Elena Rios, RDA
Lead Surgical Dental Assistant
Outside of the surgical suite, Elena enjoys paddleboarding at Pactola Reservoir, exploring the vibrant Rapid City arts community, and volunteering her weekends at a local Black Hills animal rescue.
Biography
Elena Rios serves as the Lead Surgical Dental Assistant at Quazaar Demo Services in Rapid City, SD. Working side-by-side with Dr. Marcus Vance and Dr. Sandra Sterling, Elena is the operational backbone of the surgical suite. She specializes in advanced surgical preparation, seamless chairside assistance during complex implant and extraction procedures, and comprehensive patient anxiety management. Elena is often the first smiling face patients see and the last comforting presence before they head home, ensuring every step of their surgical journey is safe, highly coordinated, and completely understood.
Education & Credentials
- Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting: Western Dakota Technical College
- Licensure: Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) – South Dakota State Board of Dentistry
- Certifications: Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE), Advanced Dental Radiography, BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers
Clinical Expertise & Focus Areas
- Sterile field preparation and strict adherence to surgical infection control protocols
- Four-handed surgical assisting for full-arch implants, bone grafting, and orthognathic surgery
- Capturing precise diagnostic images using advanced 3D CBCT and digital scanners
- Continuous monitoring of patient vitals during deep IV sedation and general anesthesia
- Delivering clear, empathetic post-operative care and at-home recovery instructions
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
- South Dakota Dental Assistants Association (SDDAA)
- Allied Staff Member, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)