dental assistant job duties resume

7 Dental Assistant Resume Examples for Your 2024 Job Search

Dental assistants are skilled at providing efficient support and ensuring a smooth patient experience. Similarly, your resume should function like a dental assistant, adeptly supporting your qualifications and ensuring a seamless presentation of your skills. In this guide, we'll examine 7 dental assistant resume examples that effectively showcase the qualities needed to excel in this vital role.

Resume Examples

Resume guidance.

• High Level Resume Tips
• Must-Have Information
• Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important
• Writing an Exceptional Resume Summary
• How to Impress with Your Work Experience
• Top Skills & Keywords
• Go Above & Beyond with a Cover Letter
• Resume FAQs
• Related Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Dental Assistant Resumes:

• Prepare treatment rooms for patient procedures, including sterilizing equipment and instruments
• Assist the dentist during procedures by passing instruments, suctioning, and providing other support as needed
• Take and develop dental x-rays as directed by the dentist
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide post-operative care instructions
• Schedule patient appointments and maintain accurate patient records
• Manage inventory of dental supplies and order new supplies as needed
• Perform basic laboratory procedures, such as pouring and trimming models and fabricating temporary crowns
• Clean and maintain dental equipment and instruments
• Assist with administrative tasks, such as answering phones and filing patient paperwork
• Provide support to other dental staff members as needed
• Ensure compliance with infection control protocols and OSHA regulations
• Assist with patient billing and insurance claims processing.

You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.

Dental Assistant Resume Example:

• Implemented a patient education program that increased patient compliance with oral hygiene instructions by 25%.
• Streamlined the inventory management system, reducing supply waste by 15% and saving the practice $5,000 annually.
• Developed and implemented a patient recall system, resulting in a 20% increase in patient retention and revenue.
• Managed the implementation of a new electronic health record system, resulting in a 30% reduction in administrative tasks and a 20% increase in patient satisfaction.
• Collaborated with the dentist to develop and implement a treatment plan for a patient with severe dental anxiety, resulting in successful completion of treatment and a positive patient experience.
• Developed and led a training program for new dental assistants, resulting in a 50% reduction in onboarding time and improved team performance.
• Developed and implemented infection control protocols that exceeded OSHA standards, resulting in zero incidents of infection transmission in the practice.
• Managed the ordering and inventory of dental supplies, resulting in a 10% reduction in supply costs and improved supply availability for patient care.
• Collaborated with the dentist to develop and implement a treatment plan for a patient with complex dental needs, resulting in successful completion of treatment and improved patient oral health.
• Patient Education and Care
• Inventory Management
• Patient Retention Strategies
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management
• Dental Treatment Planning
• Staff Training and Development
• Infection Control Protocols
• Supply Chain Management
• Collaborative Patient Care
• Dental Anxiety Management
• Compliance with Regulatory Standards
• Dental Procedure Assistance
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Dental Equipment Maintenance
• Organizational Skills
• Problem-solving Skills
• Detail-oriented Approach
• Multitasking Skills
• Time Management
• Customer Service Skills

Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume Example:

• Provided exceptional patient care by taking and recording medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate among patients.
• Assisted the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures, ensuring a smooth and efficient patient experience and reducing patient wait times by 20%.
• Maintained a clean and safe working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations, resulting in zero safety incidents and a 100% compliance rate.
• Managed inventory levels by anticipating needed supplies and placing orders for supplies, resulting in a 15% reduction in supply costs and ensuring that all necessary supplies were always available.
• Assisted in the management of medical and dental emergencies, providing quick and effective care to patients and reducing emergency response times by 30%.
• Documented dental care services by charting in patient records, ensuring accurate and up-to-date patient information and improving patient outcomes by 25%.
• Successfully prepared treatment rooms for patients by following prescribed procedures and protocols, resulting in a 100% compliance rate and ensuring that all patients received the highest quality care.
• Sterilized and disinfected instruments and equipment, maintaining a clean and safe working environment and reducing the risk of infection by 50%.
• Provided patients with instructions for oral care following all dental treatment procedures, resulting in a 90% compliance rate and improving patient outcomes by 20%.
• Patient care and communication
• Dental procedure assistance
• Medical and dental history documentation
• Vital signs monitoring
• Inventory management
• Emergency response and management
• Treatment room preparation
• Instrument sterilization and disinfection
• Oral care instruction
• Compliance with safety procedures and regulations
• Time management and efficiency
• Team collaboration and support
• Dental charting and record-keeping
• Basic computer skills and dental software proficiency

Registered Dental Assistant Resume Example:

• Managed the sterilization process for all instruments and equipment, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and reducing the risk of infection for patients by 30%.
• Assisted the dentist during complex procedures, including root canals and extractions, resulting in a 25% reduction in procedure time and an increase in patient satisfaction scores by 15%.
• Implemented a patient education program, providing personalized oral care instructions and increasing patient compliance with postoperative care by 40%.
• Managed the office's inventory of dental supplies and materials, reducing waste by 20% and saving the practice $10,000 annually.
• Developed and implemented a scheduling system that reduced patient wait times by 50% and increased the number of patients seen per day by 25%.
• Provided training and mentorship to new dental assistants, resulting in a 50% reduction in onboarding time and an increase in team satisfaction scores by 20%.
• Performed dental diagnostic x-rays, identifying and addressing potential issues early and reducing the need for more invasive procedures by 30%.
• Managed medical and dental emergencies, including administering topical anesthetics and medications, resulting in a 100% success rate in resolving emergencies without the need for hospitalization.
• Developed and implemented a system for tracking patient medical and dental histories, improving patient care and reducing the risk of medical errors by 25%.
• Sterilization and infection control
• Patient education and communication
• Scheduling and time management
• Team training and mentorship
• Dental diagnostic x-rays
• Emergency management
• Topical anesthetics and medication administration
• Patient medical and dental history tracking
• Compliance with OSHA regulations
• Dental equipment maintenance
• Postoperative care management
• Interpersonal skills

Lead Dental Assistant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a patient education program, resulting in a 25% increase in patient compliance with oral hygiene recommendations.
• Managed inventory of dental supplies and equipment, reducing waste by 15% and saving the practice $10,000 annually.
• Trained and mentored new dental assistants, resulting in a 20% improvement in team productivity and a 10% decrease in errors.
• Collaborated with dentists to implement new treatment procedures, resulting in a 30% increase in patient satisfaction scores.
• Managed patient scheduling and billing, reducing errors by 20% and improving patient retention by 15%.
• Implemented new sterilization and disinfection protocols, resulting in a 40% decrease in infection rates and improved patient safety.
• Developed and implemented a patient recall system, resulting in a 50% increase in patient retention and a 20% increase in revenue.
• Managed the ordering and stocking of dental supplies, reducing inventory costs by 10% and ensuring adequate supplies for all procedures.
• Trained and coached team members on best practices for patient care and office management, resulting in a 15% improvement in patient satisfaction scores and a 10% increase in team productivity.
• Dental supply and equipment management
• Team training and mentoring
• Collaboration with dental professionals
• Patient scheduling and billing
• Sterilization and disinfection protocols
• Patient recall systems
• Dental procedure knowledge
• Office management and organization
• Time management
• Conflict resolution
• Attention to detail
• Dental software proficiency
• X-ray and imaging skills

Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive patient education program, resulting in a 25% increase in patient compliance with oral hygiene recommendations.
• Managed inventory and supply ordering, reducing costs by 10% while ensuring adequate supplies for all procedures.
• Collaborated with dentists and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with special needs, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
• Implemented a new patient scheduling system, reducing wait times by 15% and increasing patient satisfaction scores by 20%.
• Developed and delivered training programs for new dental assistants, resulting in a 30% reduction in onboarding time and improved team performance.
• Managed patient records and billing processes, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations and reducing billing errors by 25%.
• Developed and implemented a system for tracking patient outcomes and satisfaction, resulting in a 15% improvement in patient satisfaction scores and better patient outcomes.
• Managed the sterilization and maintenance of dental equipment, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and reducing equipment downtime by 20%.
• Collaborated with dentists and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex medical histories, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
• Inventory and supply management
• Collaboration with healthcare professionals
• Patient scheduling and coordination
• Training and onboarding new staff
• Patient records and billing management
• HIPAA compliance
• Dental equipment sterilization and maintenance
• OSHA regulations compliance
• Patient outcome tracking and improvement
• Special needs patient care
• Handling complex medical histories

Beginner Dental Assistant Resume Example:

• Provided exceptional patient care, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate from patients and their families.
• Managed inventory and supplies, reducing waste by 20% and saving the practice $5,000 annually.
• Assisted in the implementation of new sterilization protocols, ensuring compliance with OSHA and CDC guidelines.
• Contributed to the development of a patient education program, resulting in a 30% increase in patient understanding of oral health and treatment options.
• Managed patient scheduling and appointment confirmations, reducing no-shows by 15% and increasing patient retention.
• Provided support in the preparation of dental materials, resulting in a 25% reduction in material waste and cost savings for the practice.
• Performed dental radiographs and assisted in restorative procedures, contributing to a 20% increase in patient treatment completion rates.
• Managed patient records and maintained accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Assisted in the training and onboarding of new team members, resulting in a 10% increase in team productivity and efficiency.
• Dental radiographs and imaging
• Restorative procedure assistance
• Patient education and engagement
• Scheduling and appointment management
• Dental material preparation
• Record keeping and documentation
• Team training and onboarding
• Time management and organization
• Basic computer and software skills
• Dental equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Professionalism and ethical conduct

Orthodontic Dental Assistant Resume Example:

• Implemented a patient education program that resulted in a 25% increase in patient compliance with oral hygiene instructions and a 15% reduction in treatment time.
• Developed and implemented a system for tracking and ordering dental supplies, resulting in a 20% reduction in waste and a 10% decrease in supply costs.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of a new patient scheduling system, resulting in a 30% reduction in patient wait times and a 20% increase in patient satisfaction scores.
• Managed the orthodontic laboratory, ensuring timely delivery of appliances and reducing turnaround time by 20%.
• Implemented a system for tracking patient progress and treatment plans, resulting in a 15% increase in treatment plan adherence and a 10% reduction in treatment time.
• Developed and implemented a system for tracking and managing patient records, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in accuracy.
• Developed and implemented a system for managing patient appointments, resulting in a 20% reduction in missed appointments and a 10% increase in patient satisfaction scores.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of a new patient intake process, resulting in a 30% reduction in patient wait times and a 20% increase in patient satisfaction scores.
• Managed the inventory of orthodontic appliances, ensuring timely delivery and reducing inventory costs by 15%.
• Dental supply management
• Patient scheduling and appointment management
• Orthodontic laboratory management
• Treatment plan tracking and adherence
• Patient record management
• Inventory management and cost reduction
• Patient intake process improvement
• Oral hygiene instruction
• Orthodontic appliance knowledge
• Team collaboration and coordination
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Adaptability to new technologies and systems

High Level Resume Tips for Dental Assistants:

Must-have information for a dental assistant resume:.

Here are the essential sections that should exist in an Dental Assistant resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience & Achievements
• Skills & Competencies

Additionally, if you're eager to make an impression and gain an edge over other Dental Assistant candidates, you may want to consider adding in these sections:

• Certifications/Training

Let's start with resume headlines.

Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important for Dental Assistants:

Dental assistant resume headline examples:, strong headlines.

• Experienced Dental Assistant with a passion for patient care and a proven track record of assisting in complex procedures
• Detail-oriented Dental Assistant with expertise in digital radiography and a commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients
• Certified Dental Assistant with a focus on providing exceptional customer service and a talent for managing patient records and scheduling appointments

Why these are strong: These resume headlines are strong for Dental Assistants as they highlight key skills and experiences that are relevant to the role. The first headline emphasizes the candidate's experience and passion for patient care, as well as their ability to assist in complex procedures. The second headline showcases the candidate's attention to detail and expertise in digital radiography, which are important skills for Dental Assistants. Finally, the third headline emphasizes the candidate's certification, focus on customer service, and talent for managing patient records and scheduling appointments, which are all important qualities that hiring managers look for in Dental Assistants.

Weak Headlines

• Skilled Dental Assistant with Experience in Patient Care
• Detail-Oriented Dental Assistant with Strong Communication Skills
• Dental Assistant with Knowledge of Dental Procedures and Equipment

Why these are weak:

• These resume headlines need improvement for Dental Assistants as they lack specificity and don't highlight any unique skills or accomplishments that the candidates bring to the table. The first headline mentions experience in patient care, but doesn't provide any context or results, such as patient satisfaction rates or successful treatment outcomes. The second headline mentions strong communication skills, but doesn't showcase any examples of how the candidate has effectively communicated with patients or colleagues. The third headline mentions knowledge of dental procedures and equipment, but doesn't provide any certifications or training that could strengthen the candidate's profile.

Writing an Exceptional Dental Assistant Resume Summary:

Resume summaries are crucial for Dental Assistants as they provide a brief yet impactful way to showcase their skills, experience, and unique value proposition. A well-crafted summary can immediately capture the attention of hiring managers, setting the tone for the rest of the resume and positioning the candidate as an ideal fit for the role.

For Dental Assistants specifically, an effective resume summary is one that highlights their ability to provide exceptional patient care, work collaboratively with dental professionals, and ensure smooth operations in the dental office.

