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How to create a steller dental assistant resume?

[ Click here to directly go to the complete dental assistant resume sample ]

"Be true to your teeth and they won't be false to you." -Soupy Sales

Likewise, be true to your entry level dental assistant resumes for dental assistants and they won't fail you in your job hunt.

You need to raise your chance of being noticed by the recruiters if you intend to get the shortlist for the targeted job.

You can refer to our complete dental assistant resume sample:

• Headed the Unit Preparation for receiving patients by taking care of the equipment required and cleanliness of the unit
• Served as an Infection Control Officer , developed infection control protocol & sterilized instruments & equipment
• Provided instrumentation and positioned instruments for dentist's access, suctioned and passed instruments
• Rendered assistance to the Senior Dentist in dental procedures of 20+ patients daily
• Supervised in providing proper care leading to the recovery of 10k+ patients till date
• Managed emergencies by deploying emergency control skills & utilizing crisis control procedures
• Monitored vital parameters and general condition of patient while conducting dental diagnosis
• Administered medication to the patients by maintaining patients records & reports along with drugs stock & inventory
• Provided 10+ patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures
• Taught patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health like tooth brushing , flossing, etc.
• Collected impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
• Prepared treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols
• Prepared patients for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patients
• Provided materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth
• Provided diagnostic information by exposing and developing radio-graphic studies
• Top 5 percentile of the class
• Languages : English, Spanish and French

This blog is designed to help you frame the perfect resume, so read on.

Here is a summary of our orthodontic assistant resume 2022 Guide:

• Always use your full name as the header of your dentist resume and strictly avoid writing "CV or Resume".
• Use the reverse chronological order to prioritize your most recent and relevant experience on your dental assistant resume.
• Stick to the use of one-liner points to avoid lengthy paragraphs by grouping similar points under unique subheadings.
• Frame a summary of your dental assistant experience resume only if you have work experience of 3 years and above else write a dental assistant objective for your zero or less than 3 years of experience.

It is not always an easy sail while trying to frame the right resume because you have to use the right words that can convince the recruiters that you are the most suitable applicant.

All your statements should be able to boost your chances of being shortlisted by the recruiters for the targeted job.

Here at Hiration, our experts can help you out by guiding you on how to curate the perfect dentist resume.

By the end of this dental assistant resume blog, you will be able to write a job-winning resume while simultaneously learning:

• What to write in your dentist resume and how to write it
• How to talk about your professional experience on your dental resume in the best manner
• How to write a professional summary of dental assistant resume?
• How to add personal experience in your dental assistant resume?
• How to write add your education information in your dental assistant resume?

You can directly go to our Online Resume Builder to write professional dental assistant resumes:

In this blog we have provided a complete dental assistant resume sample and we will also discuss the following points to help you create impactful resumes for dental assistants:

What is a Dental Assistant Resume & why do you need it?

[ Back to Table of Content ]

Your dental resume is the golden ticket to raise your chances of getting shortlisted by recruiters and a step towards your dream job.

Write a flawless resume that can be recognized by the recruiters and try to impress them with your skills.

One thing that you need to overcome is the ATS system. Most recruiters depend on the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) for their hiring process.

It is a tracking system through which the recruiters filter through resumes to pick the most suitable applicant.

If your resume ranks high in the ATS system, it means your dental assistant resume will have a higher chance of getting shortlisted.

You need to create a resume that is ATS-targeted by using the keywords used by the recruiter to describe the requirements of the targeted job.

A resume that is not ATS-targeted may end up never getting shortlisted by the recruiters.

Hence writing an ATS targeted resume is necessary and you can accomplish that with this guide.

To learn the tricks and trade of writing your resumes for dental assistants, read our 2022 Tips on dos and don'ts for resume writing with a professional approach.

Dental Assistant Salary

• BLS : $41,180 per year
• Payscale.com : $16.59 per hour
• Salary.com : $39,560 per year

How to write a Dental Assistant Resume?

