Dental Assistant Resume Writing Guide & Examples

As a dental assistant, your resume is your first impression to potential employers. It’s important to make sure your resume stands out from the rest. In this guide, we’ll provide you with tips and examples to help you craft a winning dental assistant resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers.

How to Write Dental Assistant Resume That Stands Out?

When it comes to writing a dental assistant resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you create a resume that stands out:

• Highlight your education and certifications: Make sure to include any relevant education or certifications you have received in the dental field. This can include dental assisting programs, CPR certifications, and X-ray certifications.
• Showcase your skills: Dental assistants need to have a variety of skills, including communication, organization, and attention to detail. Make sure to highlight these skills on your resume.
• Include relevant work experience: If you have previous experience working as a dental assistant, make sure to include it on your resume. Be sure to highlight any specific tasks or responsibilities you had in your previous roles.
• Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your resume to increase your chances of getting past the ATS.
• Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than two pages long. Make sure to only include relevant information and keep your formatting clean and easy to read.

By following these tips, you can create a dental assistant resume that will stand out to potential employers. Remember to tailor your resume to each job you apply for and always proofread before submitting.

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What Recruiters Consider in Dental Assistant Resume?

Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for a single job opening, and they have to go through each one of them to find the right candidate. Therefore, it is essential to make your resume stand out from the rest. When it comes to dental assistant resumes, recruiters look for specific skills and qualifications that are necessary for the job.

Firstly, recruiters look for relevant education and certification. A dental assistant should have a high school diploma or equivalent, and a certificate or diploma in dental assisting from an accredited program. Additionally, certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is preferred.

Secondly, recruiters look for relevant work experience. Dental assistants should have experience in chairside assisting, sterilization, and infection control. Experience in taking and developing dental radiographs, scheduling appointments, and managing patient records is also preferred.

Lastly, recruiters look for soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and attention to detail. Dental assistants should have excellent communication skills to interact with patients, dentists, and other team members. They should also be able to work well in a team and have a keen eye for detail to ensure that all procedures are carried out correctly.

Key Elements to Include in Your Dental Assistant Resume

Your dental assistant resume should highlight your skills, qualifications, and experience that are relevant to the job. Here are some key elements to include in your resume:

• Objective: Start your resume with a clear objective that highlights your career goals and how you can contribute to the dental practice.
• Education and Certification: List your education and certification, including the name of the program, the institution, and the date of completion.
• Work Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include the name of the employer, job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
• Skills: List your technical and soft skills that are relevant to the job, such as chairside assisting, sterilization, communication, and teamwork.
• Achievements: Highlight any achievements or awards that demonstrate your skills and qualifications, such as completing a dental radiography course or receiving a DANB certification.
• References: Include at least two professional references who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

By including these key elements in your dental assistant resume, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and landing your dream job.

Dental Assistant Resume Examples

If you’re looking for a job as a dental assistant, having a well-crafted resume is essential. In this article, we’ll share four different resume examples to help you create a standout application. Each example will showcase a different resume template, so you can choose the one that best fits your experience and skills.

Dental Assistant Chronological Resume Example – 1

John Doe

123 Main Street

Anytown, USA 12345

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]

 

Objective:

To obtain a dental assistant position in a reputable dental office where I can utilize my skills and knowledge to provide excellent patient care.

 

Education:

Certified Dental Assistant Program, XYZ College, Anytown, USA

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting, XYZ College, Anytown, USA

 

Experience:

Dental Assistant, ABC Dental, Anytown, USA

June 2018 – Present

• Assist dentist during patient procedures, including taking X-rays, preparing materials, and sterilizing instruments
• Provide patient education on oral hygiene and post-operative care
• Maintain patient records and schedule appointments

Dental Assistant Intern, XYZ Dental, Anytown, USA

January 2018 – May 2018

• Assisted dentist during patient procedures, including taking X-rays, preparing materials, and sterilizing instruments
• Observed and learned dental procedures and techniques
• Managed inventory and ordered supplies

 

Skills:

• Proficient in taking digital X-rays and intraoral photos
• Skilled in preparing materials and sterilizing instruments
• Excellent patient communication and education skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills

The chronological resume template is a popular choice for dental assistants with a solid work history. This template highlights your work experience, starting with your most recent job and working backward. It’s a great option if you have a consistent work history in the dental field and want to showcase your career progression. Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities and achievements in each job, and include any relevant education and skills.

