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Dental Assistant Resume: Templates & Guide

As a dental assistant, you’re used to helping give patients fillings and crowns, but do you know how to plug in gaps in your own resume? Luckily, we’ve pre-poured some impressions of ideal resume templates that you can use to extract your next career opportunity!

Dental Assistant Resume Example MSWord® Download our free Dental Assistant Resume Template in Word and provide proper care to your most important patient – your career!

Dental assistants aid dentists during each operation, ensuring patients leave with a positive experience. If you wish to update your dental assistant resume to seek new employment opportunities, this article is for you.

This content will reveal vital details on what constitutes an effective dental assistant resume produced in interviews within a short time. Also, some examples and templates will be available to ensure complete comprehension of the lessons.

Before proceeding with tips on creating dental receptionist resumes, it’s worth noting that completing this task alone is tricky as you have to keep multiple factors in mind . These elements may include the font, style, size, page format, etc.

For this reason, we recommend easing the hassle with our online resume builder , a platform consisting of several templates and examples, ensuring you complete the task within a short time.

Visit ResumeGiants builder today and make building a dental assistant resume easy.

Let’s begin!

Dental Assistant Resume Sample

As previously mentioned, building a dental assistant resume from scratch is complex. Before providing you with the knowledge to make one, it’s best to look at an example for a better understanding.

Below is an example of a dental assistant resume :

[Charlotte Foster]

[Dental Assistant]

[1225 Crossing Meadows, Dakota, MN 54650 | 453-655-0996| [email protected]]

Dental Assistant with over 5 years of experience offering excellent clinical and customer relations skills gained within high-volume dental practices. Diplomatic, personable, and adept in managing sensitive situations, assisting in instructing patients, monitoring and ordering supplies. Efficient and precise in chairside dental assisting.

Dental Assistant

Marrow Dentalcare | Dakota, MN

2017 – Current

• Efficiently manage patient care, office and laboratory duties within a multispecialty dental group employing 12 dentists and 15 dental assistants.
• Administered sedatives to patients before the procedure and aided the dentist in providing proper care.
• Coordinated emergency referrals, ensuring they reached providers promptly
• Managed the dental facility inventory to provide patient care
• Tracked clinic repairs to equipment supported the upgrade to clinic space
• Gained experience in exposing and processing X-rays; fabricating crowns, pouring impressions, trimming models and preparing orthodontic equipment; and assisting with extractions, impactions, fillings, implants and local anesthesia.

Dymentum Health | Duluth, MN

2016 – 2017

• Worked chairside assisting family dentists with routine cleaning and specialized procedures, making patients feel as relaxed as possible and preparing them for treatment.
• Measured blood pressure and pulse before treatment began
• Provided and reviewed patients’ health histories before treatment commenced
• Provided patients with instructions on personal oral healthcare
• Constructed mouth guards, bleach trays, temporary crowns, and casting models.
• Prepared dental materials like cement when needed.

Hibbing Community College | Hibbing, MN

2015 – 2016

• Clinical Sedation
• Extractions
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Fabrication
• Dental instrument preparation
• Vital Signs

Certifications

• DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
• Intravenous Clinical Sedation
• Certification Nitrous Oxide
• Certification Basic Life Support Certification (ARC)

Hobbies and Interests

Knitting Reading Biking

This resume example is straightforward and letting the hiring manager understand what skills, experience, and qualifications you possess, let them judge whether you’re a valuable asset.

What’s the Best Format for a Dental Assistant Resume?

Besides the document’s content, the resume format immediately decides whether the hiring manager will continue reading your paper or toss it in the bin. For this reason, the first factor to consider is correct formatting , which this section will tackle.

First, format the document in reverse chronological order, allowing recruiters to see your best assets. Essentially, this option presents your most recent and relevant work experience at the top of the page, keeping the recruiter engaged with your value.

Another factor that makes reverse chronology essential is that recruiters tend to skim the latter half of a resume after reading the first half. You want your best to appear first .