Following the step by step process to frame, can have a huge impact on the quality of your dental resume.

Here are the three stages that you should follow while framing your resume for dental assistant:

• Step 1 : Master Dental Assistant Resume
• Step 2 : First Draft of Dental Assistant Resume
• Step 3 : Final Draft of Dental Assistant Resume

Carefully read these three steps that has been discussed below and try to follow them while writing your dentist resume.

Dental Assistant Master Resume

[ Back to Table of Content ] Compile all your details and pieces of information in a single place by creating a master resume.

This works as your folder and helps you in tracking any information that you may require not only the present time-line but also for any future updates.

Collecting scattered pieces of information can be stressful to work on and a total waste of time altogether.

But if you stack them together in a single place it would be much easier to find your data on important details.

It revolutionizes your dentist resume-writing experience and helps you to accomplish the goal of resume writing in any time-period as required by you.

Do not stress over the unclear information which does not seem sure for your present resume because it may be needed in your future updates.

First Draft of Dental Assistant Resume

In the first draft of your dental resume, you should frame these following sections in your resumes for dental assistants:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Professional Experience
• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

Make sure to fill the above standard sections with the relevant points and frame optional sections whenever necessary.

Doing so can boost your chance of being recognized by recruiters who can give you the shortlist you require for the targeted job.

Final Draft of Dental Assistant Resume

You need to compose the following sections in your final draft:

Key skills section: After your professional experience has been filled, scan through it and pick out the most effective key skills you possess and align them in this section. This way, recruiters can easily identify your core skills.

Summary/objective section: This is the last section to be framed when writing your dental resume. A dental assistant resume objective or summary should be framed to give a brief and overall statement of your dentist resume.

You can also read our 2022 guide to writing a resume for a better understanding of how to write the perfect resume.

Dental Assistant Resume Sections

There are different sections in your dental resume. We have mentioned them below:

• Summary/Objective

Given below are the optional section that can be framed whenever required to enhance your dental assistant resume:

• Volunteering Experience (if any)

Make sure that every section you frame has been thoughtfully created to have an impact on the recruiters with your resume.

Read Hiration's 2022 Guide to sections in a resume for more details on how to effectively create your dental resume sections.

In the meanwhile, feel free to use our Online Resume Builder to compose a professional resumes for dental assistants from scratch without any hassle!

Dental Assistant Resume: Professional Experience

One of the most important sections in your dental resume is the professional experience section. This section can help you to elaborate on all your skills and experience to highlight your achievements.

Try not to miss out on any important details while framing this section.

Curate a flawless professional experience section in your dentist resume by following the points that have been listed below:

• STAR format
• Framing points
• Bucketing & Bolding

STAR Format

The STAR stands for the following points:

• Situation : It describes the backdrop and context of your contributions in any situation.
• Task : It describes the actual task that was assigned to you as a part of your role and responsibility.
• Action : It describes the strategy you turned into action that was used to execute the assigned task.
• Result : It describes the result or outcome of your action in any form of an achievement figure.

STAR format is the ideal format for curating the professional experience section of your dental assistant resume.

It creates the cause-effect relationship between your assigned task in any situation and the outcome of your actions which helps your dental resume stand out.

This can demonstrate your dental assistant resume skills by quantifying your achievements that show the extent of your expertise in your chosen domain.

Framing Points

Keep the recruiter interested in reading your dentist resume, by making it worth the read.

Let us look at the two dental assistant resume examples given below to understand the importance of framing points and how to go about it:

Dental Assistant Resume Example 1:

"Assisted the Senior Dentist in all the daily dental procedures of 10+ patients and administered proper care to every patient which lead to the recovery of 1k+ patients to date. Successfully deployed any emergency control skills and utilized the crisis control procedures. Monitored the vital parameters of all the patients while conducting dental diagnosis and also implemented dental interventions at times of need while working closely with the Senior Dentist."

