture you took with your phone?
The last picture I took with my phone was the chicken fajitas that my fiancé made me for dinner, they were delicious!
If you ever had a chance to join the circus, what would you be?
I would be a trapeze artist because they have the BEST outfits and they work in a pairs because it’s all about teamwork baby!
How Did Mayra Support Dr. Greenhalgh During Dental Procedures?
As a dental assistant at Pacific Northwest Smiles, Mayra Gonzalez worked closely with Dr. Darren Greenhalgh to support patient care and dental treatments. Her experience included assisting with CEREC same-day crowns and learning how to design dental restorations using digital technology. Beyond her technical skills, Mayra valued helping patients feel more comfortable during appointments and contributing to a supportive dental team.
Mayra’s experience shows how dental assistants contribute to patient care through both technical skills and personal support. The Dental Marketing Secrets Podcast explores topics such as dental team development, patient relationships, and practice management, highlighting the importance of a well-supported team in creating a positive dental experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Mayra Gonzalez’s role at Pacific Northwest Smiles?
Mayra worked alongside Dr. Greenhalgh as a dental assistant, supporting patient care and dental procedures. Her experience included designing CEREC same-day crowns using digital dental technology.
How do dental assistants help patients with dental anxiety?
Dental assistants help patients feel comfortable by explaining procedures, answering questions, and providing reassurance during treatment. Mayra particularly enjoyed helping patients overcome their dental fears.
What is the role of a dental assistant in CEREC same-day crown procedures?
Dental assistants may help capture digital impressions, assist with crown design, and prepare materials for treatment. At Pacific Northwest Smiles, Mayra was trained to design crowns using CEREC CAD/CAM technology.