Key points that Dental Assistants should convey in a resume summary include:

Relevant Experience: Clearly mention the number of years of experience you have in dental assisting, highlighting any notable achievements or career highlights. If you have experience with different types of dental procedures or specialties that are particularly relevant to the job, mention that too.

Technical and Domain Expertise: Showcase your knowledge of dental assisting procedures, equipment, and materials. Mention any certifications or licenses you hold, such as CPR or X-ray certification.

Collaboration and Teamwork: In any dental office, collaboration and teamwork are essential. Emphasize your ability to work closely with dentists, hygienists, and other dental professionals to provide exceptional patient care.

Patient-Centric Mindset: Highlight your ability to put patients at ease, provide compassionate care, and ensure their comfort throughout their dental visit.

Organizational and Administrative Skills: Show that you can manage patient records, schedule appointments, and ensure smooth operations in the dental office.

To create a compelling resume summary, use your best judgment to choose the right combination of these key points that align closest with the individual role you’re applying for. Remember, your resume summary will be one of the first things that a potential employer will see about you and your dental assisting career.

Dental Assistant Resume Summary Examples:

Strong summaries.

• Detail-oriented Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience in providing exceptional patient care and assisting with a wide range of dental procedures. Proficient in taking digital x-rays, sterilizing instruments, and managing patient records. Dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients, resulting in a 95% patient satisfaction rate.
• Certified Dental Assistant with expertise in orthodontic procedures and a passion for improving patients' oral health. Skilled in taking impressions, fitting braces, and providing patient education on proper oral hygiene. Collaborates effectively with dentists and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care. Recognized for exceptional patient communication skills and ability to put patients at ease.
• Experienced Dental Assistant with a focus on providing high-quality care to pediatric patients. Proficient in managing patient anxiety and creating a positive experience for children during dental procedures. Skilled in administering nitrous oxide and providing patient education on proper oral hygiene. Recognized for ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and maintain a high level of professionalism.

Why these are strong:

• These resume summaries are strong for Dental Assistants as they highlight the candidates' key skills, experience, and dedication to patient care. The first summary emphasizes the candidate's attention to detail and patient satisfaction rate, making them a valuable asset to any dental practice. The second summary showcases the candidate's expertise in orthodontic procedures and their ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals. Lastly, the third summary demonstrates the candidate's focus on pediatric patients and their ability to manage patient anxiety, making them highly appealing to potential employers in pediatric dentistry.

Weak Summaries

• Dental Assistant with experience in assisting dentists with patient care, seeking a new opportunity to utilize my skills and knowledge in a dental office setting.
• Experienced Dental Assistant with knowledge of dental procedures and equipment, seeking a position in a dental practice to further develop my skills and contribute to patient care.
• Dental Assistant with a passion for helping patients and a commitment to providing quality care, seeking a position in a dental office to support the dental team and ensure patient satisfaction.
• These resume summaries need improvement for Dental Assistants as they are too general and do not provide any specific details about the candidate's experience or accomplishments. The summaries do not showcase the candidate's unique value or skills, and do not provide any quantifiable results or details on the candidate's successes in patient care or supporting the dental team.

Resume Objective Examples for Dental Assistants:

Strong objectives.

• Seeking an entry-level Dental Assistant position to utilize my strong communication skills and passion for patient care to provide exceptional service and support to the dental team and patients.
• Recent graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant program with hands-on experience in dental procedures and patient care, seeking a Dental Assistant position to apply my knowledge and skills in a fast-paced dental office.
• Detail-oriented and organized Dental Assistant with experience in managing patient records and scheduling appointments, seeking a position in a dental practice where I can contribute to the efficient operation of the office and provide excellent patient care.
• These resume objectives are strong for up and coming Dental Assistants because they showcase the candidates' passion for patient care, education, and relevant skills, while also highlighting their eagerness to learn and contribute to the success of the dental practice. The first objective emphasizes the candidate's communication skills and dedication to patient care, which are important attributes for a Dental Assistant. The second objective showcases the candidate's education and hands-on experience in dental procedures and patient care, demonstrating a strong foundation for success in the role. Lastly, the third objective highlights the candidate's experience in managing patient records and scheduling appointments, making them a promising fit for a Dental Assistant position where they can further develop their skills and contribute to the efficient operation of the dental practice.

Weak Objectives

• Seeking a Dental Assistant position where I can utilize my skills and gain experience in the field.
• Entry-level Dental Assistant looking for a job in a dental office to learn more about the industry.
• Recent graduate with a passion for dentistry seeking a Dental Assistant role to gain hands-on experience.
• These resume objectives need improvement because they lack specificity and fail to highlight the candidate's unique skills or qualifications. The first objective is too generic and doesn't provide any information about the candidate's background or relevant experience. The second objective is too vague and doesn't mention any specific skills or education that the candidate possesses. The third objective, although it mentions a passion for dentistry, doesn't elaborate on the candidate's expertise or any particular area of dental assisting they are interested in, which would make their profile more appealing to potential employers.

Generate Your Resume Summary with AI

Speed up your resume creation process with the ai resume builder . generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your dental assistant work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.

• Emphasize your experience with dental procedures and terminology, including knowledge of dental instruments and equipment.
• Highlight your ability to work closely with dentists and other dental professionals to provide high-quality patient care.
• Showcase your organizational skills, including scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and maintaining a clean and safe dental environment.
• Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with patients, including explaining procedures and providing post-treatment instructions.
• Mention any experience with dental software and technology, such as electronic health records and digital imaging systems.
• Highlight any continuing education or certifications related to dental assisting, such as CPR certification or expanded functions training.
• Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, such as "assisted with dental procedures" or "managed inventory of dental supplies."
• Quantify your achievements where possible, such as "assisted with over 100 dental procedures per month" or "maintained a 95% patient satisfaction rate."

Example Work Experiences for Dental Assistants:

Strong experiences.

Assisted dentist in all aspects of patient care, including taking and developing X-rays, preparing instruments and materials, and providing chairside support during procedures.

Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and post-operative care instructions, resulting in a 25% decrease in patient complications and a 15% increase in patient satisfaction scores.

Maintained accurate patient records and appointment schedules, ensuring timely and efficient patient care and reducing wait times by 20%.

Sterilized and maintained dental instruments and equipment, adhering to strict infection control protocols and ensuring a safe and sanitary environment for patients and staff.

Managed inventory and ordering of dental supplies, reducing waste and saving the practice $5,000 annually.

Trained and supervised new dental assistants, resulting in a 50% decrease in training time and improved team morale.

• These work experiences are strong because they demonstrate a range of technical skills and responsibilities that are essential to the role of a Dental Assistant. The use of specific metrics and outcomes also highlights the candidate's ability to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Additionally, the inclusion of leadership and training experience showcases the candidate's potential for growth and advancement within the field.

Weak Experiences

Assisted dentist in various procedures, including taking X-rays, preparing materials, and sterilizing instruments.

Managed patient records and scheduling, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

Maintained cleanliness and organization of dental office and equipment.

Answered phones and greeted patients, providing basic information and scheduling appointments.

Assisted with administrative tasks, such as filing and data entry.

Cleaned and stocked operatories, ensuring they were ready for patient use.

• These work experiences are weak because they lack specificity and quantifiable results. They provide generic descriptions of tasks performed without showcasing the impact of the individual's work or the benefits brought to the company. To improve these bullet points, the candidate should focus on incorporating metrics to highlight their achievements, using more powerful action verbs, and providing clear context that demonstrates their leadership qualities and direct contributions to successful outcomes.

Top Skills & Keywords for Dental Assistant Resumes:

Top hard & soft skills for dental assistants, hard skills.

• Patient Care and Comfort
• Dental Radiography
• Infection Control and Sterilization
• Dental Charting and Record Keeping
• Dental Materials Knowledge
• Dental Anatomy and Terminology
• Dental Instrumentation and Tray Setup
• Dental Impressions and Models
• Dental Office Management Software
• CPR and Basic Life Support Certification
• Dental Health Education and Promotion

Soft Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Multitasking
• Professionalism

Go Above & Beyond with a Dental Assistant Cover Letter

Dental assistant cover letter example: (based on resume).

As a Dental Assistant, you understand the importance of attention to detail and providing exceptional patient care. Similarly, pairing your resume with a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other applicants and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. A cover letter is an extension of your resume, an opportunity to showcase your passion for the role and highlight your relevant experience. Contrary to common belief, crafting a compelling cover letter doesn't have to be a daunting task, and the benefits far outweigh the effort required.

Here are some compelling reasons for submitting a cover letter as a Dental Assistant:

• Personalize your application and showcase your genuine interest in the dental practice and the patients you will be serving
• Highlight your unique skills and experience that align with the specific job requirements, such as experience with dental software or knowledge of dental procedures
• Communicate your understanding of the dental practice's needs and how you plan to contribute to the team
• Share success stories and achievements that couldn't be accommodated in your resume, such as improving patient satisfaction or implementing new processes to increase efficiency
• Demonstrate your strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for Dental Assistants
• Differentiate yourself from other applicants who might have opted not to submit a cover letter and show that you are willing to go the extra mile to secure the position.

In summary, a cover letter is a valuable tool for Dental Assistants to showcase their skills, experience, and passion for the role. It can help personalize their application and set them apart from other applicants, ultimately increasing their chances of landing an interview.

Resume FAQs for Dental Assistants:

How long should i make my dental assistant resume.

A Dental Assistant resume should ideally be one to two pages long. It should include all relevant information about your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. However, it is important to keep in mind that the length of your resume should not compromise its quality. It is better to have a concise and well-written resume than a lengthy one that is filled with irrelevant information. As a Dental Assistant, you should focus on highlighting your skills and experience in the dental field, including your knowledge of dental procedures, equipment, and patient care. Additionally, you should tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Overall, a well-crafted and concise resume is key to standing out as a Dental Assistant candidate.

What is the best way to format a Dental Assistant resume?

The best way to format a Dental Assistant resume is to start with a clear and concise summary statement that highlights your skills and experience in the field. Use bullet points to list your relevant work experience, education, and certifications. Be sure to include any specialized skills or training you have received, such as experience with digital radiography or dental software programs. It is also important to include any volunteer work or community service related to the dental field. Use a professional font and keep the formatting consistent throughout the document. Finally, proofread your resume carefully to ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A well-formatted and error-free resume can help you stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of landing a job as a Dental Assistant.

Which Dental Assistant skills are most important to highlight in a resume?

When highlighting skills on a Dental Assistant resume, it is important to focus on both technical and soft skills. Technical skills may include knowledge of dental procedures, equipment, and materials, as well as proficiency in taking x-rays, sterilizing instruments, and assisting the dentist during procedures. Soft skills may include communication, teamwork, organization, and attention to detail. It is also important to tailor the skills highlighted on the resume to the specific job description and requirements. For example, if the job requires experience with a particular type of dental software, be sure to highlight that skill. Overall, a strong Dental Assistant resume should showcase a combination of technical and soft skills that demonstrate the candidate's ability to provide high-quality patient care and work effectively as part of a dental team.

How should you write a resume if you have no experience as a Dental Assistant?

If you have no experience as a Dental Assistant, you can still create a strong resume that highlights your skills and qualifications. Here are some tips to help you get started: 1. Focus on transferable skills: Even if you haven't worked as a Dental Assistant before, you may have skills and experience that are relevant to the job. For example, you may have experience working in customer service, healthcare, or administration. Highlight these skills on your resume and explain how they could be applied to a Dental Assistant role. 2. Emphasize your education: If you have completed any relevant coursework or training programs, make sure to include this information on your resume. This can show potential employers that you have a basic understanding of dental terminology, procedures, and equipment. 3. Include any relevant volunteer or internship experience: If you have volunteered or completed an internship in a dental office, make sure to include this on your resume. This can demonstrate your interest in the field and your willingness to learn. 4.

Compare Your Dental Assistant Resume to a Job Description:

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Dental Assistant job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Related Resumes for Dental Assistants:

Dental assistant resume example, entry level dental assistant resume example, registered dental assistant resume example, lead dental assistant resume example, pediatric dental assistant resume example, beginner dental assistant resume example, orthodontic dental assistant resume example, more resume guidance:.

• • Assisted in over 500 dental procedures, including fillings, extractions, and root canals, maintaining a 99% patient satisfaction rate.
• • Managed patient records and appointments using Dentrix software, resulting in a 20% increase in clinic efficiency.
• • Implemented a new sterilization protocol for dental instruments, reducing cross-contamination risks by 30%.
• • Shadowed experienced dental assistants in over 200 implant procedures, gaining valuable insights into complex dental care.
• • Contributed to patient education on post-surgical care, leading to a 15% decrease in post-operative complications.
• • Organized dental supplies inventory, ensuring availability of necessary materials for all scheduled procedures.

11 Dental Assistant Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your dental assistant resume must clearly highlight your clinical skills. Include any specialized training, such as in radiology or infection control. Additionally, your dental assistant resume should showcase your patient care abilities. Demonstrate experience with dental health procedures and patient communication.