Dental Assistant Resume Example 2:

Assisted the Senior Dentist in dental procedures of 10+ patients daily Administered proper care leading to the recovery of 1k+ patients till date Deployed emergency control skills and utilized crisis control procedures Monitored vital parameters of patients while conducting dental diagnosis Implemented dental interventions while working closely with the Senior Dentist

Framing Points: Analysis

Both the example are stating the same thing but example 2 is more specific unlike example 1 wherein your resume for dental assistant with no experience look bulky.

From the two examples, it is obvious that framing points (example 2) make your statements more readable for the recruiters.

Use bullet points to frame one-liners as it is easier to list out your roles & responsibilities which in turn makes your dental resume easy to read and comprehend.

Writing a bulky and lengthy paragraph in your dentist resume (example 1) may most likely make the recruiters uninterested in your dental assistant resume when you drag your points at a stretch and you end up using vague words unnecessarily.

Bolding & Bucketing

Bucketing & bolding are another important factor that should be used while composing your professional experience section in your dental resume.

Let us look at the below-given dental assistant resume examples to understand how bolding & bucketing is important in your dental assistant resume and how you can make use of it:

Assisted the Senior Dentist in dental procedures of 10+ patients daily Administered proper care leading to the recovery of 1k+ patients till date Managed the Unit Preparation for patients by taking care of the required equipment Served as a control officer by developing protocol & sterilized the instruments Provided patients with oral care instructions following surgery or procedures Demonstrated appropriate strategies to patience for the maintenance of oral hygiene

Patient Care Assisted the Senior Dentist in dental procedures of 10+ patients daily Administered proper care leading to the recovery of 1k+ patients till date Surgical Assistance & Unit Preparation Managed the Unit Preparation for patients by taking care of the required equipment Served as a control officer by developing protocol & sterilized the instruments Oral Care & Hygiene Practice Provided patients with oral care instructions following surgery or procedures Demonstrated appropriate strategies to patience for the maintenance of oral hygiene

Bolding & Bucketing: Analysis

Framing points (example 1) make your one-liners readable but bucketing and bolding (example 2) make your resume for dental assistant with no experience more organized.

Create unique subheadings (bucketing) and group all the similar points in your professional experience section.

Bolding all your figures of numbers and achievements helps the recruiter recognize your specific contributions towards an organization.

Thus, bucketing and bolding boost your chances of getting the attention of the recruiters which can help you in getting shortlisted for the target job.

You can refer to our dental assistant resume sample given below to understand how the professional experience section can be ideally framed.

If you have an existing resume, get it professionally reviewed by our in-house team of resume experts at Hiration.

To learn more about framing the perfect professional experience section, read Hiration's Blog on how to compose the work experience in your resume .

Dental Assistant Resume: Key Skills

Scan through your dentist resume and pick the keywords in the job description that you have applied for and place them in this section.

Do make sure that the keywords you use are justified in your one-liners and that you possess them.

Avoid writing unrelated skills to the target job as it is just a waste of time and space.

Most of the major organizations nowadays use the ATS for filtering resumes before shortlisting the most suitable applicant.

This is why you need to choose and write the correct skills in your dental assistant resume skills section.

Given below is a dental assistant resume examples for you to understand the ideal way to write dental assistant resume skills.

Dental Assistant Resume Summary

A dental assistant resume summary should be written only if you have 3 years and above of professional experience.

It is an overall statement of your dentist resume which can make the recruiters recognize your efficiency in just a short paragraph.

Read the following points to write a dental assistant resume summary:

• Start your summary by mentioning your years of experience while keeping in mind that the recruiter would spend roughly 6-7 seconds and you need to make it count.
• Write a summary that is on point with only 3-4 lines and avoid stretching your summary with unnecessary and irrelevant words.
• Give a brief explanation of your past work experience and make sure to pick the best highlights of your career to enhance the effectiveness of your dental resume summary.

Given below is a dental assistant resume sample of how an ideal summary for your dental assistant resume can be framed.

You can read Hiration's 2022 Resume Summary Guide. for a detailed guide on how to write the perfect dentist resume summary.