Use plenty of big headings, white space, and clear fonts (Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, Verdana) to improve readability. Unconventional options require more mental effort to read, which may spell doom for your Dental assistant resume.

Additional recommendations include:

• Use bullet points for past jobs
• Assign one-inch margins on all four sides
• Don’t size should be 11 or 12
• Divide your resume with heading (executive summary, education, skills, etc.)
• Don’t use photos

How to Write a Dental Assistant Resume Summary

A resume summary is a brief introduction to the document to highlight your most valuable skills and professional achievements. This section gives the hiring manager a quick overview of your abilities and value, encouraging them to continue reading.

Similar to every part of a resume, a correct way exists to write this summary, and the guidelines include:

• Place it on top: The resume summary functions as the first thing a hiring manager reads before the remaining content. For this reason, please put it on top of the document; else, it serves no meaningful purpose.
• Give it a professional tag: Ensure your resume summary possesses a straightforward label like Qualifications summary, resume summary, Career profile, etc. Anything that falls short of this requirement appears unprofessional or unnecessary.
• Keep it brief: The resume summary is a short overview of your qualifications and professional strength and should exceed a few lines. A brief paragraph is sufficient for the task.

Sample Dental Assistant Resume Summary

Two examples of the concept are here further to understand the structure and format of a resume sample. These include:

👌 Example 1

Detail-oriented Dental Assistant with over five years experience offering service in both the public and private sectors. Diplomatic, personable, and adept at managing sensitive situations. Looking to aid in tasks like instructing patients, monitoring and ordering supplies, and maintaining office appointment calendar.

👌 Example 2

Problem-solving Dental Assistant with strong attention to detail and impeccable hand-eye coordination. Possessing over 15 years of experience in assisting with dental procedures by prepping for surgeries and cleaning, performing X-rays, and completing basic examinations.

How to Write an Effective Dental Assistant Resume

A Dental Assistant resume is crucial for applying as a dentist helper , and this document has specific formats to display your work experience, skills, education, and other essential details.

Keep in mind that the format may change depending on how much information you wish to display; nevertheless, this section aims to present the most common steps for creating an effective dental assistant resume.

These phases include:

1. Outline Your Skills

The “Skills’” section is crucial to your Dental Assistant resume as it allows the employer to understand what makes you a valuable addition to the establishment. Remember that all skills mentioned under this heading must be relevant, and these abilities may include:

Consider including a section that lists your skills that best fit the job description. For a dental assistant, relevant skills include:

• Effective communication
• Cleanliness
• Detail-oriented
• Customer service
• Ability to follow orders
• Positive attitude

You’d also want to add technical skills , such as:

• X-Ray processing
• Understands dental tools
• Teeth Cleaning | Dental Radiographs
• Bleaching Tray & Temporary Crown Fabrications | Instrument Sterilization
• Temporary Fillings | Periodontal Dressings | Operatory Preparation

We recommend writing all your skills on a piece of paper to get a broad understanding of your professional abilities. Consider including skills that you think are unnecessary to the job description as you may discover other talents.

For example, writing down that you have good conversation skills also shows that you’re an excellent listener that can follow instructions.

2. Display Your Work Experience

It’s one thing to have skills in a profession, and it’s another to apply them successfully. Your experience section shows that your abilities were practical when used in your previous place of work.

If you don’t possess work experience as a former dental assistant but have a history with a similar field, consider including it in your resume. For example, a volunteer position at the dentist’s office may show you understand the daily activities in such an environment.

Remember to list your experience in descending order, beginning with your most recent dental assistant job. Most employers prefer knowing about your last 5 or 10 years of work history , so it’s best to save them time and show what they want.

3. Present Certifications

While it’s not impossible to find work as a dental assistant without the relevant certification, having the documents increases your chances of employment . The dentist will indicate whether you need these qualifications in the job description.

Nevertheless, including these pieces of information in your Dental assistant resume will help you stand out against competitors with no qualifications. The most popular certification for dental assistants is the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.