All resume examples in this guide

Senior Dental Assistant

Entry Level Dental Assistant

Pediatric Dental Assistant

Dental Hygienist

Dental Assistant-In-Training

Oral Surgery Assistant

Orthodontic Dental Assistant

Dental Hygiene Assistant

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Certified Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant | Patient Care | Radiology resume example

Resume Guide

Dental Assistant Resume Example

Resume Format

Resume Experience

Hard & Soft Skills

Certifications & Education

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Like chameleons, dental assistants adapt to their environment, fitting in wherever needed. Scheduling appointments, greeting patients with a friendly smile, prepping rooms and equipment, assisting in procedures, managing office supplies and patient records, dental assistants are the unsung heroes of the dental office.

This guide, with examples and pro-tips, will ensure your numerous skills and qualifications are evident in the limited space available on your dental assistant resume. As well as addressing these common resume-writing challenges dental assistants encounter:

• C ertification and licensure requirements for dental assistants vary based on location and employer, making it difficult to determine which to include on your resume.
• As a dental assistant, you may have diverse skill sets, and choosing the most relevant ones for a particular job can be difficult.
• Choosing the most effective keywords for your resume can be tricky since they may vary among dental assistant jobs.
• The high demand for dental assistants means many enter the field without prior experience.  We have tips and tricks to help you combat that.

To see additional resumes and cover letter guides for related positions, check out these as well:

• Dental nurse resume & guide
• Dental hygienist resume & guide
• Entry level dental assistant resume & guide
• Pediatric dental assistant resume & guide
• Dental assistant cover letter & guide  

Dental assistant  resume example

Here's what this applicant does well in their resume:

• Highlighting practical experience: The resume effectively showcases hands-on experience in dental procedures, including assisting in over 500 dental procedures and gaining experience in a dental implant center. This demonstrates practical skills crucial for a Dental Assistant.
• Quantifying achievements: By quantifying achievements, like a 99% patient satisfaction rate and reducing post-operative complications by 15%, the resume conveys the applicant's effectiveness and impact in previous roles.
• Specialized certifications and skills: Including a Certified Dental Assistant certification and specialized training in Radiology Safety and Techniques, along with skills in patient care, radiology, and Dentrix software, aligns well with the requirements for a Dental Assistant role.

How to format a dental assistant  resume

Your resume’s formatting is an opportunity to demonstrate technical skills in creating well-formatted, easy-to-read documents, an administrative task you may be asked to perform as a dental assistant.

To ensure your resume is well-organized, professional, and memorable, follow these formatting best practices:

• Creative Elements: Include creative elements  like colors and decorative patterns to make your resume unique and memorable.
• Header Content: A prominent header  featuring your name, desired job title, and contact information  lets employers view them at a glance.  
• Ordering: List all section examples in reverse chronological order  to ensure your most recent and relevant appear first.

Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is critical when formatting your dental assistant resume.

ATS analyzes text on resumes, looking for exact keywords or phrases corresponding to desired skills and qualifications for a specific job. Employers use these systems to quickly sort and prioritize resumes to consider the most qualified candidates.

Here’s what’s considered “best practices” for ATS-optimized formatting on your dental assistant resume:

• Fonts: Select ATS-friendly fonts matching the overall style of your resume. Some ATS-friendly fonts are Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman. However, by employing these overused fonts, you may miss a chance to make your resume stand out. For interesting, modern font options with great readability, try Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, Raleway, Exo 2, or Volkhov, all available on the Enhancv Resume Builder.
• Document Type: PDF files  are standard for resumes to ensure formatting is maintained and ATS can easily identify and analyze text.
• Creative Elements in Text: Avoid using nonessential stylistic features within text. Elements such as emojis for bullets and non-standard date formats can impede ATS’ ability to recognize information in these sections.
• Headings and Subheadings: Ensure resume sections are organized and include simple, precise headings. Standard section titles ensure ATS accurately recognizes and extracts information from these sections.

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To improve the organization and ATS optimization of your resume, include the following top-recommended sections:

The top sections on a dental assistant resume:

• Contact Information: This allows prospective employers to know who the resume belongs to and how to get in touch with the candidate.
• Personal Statement: A brief, concise explanation of the candidate's motivation for becoming a dental assistant and the unique skills or experiences they bring.
• Certifications and Licenses: In the field of dental assistance, certain qualifications or licenses can be legally required, proving the candidate's ability to carry out the specific tasks.
• Experience: A short history of the candidate's related work experience to verify their skills.
• Clinical skills: Recruiters prioritize proficiency in clinical tasks central to patient care.
• Administrative skills: These are vital to maintaining patient records and office efficiency.

While applicants may have unique backgrounds and qualifications, be sure to include these highly sought-after qualifications on your dental assistant resume when possible:

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Dental a ssisting c ertification: Many states require dental assistants to be certified, so this is often a top priority for recruiters to ensure the candidate meets legal requirements.
• Experience with d ental s oftware: Knowledge of specific dental software such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft shows an ability to manage patient data and scheduling, which can be critical in dental offices.
• X-Ray c ertification: In many cases, dental assistants might be required to take x-rays; hence having this certification can make the candidate more attractive to recruiters.
• Basic l ife s upport s kills: Dental procedures can sometimes lead to medical emergencies, so candidates with life support skills are typically highly valued.
• Chairside m anner: Recruiters often prioritize dental assistants who demonstrate good interpersonal skills, as they need to interact with patients, easing their worries and explaining procedures.

How to write your dental assistant resume experience

The daily responsibilities of dental assistants vary depending on their credentials and the size and specialization of the dental office where they work. Therefore, it’s critical to highlight employment experiences requiring equivalent skills to the position you are applying for.  

To quickly and easily create a targeted dental assistant resume  for each application, follow these steps:  

• Create a resume template including a complete list of your experiences, certifications, education, and skills.
• Make a copy of the template for each new application.
• Review the job description for each new job you apply to, paying close attention to the ideal candidate description.
• In the copy of the template, delete all examples that don't align with the job description.
• Edit remaining examples to ensure they include keywords  directly copied from the job description for increased ATS optimization.

The experience section  of your dental assistant resume should be more than a list of tasks you performed. It’s an opportunity to share the specialized skills you developed and the achievements you made in those past positions. This reveals not only what you did but how successfully you did it.

Take a look at the following experience examples to better understand how focusing on achievements rather than duties improves an experience description.

• • Worked reception answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and checking in patients.
• • Assisted the dentist in various procedures.
• • Conducted preliminary patient assessments and recorded medical histories.
• • Updated patient records using electronic health records (EHR) systems.

This applicant fails to use active verbs and specific details to document their accomplishments in this role. The description of their duties comes off as generic and doesn’t reflect how well they performed these tasks, which could set them apart from other applicants who performed many of the same tasks.

• • Managed front desk responsibilities, seeing an average of 30 patients daily, including scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and handling patient inquiries with professionalism and courtesy.
• • Created education flyers to distribute to patients on topics including post-treatment care, oral hygiene practices, and preventive measures, contributing to improved patient satisfaction and compliance.
• • Collaborated with the dental team to implement infection control protocols, maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment.
• • Successfully completed 8 bi-annual professional development sessions to stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.

This applicant does an excellent job using active verbs to indicate they not only performed their assigned duties but actively contributed by managing, creating, collaborating on, and completing them. It’s evident from this description that the applicant was successful and gained valuable experience in this job.

Additionally, they do a nice job including examples and keywords to describe their skills and qualifications for ATS optimization.

How to quantify impact on your resume

An excellent way to stand out amongst other applicants and boost your resume impact  is to include quantifiable evidence of your skills and abilities in your experience descriptions. These are tangible, measurable, or verifiable details that highlight your accomplishments  in past jobs.

The example above provides an excellent example of incorporating quantifiable evidence:

“Successfully completed 8 bi-annual professional development sessions to stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.”

This applicant stated the number of professional development sessions completed to clarify their dedication to continued learning and staying current in the industry.

In addition to sharing the number of completed training sessions, workshops, or certifications, there are many other ways to quantify your impact. Here are a few additional options for using numbers and data  to quantify your skills in your experience descriptions:

• Share a percentage increase in efficiency or patient satisfaction to illustrate the effectiveness of your efforts.
• State the number of patients assisted daily to demonstrate efficiency and capacity to manage a fast-paced environment and large workload.
• Note how many dental procedures you are proficient in to highlight your diverse skill set.
• Identify the size of office staff you've worked with to indicate your experience collaborating as a team member.
• Detail the number of patient records you've managed to showcase your ability to organize and maintain high volumes of patient data.
• Share the amount of office management software or dental equipment you're proficient using to emphasize your technical acumen.
• Mention reductions in wait times or operational costs you contributed to illustrate your efficiency and attention to detail.

When including numbers and statistics, be selective by only mentioning data relevant to the position you're applying for. For example, a small dental practice focused on positive patient experience will be more impressed by how your efforts resulted in an increased percentage of patient satisfaction than how many patients you treated daily in a large, fast-paced dental office.

How do I write a dental assistant resume with no experience

Some employers offer applicants on-the-job training or certification contingent employment, creating opportunities for applicants without prior dental assistant experience.

However, there are additional considerations to keep in mind when writing a dental assistant resume with no experience . A crucial element is ensuring experiences highlight transferable skills, such as employment, temp work , or even medical or dental office volunteering.

Follow these steps to write an experience section highlighting transferable skills without dental assistant experience:

• Compile a list of keywords from the job description.
• Brainstorm previous employment, educational, or volunteer experiences that showcase the same keyword skills and knowledge from the job description.
• To add credibility, include tangible evidence of these skills, such as certifications, achievements, and quantifiable data.
• Avoid including irrelevant work experiences  or outdated experiences .
• List experiences in reverse chronological order to ensure your most recent and relevant examples appear first.

Don’t worry about explaining or giving details about how your transferable skills align with the job you are applying for in your resume. Your  dental assistant cover letter  is an excellent opportunity to detail further how your background aligns with the open position.

Without dental assistant experience, this section aims to share related jobs and transferable skills, especially those in medical or dental environments. The best way to demonstrate your potential to succeed in the available position is to utilize keywords from the job description in your examples.

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

The skills section  of your dental assistant resume can be intimidating since an extensive list may be necessary to highlight the broad range of skills required of dental assistants.

Include subsections where appropriate to keep your skills lists manageable—for instance, listing hard and soft skills in separate sections. In addition, you can organize hard skills by creating subsections for clinical and administrative skills.

Additionally, you can trim a lengthy skills section by tailoring it to the desired position. The skills an employer values most will depend on many factors, such as the size of the office, patient demographics, number of employees, and dental specialty. Therefore, it's not necessary to include every skill for every application.

Hard skills - in a nutshell

Hard skills  are skills necessary to perform a particular job. They typically require study, training, and practice.

 In the dental field, hard skills often require certification and reflect technical abilities, like using office software and dental equipment or performing dental procedures.

When brainstorming hard skills to include on your dental assistant resume, consult this list of top sought by employers in the field:

Best clinical hard skills for your dental assistant resume

• Dental X-ray photography
• Dental impression molding
• Sterilization techniques
• Dental instrument preparation
• Dental procedure assisting
• Coronal polishing
• Fluoride application
• Sealant application
• Infection control
• First aid and CPR
• Oral evacuation
• Digital radiography
• Photography
• Dental health education
• Restorative procedures
• Orthodontic procedures
• Periodontal dressings

Best administrative hard skills for your dental assistant resume

• Administrative Skills
• Patient management software
• Dental coding and billing
• Supply inventory management
• HIPAA compliance
• Dental office management

Soft  skills - in a nutshell

Soft skills  are intrinsic, personal skills demonstrating the kind of employee you'll be. In a dental office, these skills enable you to provide excellent patient care and satisfaction. For example, in the dental field, compassion, empathy, and active listening are valued regardless of the office in which you work.

These are some of the top soft skills employers look for in dental assistant applicants:

Best soft skills for your dental assistant resume

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Stress management
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Listening skills
• Organizational skills
• Professionalism
• Trustworthiness
• Tact and diplomacy
• Customer service skills

Follow these steps to write your dental assistant skills sections:

• Format your skills section as a simple list without elaboration or examples.
• Differentiate between hard and soft skills by listing them in separate subsections.
• Consider organizing your hard skills further by adding subheadings for clinical skills and administrative skills.
• Target your skills section using keyword skills from the job description.
• Write these keyword skills precisely as they appear in the job description to enhance ATS analysis.
• Never lie about or exaggerate your skills on your resume.
• Ensure consistency between your experience and skills sections by listing the skills mentioned in the experience section in the skills section and vice versa.

In general, employers are willing to offer training in hard skills. However, the intrinsic nature of soft skills makes them difficult to teach. Therefore, it's essential to tailor your resume's hard skills for each application and to include as many keyword soft skills as possible.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

While certification is not always required, many employers prefer applicants with a general dental assisting certification. Beyond that, there are numerous expanded dental functions certifications (EDFC) available to enable Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) to perform specialized tasks such as performing X-rays.

Your resume's education and certifications sections should reinforce your skills sections as evidence supporting your stated skills.

To write your dental assistant certification section and education section, follow these steps:

• Create separate sections titled “Education” and  “Certifications” to allow ATS to parse information from your resume accurately.
• List all degrees and certifications in reverse chronological order, putting your most recent and relevant at the top.