Dental Assistant Chronological Resume Example – 2

Full Name
Address | Phone Number | Email Address

Objective: To obtain a dental assistant position in a reputable dental clinic where I can utilize my skills and knowledge in providing excellent patient care.

Education:
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting
XYZ College, City, State
Graduated: Month Year

Experience:
Dental Assistant
ABC Dental Clinic, City, State
Month Year – Present
– Assisted the dentist in various dental procedures such as fillings, extractions, and root canals
– Prepared and sterilized dental instruments and equipment
– Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques

Dental Assistant Intern
DEF Dental Clinic, City, State
Month Year – Month Year
– Assisted the dentist in various dental procedures such as cleanings and fillings
– Prepared and sterilized dental instruments and equipment
– Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques

Skills:
– Knowledgeable in dental procedures and terminology
– Proficient in using dental software and equipment
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
– Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask

Certifications:
– Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
– Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

References: Available upon request

A chronological resume template is a type of resume that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This type of resume is ideal for those who have a solid work history and want to showcase their career progression. In this dental assistant chronological resume example, the candidate has listed their work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with their current job. They have also included their education, skills, certifications, and references. This template allows the employer to see the candidate’s career progression and how their skills and experience have developed over time.

Dental Assistant Functional Resume Example – 1

Summary:

Experienced dental assistant with over 5 years of experience in providing chairside assistance, taking X-rays, and performing administrative tasks. Skilled in patient education, sterilization techniques, and inventory management. Seeking a position in a dental office where I can utilize my skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care.

Skills:

• Chairside assistance
• X-ray taking
• Patient education
• Sterilization techniques
• Inventory management
• Appointment scheduling
• Insurance verification

Professional Experience:

Dental Assistant, ABC Dental Clinic

June 2018 – Present

• Assist dentist during procedures, including fillings, extractions, and root canals
• Take and develop X-rays
• Provide patient education on oral hygiene and post-operative care
• Manage inventory and order supplies
• Schedule appointments and verify insurance coverage

Dental Assistant, XYZ Dental Office

January 2016 – May 2018

• Assisted dentist during procedures, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions
• Took and developed X-rays
• Provided patient education on oral hygiene and post-operative care
• Managed inventory and ordered supplies
• Scheduled appointments and verified insurance coverage

Education:

Dental Assistant Certificate, Community College

August 2015 – December 2015

This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience in a clear and concise manner. The summary section provides an overview of the candidate’s qualifications, while the skills section lists specific abilities relevant to the position. The professional experience section focuses on the candidate’s achievements and responsibilities, and the education section highlights relevant training and certifications. This format is ideal for candidates with a strong skill set and relevant experience, but may have gaps in their employment history.

Dental Assistant Functional Resume Example – 2

Summary:

• Experienced dental assistant with over 5 years of experience in assisting dentists during procedures, taking patient histories, and managing patient records.
• Proficient in dental software programs, including Dentrix and Eaglesoft.
• Skilled in taking digital x-rays, impressions, and performing sterilization procedures.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well in a team environment.

Professional Experience:

Dental Assistant, ABC Dental Clinic

June 2018 – Present

• Assist dentists during procedures, including fillings, extractions, and root canals.
• Take patient histories and update patient records in Dentrix software.
• Take digital x-rays and impressions for restorative and cosmetic procedures.
• Perform sterilization procedures to ensure a clean and safe environment for patients.

Dental Assistant, XYZ Dental Group

January 2016 – May 2018

• Assisted dentists during procedures, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
• Managed patient records and updated information in Eaglesoft software.
• Took digital x-rays and impressions for restorative and cosmetic procedures.
• Performed sterilization procedures to ensure a clean and safe environment for patients.

Education:

• Certificate in Dental Assisting, XYZ College, 2015

This functional resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience as a dental assistant. The summary section provides an overview of the candidate’s qualifications, while the professional experience section details their work history and specific duties. The education section lists the candidate’s relevant certification. This format is ideal for candidates with a strong work history and specific skills to highlight.