Dental Assistant Resume: Objective

You should write a dental assistant resume objective for your dental resume only if:

• You have no work experience.
• You have very limited work experience of less than 3 years.
• You are a fresh graduate writing an entry-level resume.

The goal of your dental assistant resume objective is to communicate your goals and prove to the recruiter that your skills matter, and that you will be am asset to the organization.

Read Hiration's 2022 Guide on Resume Objectives to learn the art of fashioning an impeccable dental resume objective.

Dental Assistant Resume: Header

The importance of the profile header is mostly ignored but you should know that it is an important feature in a resume that needs to be thoughtfully framed.

Hiration pro Tip : Avoid writing "CV or Resume". Instead, write your name as the header so that the recruiter knows that the dental assistant resume belongs to you.

Follow the below-given points to write your dental resume header the right way:

• Write your header using the largest fonts between 16-20 font sizes and make it stand out in your dental assistant resume.
• It should be framed at the top-most part of your dentist resume.
• In case you have a middle name, write only the initial of your middle name followed by a period.
• Example: Phoebe Aurora Buffay should be written as "Phoebe A. Buffay".

Given below is our dental assistant resume example of the header section for you to understand how an ideal header section can be ideally framed.

Read our 2022 Guide: Header on a Resume to get more details for writing this section.

You can always write your dental resume with the help of experts at Hiration's Online Resume Builder:

Dental Assistant Resume: Personal Information

The personal information section in your dental resume should ideally consist of the following details:

Contact number

• Current location

Give only your active and functional contact number through which the recruiter can get in touch with you.

The recruiters may want to conduct an interview over the phone or confirm any likely shortlist over the phone. Keep your phone lines open and free when you are expecting a shortlist from them.

Do not give out contact numbers of your previous address of residence or workplace as it is unnecessary and wastage of time.

The number you provide should be functional 24x7 and avoid missing out any calls from the recruiters for any possible shortlist.

Provide your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number and a plus sign (+) before the ISD code.

Example : +1 25363 62749

One of the most convenient and official means of communication between you and the recruiter is the email.

Make sure that you have an email ID that has been professionally composed for official purpose by using your real name.

Example : [email protected] or [email protected]

Avoid giving out any fancy email IDs that can make you seem like a childish applicant who is not serious with one's career.

Example : [email protected] or [email protected]

Create an official resume with your real name in case you do not have one.

Always remember that your dental assistant resume is a source through which the recruiters can judge you and you need to maintain an official approach at all times.

Current Location

If you are looking for a job in your own country, mention the city and state of your residence in your resume. Mention the name of your city and country if you are looking for a job outside your country.

You need not mention your previous workplace address or your full home address because it is not required by the recruiters.

The main reason why you need to provide your current location is for the recruiters to know where you are willing to locate or re-locate for the targeted job.

Look at our below-given dental assistant resume sample of the personal information section to understand how this section is ideally framed.

Our 2022 Guide to writing personal information can help you have a better understanding of this section.

Dental Resume: Profile Title

Write your latest job title as your profile title to let the recruiter know if you are an experienced or an entry-level applicant.

Its main purpose is to state where you stand in your level of professional status.

Use the font size of 14-16 to write your profile title which should be the second-largest font size in your dentist resume.

By doing so, the recruiters can get an insight into your level of expertise in the field of your work.

Look at the below-given example of this section from our dental assistant resumes template to help you understand how an ideal profile title should be framed.

In the meanwhile, check out our Online Resume Builder to create your dental resume with expert guidance.

It comes with a pre-designed & pre-filled dental assistant resume template that you can customize to suit your professional needs & qualifications.

Dental Assistant Resume: Education

Your education section is important for your dental resume because the targeted job would require you to possess some specific level of educational qualification.

Provide a specific course of study that you have completed on dental courses to justify your efficiency as an eligible applicant who deserves the targeted job profile.