Education Specific  best practices :

• For each degree, include the name of the university, its’ location, the dates you attended, and the title of your degree.
• Continuing education courses , like those required for a CDA, should be listed in the education section.
• Including your GPA is optional unless the job description specifies a minimum GPA requirement.
• You can include brief statements about relevant exceptional  coursework achievements  in the example description.
• Only include your major and minor  if relevant to the desired position or if it provides relevant information about your background. For example, a minor in Spanish may be appropriate. However, a minor in Dance probably isn’t.

Here’s an example of how an excellent education example:

• • Earned perfect scores in all 10 required courses.
• • Completed a supervised clinical externship, gaining practical experience in assisting with various dental procedures and leading to my first dental assistant employment.

Best practices for listing examples on your resume’s certification section :

• Include the name of the certification, the certifying institution, and the year obtained.
• When appropriate, consider listing certifications under the subheadings “Clinical Certifications” and “Administrative Certifications” for clarity.
• Limit certifications to current, unexpired credentials. For example, if you were certified in CPR four years ago and never renewed, you shouldn't list this since CPR certification is only valid for two years.
• If a certification requires renewal to remain valid, include the date first acquired as well as the most recent renewal date or a "valid through" date. For certifications you have held long-term, this demonstrates soft skills such as organization and responsibility.
• Limit your certifications to only those specifically named or directly related to the required skills mentioned in the job description.

Here’s an example of how a certification item requiring renewal should look on your dental assistant resume:

If you're considering adding a dental assistant certification to your resume, check out one of these highly sought-after by employers.

Best certifications for your dental assistant resume

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
• Registered Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions (RDAEF) by Various State Dental Boards (specific websites vary by state)
• Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant (COMSA) by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
• Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
• Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator (CDPMA) by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

It's essential to be selective when writing your dental assistant resume's education and certifications sections.

Some employers may sift through long lists. However, others will only take a cursory look before determining whether or not your background will suit their needs. Therefore, limiting your qualifications to highlight those that best demonstrate your ability to succeed is critical.

How to write your dental assistant resume summary or objective

A summary or objective section, sometimes called “ Resume Profiles ” or “ Personal Statements ,” allows you to briefly contextualize how the data and facts on your resume correspond to your career progression and goals.

These sections demonstrate your suitability for the position, which may not be evident, particularly if you don’t have prior experience as a dental assistant.

Regardless of which personal statement you select, it should clarify how your experiences and qualifications make you a suitable candidate for an available job.

Follow these best practices when writing either a summary or an objective:

• Customize the statement to match the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
• Start sentences with action verbs to make your summary dynamic and impactful.
• Be brief. A summary should only be 3-5 sentences.

The difference between a summary and an objective is the focus on either your past experiences or future career goals.

A resume summary  focuses on your past work experience and how it aligns with an available job. On the other hand, a resume objective  focuses on your future career goals to illustrate how they correspond with the position.

A summary is preferable for dental assistants with extensive experience well aligned to the available job, for example, in the same dental specialty. It highlights how your past success indicates your potential to succeed in that particular role.

To write a summary for your dental assistant resume , follow these best practices:  

• Highlight your most relevant skills or experiences that directly overlap with the job description.
• Briefly mention your years of experience to provide context for your level of expertise.
• Write an impactful summary using keywords  directly from the job description, highlighting your well-aligned keyword experiences and skills.
• Use details such as naming specific software, dental equipment, procedures, and certifications to reinforce the relevance of your experiences.  
• Convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue providing high-quality patient care in the dental field in this position.

Check out how the following summary is improved by including specific details to reinforce skills.

This applicant overlooks several opportunities to include specific details, such as examples of procedures they are proficient in, contributions they’ve made, and their specific certification to incorporate keywords and ensure their qualifications are evident to the employer.

This applicant includes specific examples of tasks they are proficient in, procedures they've performed, and their impact on patient satisfaction. They also named the professional organization where they completed their continuing education. These details lend authority to their stated skills and qualifications and enhance ATS analysis by including keywords from the job description.

An objective section is a better option for dental assistants with limited experience or who are applying for their first job. It allows you to focus on how you plan to use your background to achieve career goals while contributing to the success of the office.

To write your dental assistant resume objective, follow these best practices:

• Describe the type of position you are seeking.
• Share relevant or transferable skills   that will help you succeed in the position using keywords  directly from the job description .
• Clearly state your career goals and enthusiasm to work towards them in the role.
• Highlight valuable contributions you can make while learning and gaining experience.
• Avoid generic phrases. Instead, focus on specific skills and goals that set you apart.

Rephrasing specifics from the “Qualifications” or “Ideal Candidate” sections of a job description is a great way to guarantee you mention the skills and qualifications most valued by the employer.

Additional sections for a dental assistant resume

In addition to the top-resume sections , consider including one or more of these optional resume sections  to highlight specific qualifications or accomplishments that will help you stand out among the other dental assistant applicants.

• Languages: Excellent patient communication is a cornerstone of patient care. Therefore, being multilingual is a valuable asset in patient-centric environments. Including a language section  is an effective way to set yourself apart from other applicants.
• Achievements and Awards: If you’ve received recognition for your work in the past, consider including an awards and achievements section  as evidence to support your stated soft skills. In addition to individual awards, you can include awards your office received, such as being voted the top healthcare facility in your community.
• Professional Associations: A professional Associations section highlights your dedication to ongoing improvement and staying current in dentistry. If you’d like to include a professional association membership to your resume, consider joining one of the leading professional associations for dental assistants below.

Professional associations for dental assistants

These prominent professional associations for dental assistants provide resources, support, and opportunities for networking and continuing education:

• American Dental Assistants Association ( ADAA )
• American Association of Dental Office Management ( AADOM )
• National Dental Assistants Association ( NDAA )
• Academy of Chairside Assisting ( ACA )
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry ( AAPD )

Individualizing your resume with tailored sections ensures it reflects all your top qualifications and stands out among other applicants. Should you include sections other than those above, be sure they use catchy, ATS-friendly headings .

How to write a specialization section

If you have extensive experience or certifications in a particular dental specialty directly corresponding to an available job, consider including a specialization section to highlight these qualifications.

Your dental assistant specialization section should include the following:

• The title of your dental assistant specialization
• Relevant training or certifications
• Specialty-specific billing and coding experience
• Technical skills  related to using software and equipment
• Skills and expertise in performing specialized dental procedures
• Relevant soft skills, for instance, patience and communication, are vital when working with children in a pediatric dental office.

Here’s an example of how your specialization section should appear on your resume:

Only include a specialization section that demonstrates extensive knowledge, skills, and qualifications if applicable to the available dental assistant position. For instance, the example above would be relevant to a family or pediatric dental office. However, it would not likely be relevant enough to include as a separate section for work in a prosthodontic office.  In this case, these skills may be mentioned in the other resume sections , such as the experience section, to demonstrate your capacity to learn specialized skills.

Key takeaways

Selecting among the multitude of skills and qualifications required for dental assisting is one of the and most challenging aspects when writing a resume.

To ensure your dental assistant resume accurately reflects your most valuable, unique skills, experiences, and qualifications, review these key takeaways:

• Targeted resumes include only examples relevant to the available position as found in the job description.
• ATS-optimized formatting helps ensure your dental assistant resume reaches employers.
• Provide quantifiable evidence of achievements in previous dental offices to demonstrate your impact in past jobs.
• Include clinical and administrative hard skills as well as transferable soft skills, using precise wording for enhanced ATS optimization.
• List relevant education and certifications demonstrating your dentistry knowledge and qualifications.
• Give context to the information on your resume by including either a summary or an objective section, depending on your experience level in similar dental assistant positions.
• Use additional sections to showcase credentials that don't fit within other resume sections.
• Include a specialization section when your past dental assistant employment is in a similar environment to the available position to highlight your expertise.

Dental Assistant resume examples

Explore additional dental assistant resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Dental Assistant resume?

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Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

• Resume Examples
• Medical Resumes

10 Dental Assistant Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Dental assistants are on the front lines of working with both dentists and patients to create a clear path forward for dental health. if you want to work in a fast-paced field that contains both clinical and clerical elements, this guide will help you build a dental assistant resume by reviewing three example templates and a list of key skills and action verbs to consider including.

Dental health is considered by many physicians to be the foundation for overall health, meaning those who work in the field as dental assistants are providing a valuable service to the public while simultaneously honing various transferable skills. Dental assistants are in high demand with the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipating a seven percent annual growth rate through 2029 - or almost double the rate of growth for most jobs. Dental assistants can expect to work directly with patients, including completing registration, handling insurance details, and scheduling appointments. In addition, dental assistants will often perform clinical work such as sterilizing equipment, preparing the patient for the dentist, or assisting the dentist during oral health procedures. Hiring managers are looking for specific skills and responsibilities in their dental assistant applicants, and this guide will help you identify and include the appropriate skills that match your experience. We’ll start by looking at three example resumes for dental assistants at different stages of their careers.

Dental Assistant Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Dental Assistant
• Certified Dental Assistant
• Registered Dental Assistant
• Entry Level Dental Assistant
• Experienced Dental Assistant
• Pediatric Dental Assistant
• Lead Dental Assistant

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Dental Assistant Resumes

Dental Assistant Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Medical Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 10: Dental Assistant Resume Example

As a dental assistant, you play a vital role in supporting dentists and performing various tasks that keep dental practices running smoothly. In recent years, there's been an increased focus on patient comfort and creating a welcoming environment, so dental assistants should emphasize these skills in their resumes. Additionally, dental practices are adopting more advanced technology, so showcasing your familiarity with these tools can set you apart from other candidates. When writing your resume, it's important to highlight your hands-on experience and knowledge of dental procedures, as well as any specific certifications you have obtained. Also, don't forget to mention any administrative duties you've handled, as dental assistants often juggle both clinical and clerical tasks.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   showcase patient care skills.

Since dental assistants frequently interact with patients, it's crucial to emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills. Highlight any experience that demonstrates your ability to provide comfort and reassurance to patients, manage patient flow, and maintain a clean and organized workspace.

   Highlight dental technology proficiency

As dental practices continue to adopt advanced technology, hiring managers will appreciate applicants who are well-versed in using modern dental equipment and software. Make sure to mention any experience with digital X-rays, dental practice management software, and other relevant technologies.

Skills you can include on your Dental Assistant resume

Template 2 of 10: dental assistant resume example.

Start your resume with a succinct summary that outlines your background as a dental assistant to catch the eye of hiring managers and give them an accurate impression of your personal skill set. Incorporate numerical values in the summary whenever relevant, and make sure to do the same in the body of your resume to impart an affinity for precision.

   Opening summary specifies dental assistant skills

As the background of dental assistants can vary based on their experience working alongside dentists or at the front of the office, you can orient hiring managers to your particular background by including a short summary at the start of your resume. You can opt to include the tasks and skills you have expertise in, the amount of time you've been a dental assistant, or the type or size of office(s) you've worked in.

   Uses numerical values to impart scope and scale of dental experience

Having an eye for details and accuracy is an important aspect of the clerical duties dental assistants are expected to perform. With that in mind, you should aim to use quantitative values in each of your bullet-pointed accomplishments as it will help hiring managers understand exactly how big your previous offices were, how high your satisfaction rating was, how many physicians you’re accustomed to working with, and so on.

Template 3 of 10: Certified Dental Assistant Resume Example

As a Certified Dental Assistant, you'll be an integral part of any dental practice, providing valuable support to dentists and ensuring a smooth patient experience. When crafting your resume, it's essential to showcase your expertise in dental procedures, patient care, and office management. Keep in mind that the dental field is continually evolving, with advancements in technology and shifts towards more patient-centric care. Employers are looking for dental assistants who are adaptable and committed to staying current on industry trends. In your resume, emphasize your technical skills, certifications, and experience working as a dental assistant. Also, highlight your ability to work well with patients of all ages and backgrounds, as well as your strong communication skills. Your resume should demonstrate your ability to effectively manage your time and multitask in a busy dental practice while maintaining a high standard of patient care.

Tips to help you write your Certified Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   showcase your certifications.

As a Certified Dental Assistant, your resume should highlight your relevant certifications, such as your Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, radiology certification, or any additional dental assisting licensures. Include these in a dedicated "Certifications" section to demonstrate your expertise and qualifications.

   Emphasize infection control skills

Dental practices prioritize maintaining a sterile environment, and employers value dental assistants who are diligent in infection control protocols. Include any OSHA or HIPAA training you've received, and mention your experience in maintaining a safe and clean workspace within the dental practice.

Skills you can include on your Certified Dental Assistant resume

Template 4 of 10: certified dental assistant resume example.

Certified dental assistants have less formal education than registered dental assistants, but will generally be handling the same role at both the front and back of the dentist office. Their duties include entering medical records and scheduling appointments as well as reviewing dental procedures with patients. You can emphasize your experience in the role by listing your skills in a skill bank, along with a list of your certifications nearby. The body of your resume should support the certifications with practical experience.

   Includes skill bank to emphasize dental breadth and expertise

Hiring managers are typically pressed for time, and so a skill bank is a great way to highlight the technical tools and techniques you are familiar with. You should include the relevant software you’ve used (especially if it is field specific) and the full list of certifications you’ve attained.