Aside from that, other relevant certificates are worth mentioning as they demonstrate your qualification for the job. Remember to include the organization that granted the certificate when listing it.

4. Include Your Education

While not having qualifications doesn’t always stop you from employment, most dentists prefer hiring assistants with formal education.

For this reason, it’s best to outline your education on your resume in descending order , starting from the most recent to the farthest. Also, include the institution you attended, the year of admission and graduation, and what certificate(s) you earned.

Understand Your Strenghts

Irrespective of your experience or qualifications as a dental assistant, understanding your strength is vital as it guides the structure and format of your resume.

For example, if you barely have any experience as an assistant but possess skills that are relevant to the profession, consider starting with those abilities and moving your knowledge to the bottom.

On the other hand, if you have significant experience in the field, make those appear first, followed by your skills.

How to Describe Your Dental Assistant Experience

Presenting your previous work experience, projects, and volunteer activities on your resume plays a crucial part in landing an interview with the dentist. However, there are specific ways to outline these factors to ensure they are sufficiently concise and descriptive.

This section should provide the prospective employer with substantial knowledge of your career past, strengths, skills, achievements, and many more. To achieve this goal, here are some tips to follow:

• Begin by staring the name of your previous place of work along with the location, date, and job title
• List your experience in reverse chronological order with your most recent experience first
• Be concise in your descriptions and use strong verbs. Ensure each description is relevant to the job role
• Use the present tense for career activities that are still ongoing and past tense for old experiences
• Avoid pronouns and prepositions like “I” “The” & “And”
• Aim to quantify your accomplishments and responsibilities if possible. For example, “successfully examined an average of 23 patients monthly for three years”.
• Only describe your experience and achievements, and avoid telling the organization’s duties.
• List the organization’s top three or four experiences to keep the document short.

These quick tips are sufficient to help structure the experience section in your resume , ensuring you present the maximum value.

The Best Dental Skills for a Resume

Skills are abilities and talents you develop to complete specific tasks in an establishment. There are several skills, but the two most prominent are soft and hard skills.

This section aims to provide you with information to display these abilities on your resume, ensuring your document appears clean and concise. These tips include:

• Ensure each skill is relevant to the Dental assistant position
• Categorize each skills type (for example, soft skills and hard skills)
• Each skill should appear in bullet points with no more than 10 in each category.
• Ensure the listed skills are also reflected in your experience section
• Start with the most in-demand skill

Now let’s take a look at the best skills for a dental resume :

Soft Skills

Flexibility Empathy Customer service Team player Positive attitude Attention to detail Active listening Patience Organization

Hard Skills

Schedule appointments Dental impressions Dental radiographs CPR Temporary crowns X-rays Dental procedure preparation Payment processing Manual Dexterity

How to Add a Certification in a Dental Resume

A certificate is proof that you possess specific training that has received approval from an authorized organization. This document shows your devotion to your career and provides evidence for your mentioned skills.

Even if the job doesn’t require certification, adding them can boost your resume , draw the employer’s attention, and present you as a competent and valuable hire.

To effectively outline these factors in your dental assistant resume, consider following the tips below:

• Name of Certification
• Name of Certifying Agency or Body
• Dates of Obtainment
• Location (If the certification is location-specific)
• Expiration date (don’t list expired certificates)
• Unfinished (include the expected finishing date)

Follow these steps for each resume certification entry.

Is Your Education Section Full of Cavities? It Might Be

While you won’t always need a formal education to impress a dentist and become their assistant, having such knowledge at your disposal raises your value in the employer’s eyes. In this case, consider assessing and strengthening your education section with additional information.

For example, instead of stating your school name, program length, and program title, include extra details like the degree’s length, hours of lab training, externship, and more. It will help you come across as valuable.

Dental Assistant Program (8 months) Hibbing Community College | Hibbing, MN 2015 – 2016

• Patient education
• Chair-side assistance
• Coronal polishing
• Training and a clinical externship (2 months)

How to Add Contact Info to your Resume?

