Cherina Hearrell

I have been in healthcare for 16 years, and it has always been my passion. I started at my current dental clinic in 2010 as a dental assistant without any formal degree or state certification - I just trained on the floor and figured it out. Over the past 15 years, I have worked my way through pretty much every position the clinic has, including dental assistant, dental therapist, and infection control, until I reached my current role as dental clinic assistant manager. In my role today, I handle the day-to-day operations of the clinic, including patient flow, scheduling, staffing, payroll, supplies and inventory, maintaining competencies for my dental assistants, the hiring process, and ensuring infection control protocols and standards are met throughout the clinic. I build the schedule templates for all of my providers and make sure those are adequate throughout the year. What I am most proud of is the relationships I have built with my staff over these 15 years - the camaraderie I have with my team and being out on the floor with them, making the day go as smoothly as possible for my providers, hygienists, and dental assistants. I take a lot of pride in being a big support for my team. Before dental, I worked as a CNA in home health, taking care of patients, and then I found my dental calling. I am currently enrolled and going after my bachelor's degree in healthcare administration because I am focused on building a stable career for myself and my children.