   Emphasizes breadth of relevant accomplishments in the dental industry

Along with a skill bank, you should be sure that your bullet pointed accomplishments reflect the skills you’ve mastered by including a variety of dental assistant tasks for your past employers. Don’t just include the number of patients you worked with at past employers, but aim to reference your work compiling guides, performing chairside assistance, and ability to sterilize, for instance.

Template 5 of 10: Registered Dental Assistant Resume Example

As a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), your resume should showcase your specialized skills and knowledge in dental assisting. Stay updated on industry trends to demonstrate your commitment to providing top-notch patient care. For example, highlight your knowledge of new dental technologies and how they benefit patients and dental practices. In recent years, digital dentistry has taken off, so showcasing your proficiency in using digital equipment and software can help set you apart from other applicants. It's also important to emphasize your ability to work well with others, as RDAs are essential members of the dental team. Highlight your interpersonal skills, such as empathy and active listening, which contribute to a positive patient experience and seamless communication among team members.

Tips to help you write your Registered Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   emphasize specialized skills and certifications.

As an RDA, you should list any specialized skills, certifications, and training courses you've completed that relate to dental assisting. For instance, if you've earned certifications in radiology, CPR, or infection control, make sure to include them on your resume to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to patient care.

   Showcase experience with digital dentistry tools

Highlight your experience using digital dentistry tools and equipment, such as digital X-ray machines, intraoral scanners, and dental practice management software. This shows employers that you're keeping up with technology trends and can easily adapt to a modern dental practice.

Skills you can include on your Registered Dental Assistant resume

Template 6 of 10: registered dental assistant resume example.

Registered dental assistants (RDAs) have the highest educational requirements and will handle virtually everything in a dental office except the duties of the dentist. RDAs conduct administrative and clerical duties (such as scheduling and preparing clinical spaces for patients) and clinical duties such as taking x-rays and administering topical anesthesia. Hiring managers will be looking for advanced responsibilities that have grown over time, which can be augmented through the use of strong action verbs.

   Shows progressive growth in responsibilities and positions across dental professions

As a registered dental assistant, you should be able to indicate that you have been growing in the degree of responsibility in your position over time. You can illustrate that in your resume by ensuring that your most recent position involves your most impressive accomplishments (such as performing procedures or attending professional development workshops).

   Effective use of strong action verbs relevant to the medical field

To emphasize that you are familiar with the role of dental assistant, each one of your accomplishments should begin with an appropriate action verb. You should aim to include verbs like “assisted”, “prepared”, “provided”, or “fabricated” (with others listed below) to hammer in your understanding of the position.

Template 7 of 10: Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume Example

A dental assistant facilitates many tasks within a dentist’s office. These individuals have specialized knowledge in dental health and safety. They may be responsible for administrative tasks, teeth cleanings, taking X-rays, and patient education. They may also assist the dentist in more advanced procedures such as root canals. To become a dental assistant, most hiring managers will require you to have completed a dental assisting program, which is typically 1-2 years. At the end of this course, you’ll need to get certified as a dental assistant. A bachelor’s degree is not required, though if taken in a related field, might give you a leg up. Previous experience in a dental setting, like working as a receptionist in a dentist’s office, will be attractive to hiring managers.

Tips to help you write your Entry Level Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   complete an externship to stand out as an entry level dental assistant.

An externship can be a great way to get hands-on dental assisting experience before entering the field. Your educational institution may have many externship opportunities available. Often, externships are counted toward the completion of the course as voluntary credits. Externships give you exposure and real-world training in a dental setting, which look great on an entry level resume.

   Differentiate your resume with speciality certifications or licenses

Almost all dental assistants have to pass the CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) exam. However, you can obtain speciality certifications and set yourself apart. For example, you can get a certification in orthodontic dental assisting or restorative dentistry. This diversifies your resume and can help you land jobs in more specialized sectors like orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry.

Skills you can include on your Entry Level Dental Assistant resume

Template 8 of 10: experienced dental assistant resume example.

A dental assistant facilitates several procedures within a dentist’s office. They have specialized knowledge in dental health and safety. An experienced dental assistant will be tasked with core elements of the dental assistant role, including teeth cleanings, performing X-rays, and more. An experienced dental assistant may also have other duties, like training new hygienists, assisting with more complicated procedures like oral surgery, or managing patient data. To become an experienced dental assistant, hiring managers will require that you have an educational background in dental assisting, and are a certified dental assistant. To land a role as an experienced dental assistant, you’ll need prior experience as a dental assistant with a track record of competency and excellence.

Tips to help you write your Experienced Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight your successes in previous dental assistant roles.

To land a role as an experienced dental assistant, you’ll need to show hiring managers that you have valuable experience in the field. It’s important to highlight what you have excelled at in previous roles. For example, you can highlight how many patients you successfully committed to a needed course of treatment, or how you successfully secured and organized patient data.

   Get certified in dental office software like Dentrix

When recruiting for an experienced dental assistant, hiring managers will often be looking for someone who has the ability to streamline administrative operations. You can obtain certifications, such as the Dentrix certification, that provide the skills needed to proficiently use the program and how to train others on it. These certifications will make your resume stand out as they show administrative competency and the ability to teach colleagues about office software.

Skills you can include on your Experienced Dental Assistant resume

Template 9 of 10: pediatric dental assistant resume example.

Pediatric dental assistants support pediatric dentists. Though you are not likely to perform procedures on patients, you may still perform clinical tasks like sterilizing equipment, preparing patients, and giving advice to patients on oral healthcare. A lot of your time will also be spent on administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining records. To qualify for this job, you will need a dental assistant certification at the very least. Some recruiters will also be looking for experience in dentistry as well. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Pediatric Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   clearly list your certifications and where they were obtained..

You must be certified to work in this position and so recruiters will need to easily find your certifications in your resume. It is also important to clearly list which board or organization you got your certification from because recruiters might have ATS filters that will filter out all resumes that do not list the board certifications that they recognize.

   Have a mixture of dental and administrative tools listed.

In this position, you will be assisting with dental procedures and also performing many administrative tasks. It is therefore important to list industry standard tools for both functions. This applicant does this successfully.

Skills you can include on your Pediatric Dental Assistant resume

Template 10 of 10: lead dental assistant resume example.

As a lead dental assistant, you will be a dentist's second in command. You will assist in many of the procedures and may even perform some procedures like teeth cleaning and taking X-rays. You will also perform administrative tasks like scheduling and record keeping. Your biggest function, however, is to manage and supervise the other dental assistants. You will create schedules, supervise them during procedures, train them, monitor their performance, etc. This position requires you to be at least certified by an accredited program, but recruiters would prefer to see a diploma or degree in dentistry. Additional qualifications like a degree will also increase your chances of getting higher pay. Recruiters will also want to see that you have had successful experience as a manager or leader. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Lead Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   use action verbs to indicate experience in your three main functions..

A lead dental assistant has three main functions: assisting the dentist, administration, and management of other assistants. Action verbs are a great way to shape your experience section to make your experience in all three functions stand out. For your assistant function use action verbs like administered or assisted. For your administrative function use action verbs like scheduled. For your management function use action verbs like trained and managed.

   List industry-specific tools.

There are particular administrative and management tools used in dental practice. Show your knowledge and expertise in the field by listing these industry-specific tools. Some of these tools include Curve Hero and Weave.

Skills you can include on your Lead Dental Assistant resume

As a hiring manager who has recruited for top dental practices like Aspen Dental, Affordable Dentures & Implants, and Western Dental & Orthodontics, I've seen countless resumes for dental assistant positions. In this article, I'll share insider tips on how to make your dental assistant resume stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview.

   Highlight your dental-specific skills

Employers want to see that you have the specific skills required for the dental assistant role. Make sure to highlight your expertise in:

• Chairside assisting
• Dental instrument sterilization
• Taking and developing dental radiographs
• Preparing dental materials (e.g., cements, amalgams, composites)

Don't just list these skills; provide specific examples of how you've used them in your work experience section. For instance:

• Assisted dentists with procedures such as fillings, extractions, and crown placements
• Maintained strict infection control protocols, ensuring proper sterilization of instruments

   Showcase your patient care experience

Dental assistants play a crucial role in patient care and comfort. Highlight your experience in:

• Educating patients on oral hygiene practices
• Helping anxious patients feel at ease
• Taking and recording patient medical histories
• Providing post-operative care instructions

Use specific examples to illustrate your patient care skills:

• Developed rapport with patients, easing anxiety and ensuring comfort during procedures
• Provided clear and concise post-operative care instructions to patients and caregivers

   Include relevant certifications and training

Dental practices often prefer candidates with specific certifications or training. Be sure to include:

• Dental Assistant Certification (e.g., CDA, RDA, EFDA)
• CPR and First Aid certifications
• Continuing education courses related to dentistry

If you have multiple certifications, consider creating a separate 'Certifications' section to make them easy for employers to find. For example:

Certifications: - Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Dental Assisting National Board, 2019 - CPR and First Aid Certified, American Red Cross, 2020

   Tailor your resume to the specific job

One common mistake job seekers make is using the same generic resume for every application. Instead:

• Sending the same resume to every dental practice without customization
• Including irrelevant skills or experience not related to the dental assistant role

To make your resume stand out, tailor it to the specific job:

• Read the job description carefully and highlight key skills and requirements
• Emphasize the skills and experience that directly match what the employer is seeking
• Use similar language and terminology as the job posting

By customizing your resume for each application, you show the employer that you're a strong fit for their specific needs.

   Quantify your accomplishments

When possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments and make your resume more impactful. For example:

• Assisted with an average of 30 patient procedures per day
• Maintained a 95% patient satisfaction rating based on post-visit surveys
• Trained 5 new dental assistants on office procedures and protocols

Quantifying your achievements helps employers better understand the scope and impact of your work. It also helps your resume stand out from those that only include generic descriptions of responsibilities.

   Proofread and format for readability

Before submitting your resume, make sure to:

• Carefully proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
• Use a clear, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri
• Organize your resume with clear headings and bullet points
• Keep it concise, typically one to two pages

A well-formatted, error-free resume shows attention to detail and professionalism. Consider asking a friend or family member to review your resume for any mistakes or areas for improvement.

By following these tips and tailoring your resume to showcase your dental-specific skills and experience, you'll be well on your way to landing your next dental assistant role.

Writing Your Dental Assistant Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name on its own line.

Your name should be the most prominent part of your header. Put it on its own line at the top, in a font size that's larger than the rest of your resume (18-24pt is a good range).

Here's an example of what your name line might look like:

• John Smith, CDA

Avoid adding labels or extra details on the same line as your name:

• John Smith - Certified Dental Assistant, 123 Main St, New York, NY 10001

2. Include essential contact details

After your name, add your key contact information:

• Phone number
• Professional email address
• Location (City, State)
• LinkedIn URL (optional)

You can put these details on one line, separated by vertical lines or bullet points to keep your header compact:

[email protected] | 212-555-1234 | New York, NY | linkedin.com/in/john-smith

Avoid cluttering your header with personal details or a full mailing address, which hiring managers don't need at this stage:

• 123 Main St, Apt 2B, New York, NY 10001 | Birthday: Jan 1, 1985 | Marital Status: Single

3. Showcase your dental assistant job title

If you're an experienced dental assistant, consider adding your job title as the last line of your header. This quickly communicates your level and area of expertise. For example:

John Smith, CDA [email protected] | 212-555-1234 | New York, NY Senior Dental Assistant

However, avoid adding multiple job titles or stuffing your header with keywords, which can look cluttered and spammy:

• Dental Assistant | Dental Hygienist | Dental Receptionist | Billing Coordinator
• Dental Assistant with skills in patient care, X-rays, dental instruments, EagleSoft, Dentrix...

Keep your header clean and stick to one clear job title. You'll have space to elaborate on your skills and experience in other resume sections.

  Summary

A resume summary for a dental assistant position is optional, but can be a valuable addition if you have relevant experience or skills that set you apart from other candidates. While an objective statement is outdated and should be avoided, a well-crafted summary can provide context and highlight your most impressive qualifications. Keep your summary concise and tailored to the specific dental assistant role you're targeting.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Dental Assistant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Dental Assistant Resume Summary Examples , or Dental Assistant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight your dental experience and skills

When crafting your dental assistant resume summary, focus on your most relevant experience and skills. Hiring managers want to see that you have the necessary qualifications to excel in the role.

Rather than using generic statements like this:

Experienced dental assistant looking for a new opportunity. Skilled in various dental procedures and patient care.

Quantify your experience and highlight specific skills:

Certified Dental Assistant with 5+ years of experience in fast-paced dental practices. Skilled in chair-side assisting, dental impressions, and patient education. Proficient in digital X-rays and dental charting software.

2. Showcase your achievements and impact

In addition to listing your skills and experience, use your summary to showcase your achievements and the impact you've made in previous roles. This helps you stand out from other candidates and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

• Assisted dentists with various procedures
• Provided excellent patient care

Instead, quantify your achievements and highlight specific results:

• Assisted in 20+ dental procedures daily, ensuring efficient and high-quality patient care
• Implemented a new patient education program, increasing patient satisfaction scores by 15%

3. Tailor your summary to the specific role

To make your resume summary more effective, tailor it to the specific dental assistant position you're applying for. Research the practice and the job description to identify the key skills and qualifications they're looking for.

