James Santiago
Columbia
Summary
Aspiring Dentist and Dental Hygiene student at Midlands Technical College with a passion for patient care, healthcare access, and creating positive patient experiences. Experience in customer service, inventory management, and operating in fast-paced environments. Eager to learn, highly dependable, and committed to building a long-term career in dentistry.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grocery Replenishment Specialist
Publix
2732 N Lake Dr, Columbia, SC 29212
01.2025 - Current
- Patient & Customer Care: Welcomed and assisted customers in a fast-paced environment, similar to greeting and seating patients in a dental chair.
- Sanitation & Compliance: Maintained strict cleanliness and safety standards, including handling perishables and sanitizing workspaces—directly preparing you for dental instrument sterilization and OSHA guidelines.
- Inventory Management: Monitored stock levels and rotated products, building the exact organizational skills needed to track and order dental supplies.
Research Intern
University of South Carolina Floyd School of Business
6311 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29209
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects and identify relevant studies.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to enhance research outcomes and accuracy.
- Assisted in developing research methodologies, ensuring alignment with project objectives and best practices.
- Collaborated with faculty on presentations, improving communication of complex findings to diverse audiences.
Youth Coordinator
YMCA
Columbia, SC
12.2022 - 06.2024
- Energetic and detail-oriented professional with a strong background as a Youth Coordinator, transitioning into dental assisting.
- Expert in patient communication, behavior management, and de-escalating anxiety in children and teens.
- Adept at managing fast-paced schedules and maintaining strict compliance protocols, eager to bring exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills to a clinical team.
Education
Associates Degree - Dental Hygiene
Midlands Technical College
Columbia, SC07-2026
High School Diploma - undefined
Spring Hill High School
Chapin, SC05-2025
Skills
- Patient Communication
- Customer Service
- Inventory Management
- Workplace safety
- Attention To Detail
- Leadership & Work Ethic
Certification
- CPR Certification
Entrepreneurial Experience
Founder & Performance Coach
Saint Strength | August 2024 – Present
- Founded and operate an online strength coaching business serving athletes and powerlifters.
- Design individualized, data-driven training programs based on client goals and performance metrics.
- Manage client onboarding, scheduling, communication, billing, and day-to-day business operations.
- Build long-term client relationships through education, accountability, and exceptional customer service.
Distinguished Honor Graduate
Graduated as a Distinguished Honor Graduate from a high school ranked #2 in South Carolina, demonstrating my commitment to academic excellence, discipline, and lifelong learning.
Timeline
Grocery Replenishment Specialist
Publix
01.2025 - Current
Research Intern
University of South Carolina Floyd School of Business
08.2023 - 04.2024
Youth Coordinator
YMCA
12.2022 - 06.2024
High School Diploma - undefined
Spring Hill High School
Associates Degree - Dental Hygiene
Midlands Technical College