The education section of your resume should ideally consist of:

• Name of the school/university you have attended
• Name of the courses you have pursued
• The location of your school/university
• Enrollment and graduation dates in month & year format

Look at the given dental assistant resume sample of an ideal education section to frame this section with perfection.

You can also read our 2022 Guide on how to list education on resume .

Our Online Resume Builder is here to help you create your dental resume with expert guidance. The pre-filled dental assistant resume template that comes with it can be easily modified to suit your needs & preferences.

Dental Assistant Resume: Certifications

Certifications section is another important feature on your dentist resume that can help raise your chances of being shortlisted by recruiters.

Your certification section must include the following details:

• Name of the Certification Course
• Name of the Affiliating Institution
• Location of the Institute
• Dates of enrollment and completion of the course (month and year)

Arrange these points in the below format:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (month & year format)

Here is the 2022 Guide: How to List Certifications on a Resume , to help you get a better working knowledge of this section.

Go to our Hiration's online builder to create your dental resume with expert guidance:

Dental Assistant Resume: Additional Information

All your extra-curricular activities or information can be listed in this section as per the requirement of your targeted job profile.

Any additional languages that you can speak or write or any relevant hobbies that may help enhance your dentist resume can be framed here.

Your additional information can add value to your professional experience and educational qualification by highlighting your extracurricular knowledge or talent.

The dental assistant resume sample given below of an additional information section is the ideal way to perfectly frame this section.

Go to our Online Resume Builder to frame your flawless dental resume.

Resume Review & Free Dental Assistant Resume Templates

Get your dentist resume professionally reviewed by our resume experts at Hiration. The review will be done in compliance with the below-mentioned parameters:

• Compliance with industry norms
• Content Relevance
• Recruiter Friendliness
• Design Compatibility
• Conversion Scope
• ATS Compliance
• Global Compatibility
• Performance Assessment
• Resume Formatting (font, margins, the order of sections, etc.)

You also get 2 resume templates for free!

Resume Builder for Dental Assistant Resume

Our Online Resume Builder is professionally designed to help you curate a shortlist-worthy ATS-targeted senior accountant resume.

It comes with the below-mentioned resources:

• Option to save unlimited resumes
• 25+ resume designs
• Full rich-text editor
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• 100+ content templates
• 1-click design change
• A sharable link
• Live resume editor

By using Hiration Online Resume Builder , you will be able to write impeccable entry level dental assistant resumes for every job that you are targeting.

So if you aren't using our resume builder, wait no longer and get your hands on our resume builder now!

Key Takeaways

• Use the reverse chronological order to write your dental resume.
• Use only the keywords that have been justified and avoid phrases in your dental assistant resume skills sections.
• Use past tense for past profiles/projects and present continuous tense for present profiles and projects while starting your one-liners with power verbs.
• Use bucketing and bolding in your professional experience section to emphasize your efficiency and create cause-effect relations.
• Write a resume summary for your 3 years and above work experience, an dental assistant objective to describe your 0 to less than 3 years of work experience.

With this, we come to the end of this blog and you can write your perfect beginner dental assistant resume with the help of all the guides and examples.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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• • 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

Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.

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.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

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.

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Home / Resume Examples / Dental Assistant Resume Sample

Dental Assistant Resume Example and Advice from HR Pros

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics , the employment of dental assistants will increase by up to 8% from 2021 to 2031 — which is substantially faster than most other professions. Over the next decade, over 56,400 openings per year are projected for dental assistants.

Building a career as a dental assistant can give you a stable income and lots of options for professional growth.

The average salary of a Dental Assistant in the United States is $44,741, according to Salary.com . Salaries can range from $39,942 to $49,273 and depend on your expertise and experience.

To get the job you want, you will need to have a powerful resume and cover letter combo. And this is what we are looking into today: how to write a dental assistant resume.

We will be covering the following points:

• What the standard job description for a dental assistant looks like
• What you should include in your dental assistant resume
• A dental assistant resume template for you to use as a base to create your own resume
• Tips for writing a strong resume — and more
• Let’s get started.