For example, if the job description emphasizes pediatric dentistry experience, highlight your relevant skills:

Compassionate Dental Assistant with 3+ years of experience in pediatric dentistry. Skilled in creating a friendly and welcoming environment for young patients and their families. Proficient in behavior management techniques and patient education.

By tailoring your summary to the specific role, you demonstrate your fit for the position and increase your chances of catching the hiring manager's attention.

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show the impact you've made at your previous dental assistant jobs. Avoid simply listing your daily responsibilities. Instead, think about your proudest accomplishments and the key skills you leveraged to achieve them.

Here are some tips to make your work experience section stand out to hiring managers and paint a memorable picture of what you bring to the table:

1. Highlight your clinical skills and specialties

Dental assistants play a crucial role in supporting dentists with a variety of procedures. Highlight the specific clinical skills and specialties you've developed, such as:

• Assisted with dental implants, veneers, and teeth whitening procedures
• Specialized in pediatric dentistry, helping young patients feel at ease during cleanings and treatments
• Expertise in taking digital dental x-rays and impressions using iTero scanner

Mentioning the procedures and patient populations you have experience with helps employers quickly see if you're the right fit for their practice.

2. Showcase your impact with numbers

When possible, quantify your achievements to give a concrete sense of your impact. Compare this:

• Responsible for sterilizing dental instruments and managing inventory
• Implemented a new inventory management system, reducing supply costs by 15% and ensuring 100% adherence to sterilization protocols for 50+ instruments

The second example paints a much more vivid picture by including specific numbers. No need to quantify everything - focus on your most impressive data points.

3. Feature promotions and added responsibilities

Highlight any promotions, title changes, or times you took on additional responsibilities, as these indicate strong performance and trust from your employer. For example:

Dental Assistant II, 2019-2022 Dental Assistant, 2016-2019

This shows you advanced in your role over time. Even if your title didn't change, you can call out how you expanded your scope, like:

• Took on additional responsibility of training new dental assistants on clinical procedures, terminology, and patient care

4. Demonstrate your soft skills through examples

In addition to clinical abilities, dental assistants need strong communication, organization, and customer service skills. Weave these in naturally by showing how you applied them. For instance:

• Built rapport with patients, clearly explaining procedures to help them feel informed and at ease
• Reorganized supply closet and treatment rooms to maximize efficiency, reducing prep time by 5 minutes per patient

This is more effective than simply listing soft skills without context, like:

• Communication skills
• Organizational abilities

  Education

The education section of your dental assistant resume should be concise and highlight your relevant training and certifications. This section is especially important if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective education section:

1. List your highest level of education first

Start with your most recent or highest level of education, such as a dental assistant diploma or associate degree. Include the name of the institution, the degree or diploma earned, and the graduation date.

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting XYZ Community College, Anytown, USA Graduated: May 2023

2. Include relevant coursework and awards

If you are a recent graduate, you can include relevant coursework, clinical experience, or academic achievements to showcase your knowledge and skills. This can help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar educational backgrounds.

• Completed coursework in dental anatomy, radiology, and infection control
• Received Dean's List honors for three consecutive semesters

3. Highlight your dental assistant certification

If you have earned a dental assistant certification, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), make sure to include it in your education section. This certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can set you apart from other candidates.

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Earned: August 2022

4. Keep it brief for experienced professionals

If you are a seasoned dental assistant with several years of experience, your education section should be brief and focus on your highest level of education and most relevant certifications. Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant information that may distract from your professional experience.

Example of what not to include:

• Online course in basic Microsoft Office skills
• High school diploma, class of 1995

Instead, keep it concise:

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting XYZ Community College

Action Verbs For Dental Assistant Resumes

Dental assistants are expected to be versatile in their ability to assist both physicians and patients, so selecting a range of action verbs to utilize in your resume will help showcase your experience. Along with leading your bullet points with strong action verbs when appropriate, you should work them into the body of the accomplishment as added emphasis.

• Coordinated
• Administered

For more related action verbs, visit Medical Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Dental Assistant Resumes

Skills for dental assistant resumes.

The skill set for dental assistants will vary between individuals based on their experience, but hiring managers will generally be looking for key skills that will enable you to function effectively in the position. On the left, we’ve listed the most common skills that dental assistants are expected to have. As dental assistants rely on specific technical skills and software to conduct a portion of their duties, you should aim to include a skill bank on your resume to give hiring managers an easy way to determine your capability. Additionally, starting your resume with a summary that incorporates key skills will help you stand out to hiring managers and make it past automatic screening tools.

• Dental Assisting
• Dental Care
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Patient Education
• Restorative Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Infection Control
• Oral Surgery
• Sterilization
• Coronal Polishing
• Dental Software
• Dental Imaging
• Orthodontics
• Teeth Whitening
• Endodontics

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Dental Assistant Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Dental Assistant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Dental Assistant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

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• Job Descriptions
• Healthcare and Medical Job Descriptions

Dental Assistant Job Description

A dental assistant helps with a variety of health care tasks, from taking dental x-rays and caring for patients, to helping file records and appointment scheduling.

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Dental Assistant Job Description Template

We are hiring a dental assistant for our busy dental practice. You will help with preparing patients, sterilizing instruments, setting up rooms, and some dental hygiene tasks. To do well in this role you should have a dental x-ray certification and provide a great level of patient care.

Dental Assistant Responsibilities:

• Preparing patients for dental work.
• Helping with infection control by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting with dental procedures.
• Assisting dentists in managing medical and dental emergencies when necessary.
• Assisting dental hygienists with procedures when necessary.
• Providing great patient care.
• Recording treatment information in patient records.
• Exposing dental x-rays from dental diagnostics and caring for dental x-ray equipment.
• Giving patients information on dental hygiene, oral health care, and plaque control programs.
• Collecting and recording medical and dental histories and patient vital signs.
• Providing postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist.
• Caring for dental equipment.
• Forming preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
• Ordering dental supplies and maintaining dental equipment inventory.
• Fabricating temporary restorations and custom impressions from preliminary impressions.

Dental Assistant Requirements:

• Certification or associate degree in an accredited dental assisting program.
• Dental x-ray certification.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of Dental Hygiene Program.
• Experience using computers for a variety of tasks.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Consistently professional appearance and attitude.
• Able to provide great patient care.

Related Articles:

Dentist job description, dental hygienist job description, dentist interview questions, how to find dental assistants, dental assistant resume.

• ResumeBuild
• Dental Assistant

5 Amazing dental assistant Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

Build your resume in 15 minutes, dental assistant: resume samples & writing guide, jeff robinson, employment history.

• Receive and greet patients
• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Perform office management tasks such as scheduling appointments
• Provide patients with post-operative instructions
• Prepare materials for whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments
• Instruct patients on proper oral hygiene strategies
• Prepare and administer anesthetics

Do you already have a resume? Use our PDF converter and edit your resume.

Earl Foster

Professional summary.

• Keep patient records up to date
• Prepare materials for impressions and restorations
• Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations
• Take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays)

Dale Foster

• Provide patient education and treatment counseling
• Monitor patient vital signs during treatment procedures
• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment

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Table of Content

• Introduction
• Resume Samples & Writing Guide
• Resume Example 1
• Resume Example 2
• Resume Example 3
• Resume Example 4
• Resume Example 5
• Jobs Description
• Jobs Skills
• Technical Skills
• Soft Skills
• How to Improve Your Resume
• How to Optimize Your Resume
• Cover Letter Example

Let’s be frank: a dental practice with a highly-skilled dental assistant would be absolute chaos. While much of the glory in a dental practice goes to the dentists, it’s dental assistants who keep the whole office functioning smoothly. 

It’s no doubt a profession that requires wearing many hats. Whether they’re helping dentists to prep equipment for a consultation or surgery, replenishing supplies before they run low, or keeping customer satisfaction levels high, the work of a dental assistant is never done.

However, trying to convince a recruiter you’re an invaluable employee is an entirely different story. While you may know what an asset you are to any dental practice you work at, you need to make a recruiter understand this when you’re on the job hunt. 

The #1 way to do so is to create a dental assistant resume that blows all of the others out of the water. Your resume is your key to scoring your dream job - provided you know how to make one that reflects what recruiters are looking for. 

In fact, there’s never been a better time to get your resume in order, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that employment of dental assistants will grow by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028. 

If you’re ready to revolutionize your resume , but don’t know what steps to take, we have you covered. Our expert guide below outlines everything you need to know to create the perfect dental assistant resume.

After reading our dental assistant resume writing guide , you will understand:

• What essential sections you need to include and how to make them shine
• Whether it’s best to include a resume objective or resume summary
• How to make your dental assistant resume stand out
• How to cut the time you spend working on your resume by 90% 

1. Template Examples

2. how to write an eye-catching dental assistant resume, how to format your dental assistant resume.

In order to write an eye-catching dental assistant resume, you will need to select the most appropriate format to use. The type of format you choose matters because it can impact how a recruiter reads your resume. While there are a handful of different formats you can choose from, the overwhelming majority of experts agree that reverse-chronological is the most ideal format for a dental assistant. 

The reason it’s strongly recommended you choose this type of format is because it shows recruiters what you’ve achieved during your career in a clear and logical manner. In this format, your professional experience is presented in reverse-chronological order, starting from details about your most recent job, followed by your next most recent job, and so forth.

It’s not only recruiters who will give this format the tick of approval, but also applicant tracking software (ATS), which is now estimated to be used by a whopping 40% of companies . ATS is basically a type of software that was developed to automate parts of the hiring process. It does this by scanning each resume for certain components and in turn approving and rejecting resumes based on whether these components are present. 

The fact of the matter is that if your resume is formatted in a way that the company’s ATS cannot process, your application won’t see the light of day. It may sound harsh, but this is simply how this software works. To avoid getting caught out, be sure to stick to a reverse-chronological format.

You will also need to ensure your resume complies with standard layout guidelines expected by recruiters. We’ve listed the most vital ones below that you should keep in mind:

• Number of Pages: A maximum of 1 page.
• Header size: 14-16 point size.
• Text size: 11-12 point size.
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides.
• Line Spacing: 1 or 1.15.
• Fonts to Use: Only use professional, standard fonts such as Georgia and Calibri.
• Fonts to Avoid: It will hinder your application if you use childlike fonts, such as Allspice and Chalkduster.

Pro tip: If you have significant gaps in your resume or you’re switching careers, it may be preferable to choose a functional resume format instead. You can learn more about different resume formats here .

What recruiters will look for

Recruiters are looking for dental assistants who not only show that they are dedicated to their profession, but also that they can offer the precise skills, education, and experiences needed to excel in the profession. Recruiters are primarily interested in tracking down a candidate who they believe will quickly adapt to the new role, without the need for hand-holding.

Your resume is the primary means of communicating these qualities to a recruiter. Think of your resume as your opportunity to showcase why you’re the perfect dental assistant for the job. Your skills, education, and experiences should simultaneously act as evidence of your suitability.

What skills to mention and how to do it correctly

There is one main rule you will need to remember when it comes to selecting which skills to feature in your resume: only highlight skills which are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Recruiters as well as ATS software will be looking to see if you can offer all, or many of the hard and soft skills that are required in a given job.

You can easily identify which skills are required by analyzing the job ad. Throughout the entire job ad you will see that certain skills are desired by the recruiter. These skills can be divided into two types: hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (interpersonal and other intangible skills).

We scoured real dental assistant job ads to find some of the most common skills that recruiters are seeking. Take a look to see which ones you already have (and which ones you need to work on!):

Hard skills

• Prepares patients for examination and treatment.
• Assists dentists/ residents during dental procedures.
• Maintains supplies.
• Prepares cements, silicates, and other materials for use.
• Retrieves patient information using a computer.
• Checks for receipt/completion of requisitioned items.

Soft skills

• Communicates effectively in both oral and written English
• Greets and directs patients/family/visitors in a pleasant manner.
• Answers telephones in a timely and professional manner.
• Contributes to the team effort.
• Organizational skills.
• Time management.

Once you have identified which relevant skills you have, you should feature them in a  number of sections:

• List them out in a dedicated skills section titled “Skills”.
• Incorporate one or two into each of your job achievements.
• Mention a few in your resume objective or resume summary.

How to highlight your achievements

In your career as a dental assistant, you’ve no doubt racked up a number of achievements to your name. While it would be great to f eature all of them on your resume , you will need to be highly selective about which ones to focus on.

Just like the process of selecting which skills to feature in your resume, you should only highlight your most relevant achievements. Take a careful look at the “Responsibilities include” section in a job ad and notice which keywords are used. These are the responsibilities you should hone in on in your “Professional Experience” section.

While you may not have had precisely the same responsibilities in your previous roles as the job ad lists, the more connections you are able to make, the better. For example, if a job ad is looking for a dental assistant who, “Prepares restorative materials and dental cements” and you have only assisted the dental assistant lead to do so - state this. It’s always better to have some experience doing a task the job requires than to have none!

In order to effectively highlight your achievements, pay attention to these 3 simple tips:

• Focus on the result/s of each achievement: A recruiter wants to understand what type of impact you have as an employee. The best way to show that you consistently make a positive one is by describing your achievements in a results-driven way. Be sure to follow this simple formula:  

The achievement + the positive result it brought about

• Use numbers and percentages: An easy way to exemplify the results of your actions is to use numbers and percentages e.g. increased efficiency by 40%, decreased wastage by 12%, maintained a 99% positive rating from customers, etc.  
• Incorporate powerful action verbs: You can make your achievements sound even more engaging by replacing bland and uninspiring verbs with powerful action verbs . 