Your contacts are equally as essential as your experiences, skills, and education as it allows the hiring manager to reach you for clarification or an interview. A well-organized contact section should be complete and include factors like your name, phone number, email address.

When composing this section , ensure to include the following:

• Name (full name)
• Professional Email address
• Physical mailing address (optional except requested)
• Active cell phone number
• Links to a professional profile or portfolio

Write your name in bold letters and proofread the entire section once it’s done.

How to Address a Cover Letter and Who to Address

Knowing how to address and address your cover letter is your first step in writing this vital introductory document. However, finding the right person to mention required research and some work, which may impress the reader.

As a rule of thumb, you should always address your cover letter to the hiring manager of the job or company that’s receiving your application. The salutation should include a “Mr.”, “Ms,” or any relevant title followed by their name.

As for finding the hiring manager’s name for the cover letter, often, it will appear on the job description. However, such detail isn’t included, seek it from other sources, and these may include:

• The company website: Consider visiting the company’s “About US” or “Company Directory” page as it often outlines all the relevant staff members in the organization.
• LinkedIn: The company’s LinkedIn page also contains information about its staff members, so visit the site and use filters to sort out the name.
• Google search: A specified Google search can help uncover the precise name of the hiring manager, and you can do this by inserting the company’s name and the relevant title into Google. The name is guaranteed to appear if the company has an online presence.
• Contact the company: Suppose you can’t find the hiring manager’s name on LinkedIn, the company’s website, or via a Google search. In that case, the last resort is contacting the company directly and asking for the information.

Explain that you want to apply for a position and address your cover letter to the hiring manager. The company will most likely provide the information, as research and respect are commendable traits in the corporate world.

How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name

Don’t worry if the options presented above prove ineffective at acquiring the hiring manager’s name. You can proceed with your cover letter without their name, as many methods exist for such scenarios.

Below are some standard options for addressing your cover letter to an unknown person:

• Dear Sir/Madam
• Dear Human Resources Director
• Dear Hiring Manager

Key Takeaways

There you have it, all the information you need to create an effective dental assistant resume that convinces employers . However, before applying this information, allow us to build your dental assistant resume with our resume builder.

This tool contains multiple resume templates and guides, ensuring that you construct a well-formatted resume with little to no hassle.

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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:.

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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Dental Assistant Resume: Sample and Free Template [2020]

Use these dental assistant resume sample bullets to create your resume and land your dream job. all of these can be accessed for free in our in-product dental assistant resume templates. explore them below., search dental assistant resume bullets for your resume:.