To learn more about how to write a dental assistant cover letter, check out our post on Dental assistant cover letter example and Advice from HR Pros .

Dental assistant job description

Dental assistants help dentists perform dental procedures. Some of the most common responsibilities of a dental assistant include:

• Sterilizing dental tools
• Performing X-rays
• Patient care
• Record keeping
• Scheduling appointments
• Assisting with patient billing and more

Your specific tasks and responsibilities as a dental assistant will depend on the dental office you work for.

To get a well-paying position as a dental assistant, you will need to prepare a strong resume. More on this below.

How to write a dental assistant resume?

Below, we will look into more detail how to write a dental assistant resume in the reverse-chronological format. This resume format emphasizes work experience and is most suitable for those who have worked at several dental offices prior to the new job application. If you are a recent graduate, you may prefer to use a skill-based resume. You can learn about the different resume format options here — Top Resume Formats: Tips and Examples of 3 Common Formats .

There are several sections a dental assistant resume should include to provide the hiring manager with all the necessary information. These include:

Name and contact details

Your resume should start with your contact information. This will let the hiring manager know whose resume they are reading and have your contact details in front of them if they need to get in touch with you for more information.

Here’s what to include in your resume contact details:

• Full name and educational and/or professional credentials.
• City of residence (optional), phone number and email. Make sure you use a professional email address such as [email protected] instead of something more informal. If needed, create a separate email box for sending out job applications.
• It’s also a good idea to add links to your website, online portfolio or professional social media like LinkedIn. This is a great way for your potential employer to get some additional information about you that they won’t find on your resume.

Professional summary

After your contact details, add a brief professional summary. This can include a short description of what you are best at and a list of your most valued skills that will be relevant to the job you are applying for.

Professional experience

Next, add your professional experience. List the places you’ve worked at in reverse- chronological order, starting from the most recent position. When describing each position, mention the name of the company that employed you, your title and your core responsibilities and professional achievements.

This section should mention all relevant degrees, courses and other qualifications, starting with the highest degree or qualification. Thus, if you graduated from university, there’s no need to mention you finished high school.

You can also include any other relevant certification you’ve received. With that, keep this section short and don’t mention courses that you may have taken as a hobby that aren’t relevant to the job. Furthermore, if your list of courses and certifications is long, put it in the Additional information section, but if you took only one relevant to the job course, you can mention it in this section.

Additional information

This section is a great opportunity to add any other information that you believe might help your case. For instance, you can elaborate on additional skills you have that may be useful in your job as a dental assistant, mention internships you’ve done, foreign languages you speak and more.

Tips for writing a dental assistant resume

Now that we’ve covered the structure of your resume, let’s explore some best practices for making it the best it can be.

• Keep your resume short and to the point. Most HR managers agree that your resume shouldn’t be over a page long. If it is longer, there is a high chance the hiring manager will just scan through it and miss out on the important information you want to convey.
• Highlight the key points in your resume so that they “jump off” the page. To do so, you can use the bold font or bullet points. Don’t go overboard, though. Keep your resume simple and don’t use “informal” fonts, bright colors or excessive visuals.
• Keep your resume as specific as possible. This is not the place to generalize and write abstract ideas. Use numbers, references to specific projects and company names.
• Unless otherwise specified, you should use the PDF format for your resume. This is a standard resume and cover letter format that will be readable on most systems and devices.
• Before hitting “send” on your resume, make sure it’s free of spelling errors and typos. You can run your resume through one of the automated spell checkers online or simply go through the final document yourself very carefully.

Dental assistant resume example

Summing things up

• To apply for the position you want as a dental assistant, you will need a strong resume that highlights your best features, professional experience, skills and expertise.
• Your resume should include the following sections: contact details, professional introduction, experience, education and additional information (optional).
• Make your resume short and to the point. There is no need to add general information. Instead, try to be as specific as possible.
• Most importantly, your resume should be tailored to the position you are applying for. Re-read the job description you are responding to and pick out the main keywords used to describe the main requirements and responsibilities.