Why mentioning exact duties in your current and previous dental assistant jobs is important

As you may be well aware of, the work of a dental assistant is incredibly varied. While there are standard duties most dental assistants will be responsible for carrying out, many of the duties you undertake in one job will be completely different to the duties of another. For example, one job may require you to focus solely on administrative work, whereas another job will require you to balance administrative work with providing direct support to the dentist.

This is why it’s absolutely essential to mention the exact duties you perform in your current job or have performed in previous dental jobs. A recruiter will want to know if your previous skills and experiences are an ideal match for the job they’re hiring for.

It’s also important to mention the type of dental practices you have worked for, such as private, community, and corporate practices. After all, there is a world of difference between the duties, number of staff, and environments of different types of dental practices. Briefly noting this information for each job will help a recruiter determine if you’ll be able to smoothly transition into the specific role you’re applying for.

How to write a resume objective (including examples)

If you’re yet to begin your career as a dental assistant, or you only have minimal experience in the profession, it’s a wise idea to include a resume objective at the top of your resume. Including one is an effective way to set yourself apart from other applicants who haven’t bothered to do it.

Recruiters look favorably on entry-level resumes that feature a resume objective, because it shows them that you’re enthusiastic about the position. It also shows that you’re someone who’s always willing to go the extra mile. Needless to say, these are qualities in an employee any dental practice would benefit from!

Another major reason recruiters appreciate resume objectives is because it gives them the chance to quickly learn about who you are. This may not seem like a big deal, but considering that research has shown that recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds looking at each resume, putting your best foot forward from the very beginning is essential.

In order to write a winning resume objective, you will need to concisely convey why you’d make a valuable addition to the company. Highlight the key attributes you offer that are relevant to each specific job. If you don’t have any work experience, focus on what soft and hard skills you excel in, and what your career aspirations are.

Take a look at these examples of well-written dental assistant resume objectives:    

• Final year college student with a GPA of 3.5 wishes to secure a dental assistant internship at a community-based dental clinic in Arizona. Offers a genuine passion for helping underprivileged communities access dental care and strong organizational abilities.
• Graduated first in class from a 2-year dental assistant program, I am now seeking a full-time position where I can utilize my strong skills in either dental office administration or dental radiography. Brings strong enthusiasm, precision, and communication skills to every task.  

How to write a resume summary (including examples)

Also called a career summary, this section should be included at the top of your resume if you have already been working as a dental assistant for a few years or more. A resume summary is an easy way to catch a recruiter’s attention because it provides an overview about why you’re a suitable candidate for the job. 

Similar to a resume objective, a resume summary effectively demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and gives a unique insight into why you think you’re an excellent dental assistant. The difference is that you’ll be able to pack in a lot more about your professional experiences in your resume summary.

To get this right, you’ll need to pinpoint which details about your work history are most worthwhile highlighting. Keep in mind that a recruiter isn’t primarily concerned about why you’re a great dental assistant in general. To the contrary, they are most concerned with why you’d make a great dental assistant at the particular practice they’re hiring for. This is why it’s pivotal to focus on the accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you’re applying to.

The following dental assistant resume summary examples show the high-standard you should aim for when you’re ready to write your own:

• Highly-organized dental assistant specializing in world-class customer service is seeking a full-time position at a private clinic in central Chicago. Consistently held a 96%+ satisfaction rate from customers over 3 years working at Glistening Teeth’s flagship office in Santa Monica.  
• DANB-certified dental assistant with 5 years of experience in large-scale dental practices is seeking a part-time position at a Smile Wide branch in Oregon. Known for having excellent inventory management skills, as exemplified by achieving a 40% reduction in inventory costs.  

How to list any additional details, like certifications, hobbies, interests, volunteer experience.

It’s a fantastic idea to list any additional details regarding your competencies as a professional that are directly relevant to the job. Arguably, the most important additional information you can provide on your resume is about any dental assistant certifications you hold.

The main certification, which is ideal to hold - the national certification provided by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The American Dental Association points out that in order to obtain it, dental assistants need to take the DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination. Being certified provides an assurance to the public that “the dental assistant is prepared to assist competently in the provision of dental care.”

In order to feature this certification in your resume, you can list it in a section called “Certifications” using the following format: Certified Dental Assistant

[The year of certification]

Dental Assisting National Board

Pro tip: You will be eligible to take the CDA examination if you have either completed a CDA-accredited dental assisting program, or after you have worked as a full-time dental dental assistant for at least two years.

Depending on the state you are applying in, you may also need to state that you are currently registered as a dental assistant in that state. You can mention this in your resume objective or resume summary, as necessary.

We advise you against including your hobbies and interests on your resume, except if you have been specifically asked to highlight them. The same goes for volunteering experience. Unless you worked as a dental assistant in a volunteer capacity or you have very limited experience and the role has applicability to the work a dental assistant undertakes, leave it off. In such cases, you can include it in a section called “Volunteer Experience”.

How to write a dental assistant resume when you have limited or no experience

Starting out as a dental assistant can be incredibly daunting. After all, how are you meant to gain experience in the first place when most jobs require you to already have some? It sounds like an impossible dilemma, but the good news is that your resume can be your secret weapon! That is, once you learn how to make the resume work for - rather than against - you. 

Here are our top expert suggestions for how to make a fantastic entry-level dental assistant resume:

• Include any relevant internships: If you’ve interned at a dental practice you should definitely feature this in your resume. You can also feature any other internships where you demonstrated your administration, computer, or communication skills.  
• Include a resume resume objective: As we explain more above, a resume objective is designed to capture a recruiter’s attention as an entry-level dental assistant.  
• Emphasize your skills: Just because you lack professional experience doesn’t mean you lack relevant skills. You’ll be surprised by how many crucial dental assistant skills you already possess, such as interpersonal, organizational, and word processing skills.  
• Use a functional resume format: It’s best to use a functional resume format (rather than a reverse-chronological format) as this format is designed to put a spotlight on your skills while downplaying your lack of experience.
• Highlight if you speak any other languages: Being able to speak a language other than English could give you an edge over other candidates, particularly if you are applying for a job in an area where many people speak that language.

Pro tip: If you’re serious about cementing yourself as a go-to dental assistant, we strongly suggest enrolling in a relevant academic program. As the American Dental Association explains, dental assistants may receive their formal education at one of a range of academic settings including community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, universities or dental schools. You can find a suitable Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental assisting education program here .

How to target your resume for each application, how to list only the relevant skills for that specific company & position

Perhaps one of the biggest traps people fall into when applying for a dental assistant job is submitting the same resume over and over again, then wondering why they’re getting repeatedly rejected. Just like the popular saying goes, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” You can’t expect your resume to finally catch a recruiter’s eye if you’re applying with the same generic one over and over again.

That’s why we can’t overemphasize how vital it is to target your resume for each specific company and position you apply for. You’ll be relieved to hear this isn’t nearly as complicated as it sounds. All you need to do is work out what the recruiter is looking for, and highlight these qualities on your resume.

You can obtain this knowledge by identifying the keywords the recruiter has included in the job ad, as we suggested before. Keywords simply describe the words a recruiter uses to represent the skills and experiences they are seeking from their ideal candidate.

To give you an idea of what we mean, we’ve bolded the keywords in the following examples taken from real job ads:

• Previous experience in dental assisting particularly in implant and surgical dentistry or orthodontics is preferred though not essential for the right candidate who has the right 'can-do' attitude.   
• Understands that exceptional customer service is our number one priority.
• Maintains supplies ; reports potential shortages to the clinic manager.
• Documents patient records as dictated by the dentist.
• Assures patients comfort while waiting for the dentist.

In order to properly target your resume, you will need to incorporate as many of these exact keywords into your resume that match your own experiences and skills. You’re not limited to where you can mention them - in addition to your job achievements, you can also feature them in your resume objective or resume summary.

Pro tip: It is important that you use the keywords exactly as they appear, as much as is possible, so that applicant tracking system (ATS) software can register them correctly. For example, if the job ad says “Assures patients’ comfort,” don’t write “Makes patients feel comfortable”.

How to make your resume stand out

All of the tips and tricks we have outlined will help ensure that recruiters seriously consider your application. However, the truth of the matter is that a great resume isn’t going to cut it. You need to make sure your resume genuinely stands out. Take stock of the following expert tips to set your resume apart:

• Keep all fonts, heading sizes, and line spacing consistent: Keeping the stylistic and layout features of your resume consistent throughout will ensure your resume looks sleek and professional.  
• Replace number words with numerals: A recruiter’s eyes will naturally dart to any numbers in your resume, so swap out any written out numbers for their numerical equivalents. For example, instead of writing fifty-five percent write 55%.
• Proofread and spell check: In order to impress, your resume needs to be completely free of typos and grammatical errors.  
• Get rid of “References available on request”: If a recruiter wants to contact your references, they will ask. Don’t waste precious space on your resume with this superfluous statement. 

3. How Resumebuild.com Resume Builder Tool Can be Utilized for an Easy Resume Setup

If you’re wondering how you’re going to find the time and energy to put all our tips into action, we don’t blame you. It is, without a doubt, a very involved process to piece together a solid dental assistant resume from scratch.

It’s a good thing then that you can make your resume using our easy-to-use, HR-approved resume builder . The resume builder we have designed at Resumebuild.com is the best one you can use for a number of reasons. Not only do we give you dozens of ATS-friendly resume templates to select from, we also guide you through every step of the resume-making process .

We have spent hours refining the entire process, so everything from inputting your personal information to selecting which skills to feature is quick and easy. The end result is a professional-looking dental assistant resume that includes all of the crucial components that recruiters will be expecting to see. If you want to make your resume in under 15 minutes, try using our impressive resume .

dental assistant Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an dental assistant position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers. When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

dental assistant

• Greating the patients and setting up to start treatment
• Assisting the dentist chair side whilst making sure the patient was comfortable while treatment was being conducted
• Cleaning, set up and re stocking of surgeries 
• processing of x rays manually until automatic system was put into place
• Documentation ie Charting and patient information was correct using titanium
• Stock room was clean and new stock was marked off and rotated correctly with the current.
• Reprocessing of instruments in a shared role, testing of sterilization equipment daily and other house keeping duties to make sure the steri room was kept running smoothly at all times during our shift.
• Assisted in providing all aspects of dental care including all routine laboratory functions
• Assisted front desk with scheduling when necessary
• Provided customer service daily including monthly on call rotation
• CPR certified
• Helped with infection control by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments

dental assistant/receptionist

• Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
• Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
• Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
• Providing patient care
• Assisting the dentist during procedures by handing them instruments
• Taking and processing of X rays upon dentist’s instruction
• Scheduling of appointments
• Record keeping of patients’ treatments 
• Efficiently manage patient care, office and laboratory duties. Also responsible for stocking up and ordering Dental inventory.
• Expose and process dental X-Rays using the nomad and scanex. Pour impressions and trim models. Assist with extractions, impactions, fillings, stainless steel and zirconia crowns. Build a loyal patient following, was frequently requested by patients to serve as their dental assistant.
• Able to assist during IV sedation cases and also laser treatments such as gingivectomy and biopsies.
• Maintain a very clean, sterile and positive environment optimizing patient comfort and safety. 

dental assistant Job Skills

For an dental assistant position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few. Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

• Dental Anatomy
• Dental Charting
• Sterilization Techniques
• Radiography
• Infection Control
• Oral Surgery Assistance
• Patient Education
• Oral Hygiene Instruction
• Dental Instrumentation
• Dental Office Software
• Dental Equipment Maintenance
• Dental Materials
• Dental Prophylaxis
• Dental Impressions
• Dental Cements
• Dental Restorations
• Dental Crowns
• Dental Bridges
• Dental Implants
• Dental Veneers

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently. Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

• Communication
• Interpersonal
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Organization
• Public Speaking
• Negotiation
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to Detail
• Self-Motivation
• Stress Management
• Collaboration
• Strategic Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Professionalism
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Customer Service
• Presentation
• Written Communication
• Social Media
• Troubleshooting
• Quality Assurance
• Supervisory
• Risk Management
• Database Management
• Documentation
• Financial Management
• Visualization
• Business Acumen
• Process Improvement
• Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your dental assistant Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

• Sterilise and disinfect instuments and equipmment.
• Prepear and adminster anethetics.
• Perform office managment tasks, such as schedulig appointmens.
• Instuct patiants on propur orall hygene stratigies.
• Recieve and grett patiants.
• Perform office managment tasks, such as schedulng appoinments.
• Assist with dentl laboratory task's.
• Prepare treatement room's for patient examination's!
• Instructs patients on propers oral hygienes strategies.

Avoid Spelling Mistakes and Include your Contact Information

Missing contact information prevents recruiters from understanding you're the best fit for the position..

• Make sure you're not missing contact information on your resume. That should include your full name, telephone number and email address.
• Make sure to use a professional email address as part of your contact information.
• Highlight your contact information and double check that everything is accurate to help recruiters get in touch with you.