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Dental Assistant Combination Resume Example – 1

Summary:

• Experienced and certified dental assistant with over 5 years of experience in assisting dentists during routine check-ups, surgeries, and other dental procedures.
• Proficient in taking and developing dental x-rays, preparing dental instruments, and maintaining patient records.
• Skilled in providing patient education on oral hygiene, post-operative care, and treatment options.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Professional Experience:

• Dental Assistant | ABC Dental Clinic | 2018 – Present
  • Assist dentists during routine check-ups, surgeries, and other dental procedures.
  • Take and develop dental x-rays, prepare dental instruments, and maintain patient records.
  • Provide patient education on oral hygiene, post-operative care, and treatment options.
  • Manage inventory of dental supplies and equipment, and order new supplies as needed.
• Dental Assistant | XYZ Dental Clinic | 2015 – 2018
  • Assisted dentists during routine check-ups, surgeries, and other dental procedures.
  • Took and developed dental x-rays, prepared dental instruments, and maintained patient records.
  • Provided patient education on oral hygiene, post-operative care, and treatment options.
  • Managed inventory of dental supplies and equipment, and ordered new supplies as needed.

Education:

• Certified Dental Assistant | XYZ Dental School | 2015
• Bachelor of Science in Biology | ABC University | 2012 – 2015

Dental Assistant Combination Resume Example – 2

Summary:

• Experienced and certified dental assistant with over 5 years of experience in providing quality patient care and assisting dentists in various procedures.
• Proficient in taking and developing dental x-rays, preparing patients for treatment, and maintaining dental equipment and supplies.
• Skilled in managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and providing excellent customer service to patients.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Professional Experience:

• Dental Assistant | ABC Dental Clinic | 2018 – Present
  • Assist dentists in various procedures, including fillings, extractions, and root canals.
  • Take and develop dental x-rays, and maintain accurate patient records.
  • Prepare patients for treatment, and provide post-operative care instructions.
  • Manage inventory of dental supplies and equipment, and order new supplies as needed.
• Dental Assistant | XYZ Dental Group | 2015 – 2018
  • Assisted dentists in various procedures, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
  • Took and developed dental x-rays, and maintained accurate patient records.
  • Prepared patients for treatment, and provided post-operative care instructions.
  • Managed inventory of dental supplies and equipment, and ordered new supplies as needed.

Education and Certifications:

• Certified Dental Assistant | National Board for Certification in Dental Assisting | 2015
• Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting | Community College | 2014

This is a combination resume example for a dental assistant position. The resume highlights the candidate’s experience and skills in providing quality patient care and assisting dentists in various procedures. The professional experience section includes details of the candidate’s work history, including the names of the clinics they worked at, the procedures they assisted with, and their responsibilities. The education and certifications section lists the candidate’s credentials, including their certification as a dental assistant and their associate’s degree in dental assisting. This resume template is ideal for dental assistants with some experience who want to showcase their skills and qualifications in a clear and concise manner.

Read Also: Dental Assistant Job Posting Template: Tips & Examples

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Dental Assistant Resume

As a dental assistant, your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers. It is essential to make sure your resume stands out and showcases your skills and experience. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your dental assistant resume.

Do’s:

• Highlight your education and certifications: List your education and any certifications you have earned in the dental field. This will show potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job.
• Showcase your experience: List your previous work experience in the dental field, including any internships or volunteer work. This will demonstrate your practical skills and experience in the field.
• Use keywords: Use keywords from the job description in your resume to show that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for.
• Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements in previous roles. For example, “”Assisted in over 100 dental procedures per month.””
• Proofread: Make sure to proofread your resume for any errors or typos. A well-written and error-free resume will make a good impression on potential employers.

Don’ts:

• Include irrelevant information: Only include information that is relevant to the dental assistant job role. Avoid including personal information such as your age, marital status, or hobbies.
• Use generic language: Avoid using generic language such as “”responsible for”” or “”assisted with.”” Instead, use specific language that highlights your skills and experience.
• Make it too long: Keep your resume concise and to the point. A one-page resume is ideal for a dental assistant position.
• Forget to customize: Customize your resume for each job application. Tailor your skills and experience to match the job description.
• Forget to include contact information: Make sure to include your contact information, including your phone number and email address, so potential employers can easily reach you.

Conclusion

Writing a dental assistant resume can be challenging, but by following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and experience and makes a good impression on potential employers. Remember to customize your resume for each job application and proofread it for any errors or typos. With a well-written and tailored resume, you can increase your chances of landing your dream dental assistant job.