Learn about how to write a resume .

Dental Assistant cover letter

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3 Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume Examples for 2024

Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume

Formal pediatric dental assistant resume, elegant pediatric dental assistant resume.

• Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume Writing 101

You’re a superhero to all your young patients who hate going to the dentist. Your comforting presence and intimate knowledge of dentistry help kids, teens, and parents navigate difficult dental procedures without a hitch.

You have the unique skill set to be a top-notch pediatric dental assistant, but do you have a good resume to show the world what you can do?

Like you spend your days helping others overcome obstacles, we’re helping job seekers score their dream roles. Here’s how to prepare an eye-catching pediatric dental assistant resume and create a cover letter to get you more interviews.

or download as PDF

Related resume examples

• Oral surgery assistant
• Orthodontic dental assistant
• Certified dental assistant
• Expanded functions dental assistant
• Dental assistant

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Pediatric Dental Assistant Experience

Few professions encapsulate empathy the way yours does. Working with youngsters at a dental office can be a tough test of patience, but you pass it daily with flying colors. However, when discussing your top skills in a resume , avoid focusing solely on soft skills.

As a pediatric dental assistant, you have a lot of technical skills to cover. Potential employers want to know whether you can handle X-ray imaging, instrument sterilization, and chairside assistance.

To highlight your expertise, talk about your proficiency in software such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft and hands-on skills such as working with dental composites and local anesthetics. Don’t overlook your patient management skills entirely, but emphasize the technical side of your job in this section.

9 best pediatric dental assistant skills

• X-ray imaging
• Chairside assistance
• Instrument sterilization
• Sealant application
• Special care dentistry
• Dental charting
• Calming techniques

Sample pediatric dental assistant work experience bullet points

Your skills make you a favorite among your patients, but your work experience puts them into perspective. This can show employers the value you bring to the table.

To make an impression, turn your bullet points into metrics. Don’t settle for “provided dental assistance” because that’s a given. Instead, talk about how many patients you saw each day or how your sterilization techniques reduced post-procedure cleanup by 25%.

Here’s how to use measurable impact to your advantage:

• Reduced appointment cancellations by 18% by implementing new distraction techniques and positive reinforcement that alleviate dental anxiety
• Performed radiographs and intra-oral pictures for patients, reducing processing time by 25%
• Maintained OSHA compliance by cleaning each operatory 15+ times per week following state infection control guidelines
• Provided chairside assistance to up to 15 patients per day, including local anesthetic, sealant application, and fluoride treatments

Top 5 Tips for Your Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume

• As a pediatric dental assistant, your job is to comfort patients regardless of their individual needs. If you have experience working with children with autism or disabilities, say so. You can also mention courses you’ve taken, languages you speak, and conferences you’ve attended.
• You can get hands-on experience on the job, but primary education and certifications are necessary for this role. Mention your DANB and CPR certifications and optional ones, such as CE or AADMD courses.
• How good you are with kids plays a big part in your success, so show it off. However, avoid generic terms and instead emphasize skills like patient engagement, active listening, and positive reinforcement.
• The more you know, the easier it is for potential employers to train you—so you should talk about all the tools and techniques you’re familiar with. This includes software (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental) and your knowledge of dental composites, amalgam, types of cement, sealants, and impression materials.
• Pick a resume template that’s easy to update and give it a once-over before you apply. If the job description emphasizes patient management and preventative care over chairside assistance and sterilization, adjust your resume accordingly.

If you’ve completed a Dental Assisting Program at a community college or vocational school, you do have some experience—talk about relevant coursework, internships, and projects. If not, emphasize your background in working with people, such as volunteer work, childcare, or customer service.

A career summary is usually not needed for a pediatric dental assistant. If you do include a short objective section , tailor it to the job and talk about goals that align well with it, such as wanting to learn more in the field of special needs dentistry.

The part of your resume that contains your skills shouldn’t be longer than ten at most, so pick a good balance of technical and soft skills. This includes non-verbal communication and cultural sensitivity.