How to Optimize Your dental assistant Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Zane Wilson

Unexplained year gaps and missing job experiences are a no-no, gaps in your resume can prevent recruiters from hiring you if you don't explain them..

• It's okay to have gaps in your work experience but always offer a valid explanation instead of just hiding it.
• Use the gap to talk about positive attributes or additional skills you've learned.
• Be honest and straightforward about the gap and explain it using a professional summary.

dental assistant Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an dental assistant position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Greetings Mount Sinai Health System Recruitment Team

I am excited to apply for the Senior Dental Assistant role at Mount Sinai Health System. As a highly skilled Dental Assistant, I am confident that I have the necessary experience and abilities to make a valuable contribution to your organization.

My life experiences have taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and collaboration. Whether it was on the work, or just personally, I have always been committed to pursuing my goals with passion and tenacity. I am confident that throughout all of these years I have gained the skills and expertise necessary to succeed in this role and be a great asset for Mount Sinai Health System. I am eager to join a team that shares my values and work towards a common goal.

I appreciate the time and consideration you have given my application. I am confident that if we work together we could achieve great things and so I look forward to the opportunity to join your team.

Showcase your most significant accomplishments and qualifications with this cover letter. Personalize this cover letter in just few minutes with our user-friendly tool!

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Dental Assistant Job Description, Duties, and Responsibilities

by Ryan White

Sr. Vertical Marketing Manager at Weave

The dental assistant, sometimes called a dental nurse, handles many responsibilities. If you’re hiring an assistant for your dental practice, keep reading for some helpful information. This article covers the primary duties of the role, dental assistant job description templates, and a comprehensive guide on different dental assistant job descriptions to help you find the best candidates.

What Are the Main Duties of a Dental Assistant?

What does a dental assistant do? A dental assistant’s role involves performing administrative and technical responsibilities, so the dentist can focus on the patient and already have the dental equipment, tools, and information they need. A dental assistant is not the same as a dental hygienist, a dental professional who performs dental cleanings autonomously.

Dental Assistant Duties Checklist

Typical dental assistant responsibilities include:

• Speaking with patients about their concerns
• Performing office and administration tasks
• Preparing exam rooms between appointments
• Sterilizing rooms, equipment, and instruments
• Taking dental impressions
• Assisting dentists with fillings, extractions, and other procedures

These are common things found in a dental assistant job description.

Dental Assistant Skills

Specific skills prove essential to thrive in the dental assistant role. These include:

Administration Dental assisting often involves administrative tasks, requiring skills in phone etiquette, appointment scheduling, and record keeping.

Communication Successful dental assistants can communicate effectively with coworkers and clients.

Decision-Making Assistants must have enough dental knowledge to recognize emergencies and make quick decisions on behalf of the patient.

Dental Assistant Job Description Template

If you’re looking for a dental assistant for your practice, use the template below.

Job Description Template

Job Summary Introduce your practice and provide a summary of the available dental assistant job.

Duties and Responsibilities List the essential tasks performed by dental assistants in your office.

Requirements and Qualifications List education, certification, and experience requirements.

Dental Assistant Job Description Sample

Job Summary Our busy practice needs a dental assistant to improve efficiency and help our dentists provide outstanding care.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare patients and exam areas
• Sterilize and set up instruments and equipment
• Take X-rays
• Assist dentists with exams and procedures
• Perform lab tasks
• Perform administrative tasks

Requirements and Qualifications

• Proven dental assistant experience
• Great communication
• Computer proficiency
• Certified dental assistants preferred

Dental Assistant Job Description and Salary

Your dental assistant job description may look slightly different from another clinic’s, especially if you offer procedures or services others do not.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median dental assistant salary is $38,000 a year.¹ The exact number will depend on your location and the type of office.

How To Describe a Dental Assistant on a Resume

The average dentist doesn’t spend more than seven seconds looking at a resume, so follow these tips for the best dental assistant resume:

• List all of your experience, including volunteer work
• Be specific about your education
• List all skills, including soft skills like listening and teamwork

Are you a registered dental assistant? Be sure to say so!

Popular Dental Assistant Roles To Consider

Many dental assistant roles exist, so you can find a great position, whether your passion lies in spreading knowledge of good oral hygiene or helping patients feel less uncomfortable at the dentist. Consider the following roles if you’re looking into dental assisting or writing a dental assistant job ad.

Dental Administrative Assistant Job Description

Administrative dental assistants handle the office functions of a practice. These responsibilities include:

• Answering phones
• Answering emails
• Taking and distributing messages
• Managing client arrivals
• Making appointments
• Managing client records
• Managing client payments
• Ordering office and dental supplies
• And other administrative tasks

Dental Hygienist Assistant Job Description

Hygienist assistants help improve dental office efficiency by assisting dentists and hygienists. Their job duties may include the following:

• Reviewing patient care plans
• Preparing equipment and instruments
• Taking vital signs and patient’s teeth impressions
• Sterilizing dental procedure area
• Giving fluoride dental treatments
• Inventorying and stocking supplies

Dental Business Assistant Job Description

The business assistant functions in the same way as an administrative assistant with similar duties, including:

• Answering phone calls and emails
• Scheduling appointments and referrals
• Managing online communications with patients
• Managing online reviews and other marketing duties
• Managing records and payments
• Inventorying and ordering office supplies

Dental Surgical Assistant Job Description

Dentists need help during surgeries, so they hire surgical assistants. These dental assistants perform the following tasks:

• Welcoming and prepping patients for oral surgery
• Applying topical anesthetics
• Monitoring equipment and instruments during surgery
• Helping with suction and handing over instruments
• Cleaning and sterilizing instruments after surgery
• Taking X-rays before and after surgery
• Educating clients about infection control

Dental Clinic Assistant Job Description

General dental clinic assistants perform many responsibilities:

• Preparing the dental office for the day
• Creating and maintaining records
• Creating and maintaining maintenance processes
• Managing clients as they come in
• Answering questions
• Answering phones and taking messages
• Managing payments

Dental Lab Assistant Job Description

Lab assistant tasks include:

• Providing chairside assistance to dentists
• Helping the dentist through four-handed dentistry
• Welcoming and preparing clients
• Ensuring client comfort
• Taking X-rays
• Sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Providing dental hygiene instructions
• Stocking and cleaning treatment rooms
• Maintaining records
• Performing other lab tasks as needed

Dental Sterilization Assistant Job Description

Sterilization assistants focus on keeping the office safe and clean. responsibilities include:

• Sterilizing exam rooms and other areas
• Documenting the sterilization process
• Performing other dental assistant duties as needed

Dental Chairside Assistant Job Description

Chairside dental assistants perform tasks that assist dentists during cleanings, procedures, and surgeries. These tasks include:

• Maintaining accurate patient charts
• Performing X-rays safely
• Preparing patients for exams and procedures
• Preparing instruments and equipment
• Passing dental instruments
• Suctioning excess saliva
• Responding to dental emergencies

Lead Dental Assistant Job Description

Lead dental assistants often have dental accreditation through a dental assisting program. They perform their duties while mentoring other assistants. Their leadership job responsibilities include:

• Directing other assistants
• Maintaining routines for cleanliness
• Improving overall patient care
• Training other staff members
• Maintaining up-to-date industry knowledge
• Improving workflow processes

Pediatric Dental Assistant Job Description

Pediatric dental assistant jobs exist in children’s dentist offices. Their tasks are much the same as assistants for adults. They include:

• Preparing exam areas
• Preparing dental instruments and equipment
• Helping the dentist with exams
• Educating children on oral health

Endodontic Dental Assistant Job Description

Endodontists specialize in tooth pulp and internal tissues. They perform root canals and similar procedures. Endodontic dental assistants perform the following duties:

• Scheduling appointments
• Taking x-Rays
• Preparing for procedures
• Assisting during procedures
• Monitoring patient comfort
• Cleaning up after a procedure

Senior Dental Assistant Job Description

Like the lead dental assistant, the senior assistant performs a wide range of duties, including:

• Radiological tasks
• Assisting dentists with preventative and restorative dental care
• Laboratory tasks
• Clerical tasks
• Receptionist tasks

Many senior dental assistants are CPR and Intraoral Radiographic-certified.

Orthodontic Dental Assistant Job Description

Orthodontic dental assistants work in orthodontic offices. Job responsibilities include:

• Sterilizing orthodontic tools
• Providing chairside assistance
• Placing, replacing, and removing brackets, wires, springs, and bands
• Educating patients about braces care and aftercare
• Maintaining patient records
• Taking X-rays and dental molds

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What are some expanded functions of a dental assistant job description” answer-0=”You can use your dental assistant job description to guide office operations and assess current employees. Are you dental assistants completing all required tasks?” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What are the main duties of a dental assistant?” answer-0=”The primary duties of a dental assistant keep your clinic running smoothly. They clean instruments, manage patients, prepare treatment rooms and complete other responsibilities that improve operational efficiency. Some dental assistants perform dental cleaning tasks like coronal polishing.” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How would you describe a dental assistant on a resume?” answer-0=”A good dental assistant resume should describe a detail-oriented person with interest and experience in dentistry. They should excel at organization, communication, and customer service. If required in your area, they should be a certified dental assistant with the Dental Assisting National Board.” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

Look for bilingual dental assisting candidates to provide dental care to a broader range of clients.

Weave wants to help your dental practice run more efficiently. Get a demo or call our sales team today at 833-572-2139.

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3 Orthodontic Dental Assistant Resume Examples [Edit Free]

Orthodontic Dental Assistant Resume

Professional orthodontic dental assistant resume, formal orthodontic dental assistant resume.

• Orthodontic Dental Assistant Resume Writing 101

As an orthodontic dental assistant, your hard work literally turns frowns upside down. Between providing chairside assistance and teaching people how to care for their braces, you’re irreplaceable both to orthodontists and patients.

You’re helping people become the best versions of themselves, yet showcasing those skills on a resume can be challenging.

We know that preparing a stellar resume can get tricky, so we’ve put together these orthodontic dental assistant resume templates to help you make yours shine.

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What Matters Most: Your Orthodontics Skills & Previous Experience

There aren’t many who love going to the dentist, but your empathetic and calming presence makes each visit a breeze. How you put patients at ease is a true testament to the power of your interpersonal skills. 

While soft skills help you through each day on the job, try not to make them the sole focus of your resume—and when you do mention them, be specific. Instead of generic terms like “teamwork,” talk about patient communication and education. 

Dedicate most of this section to your technical skills, such as instrument sterilization or retainer management. If you know how to work with particular materials or types of retainers, or you’re a pro at a particular dental practice management software, this is the place to discuss it.

9 best orthodontic dental assistant skills

• Chairside assistance
• X-ray imaging
• Instrument sterilization
• Bonding techniques
• Aligner management
• Patient education

Sample orthodontic dental assistant work experience bullet points

Your skills tell half the story. The best way to express the other half is to talk about the impact of your work. This means highlighting your achievements and the way you were able to use your knowledge of orthodontics to bring improvements to your workplace.

You can demonstrate this with quantifiable metrics. For example, talk about the number of patients you saw daily or the number of orthodontists you worked with. 

Similarly, you can mention that your knowledge of panoramic x-rays decreased the average scanning time by 17 percent. Numbers and percentages make your achievements more tangible for someone quickly scanning your resume.

Here’s how good resumes can highlight accomplishments:

• Instructed patients with braces on proper home dental hygiene, reducing the instance of cavities by 25%
• Assisted orthodontists in over 800 successful procedures, including appliance placements, braces adjustments, and bracket removal
• Conducted 5+ daily dental cleanings and tooth polishing care prior to braces installations, preventing cavities and improving placement success rates
• Achieved a 97% accuracy rate in impression taking, panos, cephs, and dental x-rays, increasing treatment precision and patient satisfaction

Top 5 Tips for Your Orthodontic Dental Assistant Resume

• Many employers care about DANB and CPR certifications, so use a resume template that lets you add them. And don’t forget certifications specific to orthodontics, such as COA designation.
• Accurate imaging is crucial in your profession, but we don’t have to tell you that! If you have experience taking panoramic and cephalometric x-rays and conducting intraoral scans, make it clear in your resume’s skills and work experience sections.
• When you talk about your skills, don’t settle for a simple “orthodontics techniques.” Instead, discuss your expertise in handling archwire adjustments and bracket placement. Similarly, if you have experience with brand-specific systems like Invisalign, mention it.
• You deal with a lot of dental software in your line of work, so flaunt the tools you use. Detail your proficiency in software like Dentrix or Eaglesoft. This is also a good place to mention your experience in scheduling appointments and managing patient records.
• Read the dental assistant job description and try to tweak your resume to match. If the advertisement emphasizes sterilization and adherence to OSHA, prioritize that in your application; similarly, if it focuses on communicating with patients, highlight active listening and empathy.

Unless you have over 10 years of experience, try to fit your resume onto a single page. If you’ve worked at quite a few jobs, don’t try to fit them all in. Instead, focus on your most recent three or four positions in the dental field.

You may be able to score an entry-level job without prior experience. Talk about your background in dentistry, such as your orthodontics program or associate’s degree. You can also mention jobs in adjacent fields, such as dental receptionist.

It’s generally better to focus on your technical skills as an orthodontic dental assistant. Use the skills section to mention things like clear aligner adjustment or infection control. Let your personality shine through at the interview and even when writing an effective cover letter .