• Maintained a professional and courtyous demeanor at times, including during busy hours
• Maintained accurate and up-to date documentation of patient's dental care, treatment and progress
• Maintained an accurate and organized filing cabinet, prepared dental reports and correspondence
• Maintained an orderly and clean environment for the patient, prepared and served food to the patient, cleaned and sanitize patient rooms
• Maintained supplies and materials in the dental department, including cleaning and sterilizing instruments
• Maintained client files and records; assisted with office duties
• Maintained a professional demeanor at patient and family gatherings; provided excellent customer care and maintained a clean work space
• Maintained a professional attitude and always kept the patients happy with their visit, and also kept the office organized
• Maintained the cleanest and safest work area in the store
• Maintained an accurate inventory of supplies and materials for the practice
• Maintained office equipment by checking electrical and mechanical
• Maintained proper cleanness of patient's dentrix
• Maintained patient records and filed medical charts, answered telephones
• Maintained records of patients dental treatment, progress and complaints
• Maintained cleanliness of office and patient areas, assisted with dental hygiene and sterilizing instruments
• Maintained high standards of quality and patient safety while providing excellent dental hygiene care
• Maintained high standards of clean and safe work area; Performing general cleaning and sanitization tasks
• Assisted with patient procedures, prepared and maintained records of dental treatment, sterilized and disinfected equipment
• Assisted in the care of children with special medical conditions, including but limited to orthopedic and neurological conditions
• Assisted the doctor with procedures and treatments, sterilization of instruments
• Assisted customers with questions and problems regarding dental claims, payments
• Assisted dentist with patient treatment and procedures, including oral surgery
• Assisted Dr with procedures, sterilized equipment and prepared patient for dental procedures
• Assisted dentist with dental treatment
• Assisted in the treatment of various patients with dental hygiene
• Assisted in the setup of dental equipment and instruments;
• Assisted Dr with dental treatment and sterilizing
• Assisted clients with bathing,dressing, feeding
• Assisted doctor with procedures such a Ekg's, injections and urinoscopy
• Assisted and provided care to residents in a skilled and independent dental practice
• Performed full range of patient management including, scheduling and treatment planning
• Maintain an accurate and up todate record of dental care
• Maintain high standards of patient confidentiality
• Prepared all necessary documents for the OSHRA
• Prepared reports and maintained records of dental appointments
• Prepared surgical and orthodonal supplies for surgery
• Prepared patients for procedures and xrays
• Prepared patient for examination by obtaining and interpreting Xray
• Prepared all necessary documents for dental appointments
• Prepared rooms for dental exams and procedures
• Prepared and administered medications to residents
• Prepared patients for examinations by collecting and recording vital information, preparing treatment rooms for examinations and kept the exam area neat
• Prepared all necessary documents for the dental assistant to perform their job
• Prepared specimens for testing by performing asepsic procedures
• Prepared medical records for dental exam, sterilization and disinfections
• Prepared for and administered injections
• Provided patient education and treatment planning for a wide range of patients
• Provided patients with assistance in oral care and hygiene
• Provided customer assistance and answered any question they may had about the dental products
• Provided detailed information to the patients about dental treatment and care
• Provided quality care to patients in a timely and efficient fashion
• Provided quality customer care to all customers, while ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction
• Provided patient education and support to the orthopostinist
• Provided patient education and treatment planning for a diverse group of patients
• Provided basic care to elderly residents
• Provided a variety of oral and noninjection dental services to patients in a private practice setting
• Provided routine and specialized treatment to the general dentistry and dental hygiene patients
• Provided support to the Director of Nursing and other department heads in the development of nursing care plan
• Provided assistance to the physician in all areas of dental care, sterilization procedures and patient education
• Provided quality patient services in a fast paced, multi-disciplinary environment
• Assist with patient treatment procedures
• Ensured that the patient's needs are being taken into consideration
• Ensured smooth and efficient operation of the Dentist
• Ensured a timely and accurate scheduling of patients for the following day
• Ensured that the dental instruments are in proper condition and that the patient has a clear understanding of the procedure
• Ensured accurate and efficient completion of all patient records and reports
• Ensured excellent patient satisfaction by assisting with daily needs such as bathing,.
• Ensured all patients' teeth are properly groom and cleaned
• Ensured quality patient and staff satisfaction
• Ensured quality patient and dental hygiene
• Ensured efficacy of treatment with appropriate oral medications and supplies
• Ensured a safe and healthy dental environment for the residents
• Ensured daily patient satisfaction by ensuring all patients received the highest level of care
• Managed and coordinated the daily activities of a staff dental hygienists
• Managed patient's daily care and provided excellent patient service to patients
• Managed an average of 60-80 clients daily, providing quality patient services
• Managed client's daily needs and concerns, provided quality patient care
• Managed daily office duties and assisted with patient scheduling, billing
• Managed daily operations of the practice
• Managed an average of 50 clients daily, scheduled patients appointments and maintained accurate records of patient care
• Managed and maintained a variety of dental equipment
• Managed all aspects of patient's dental treatment, scheduling and patient education
• Managed confidential patient records and medical charts, including scheduling appointments
• Served as a patient advocate and implemented quality care in a high-pressure, team environment
• Served patients with oral and topical fillers
• Served clients in a fast pace environment, prepared and cleaned dental instruments
• Served patient with various procedures
• Served residents with their needs and provided excellent patient services to residents
• Served patients with various medical issues
• Served various clients in a busy dental practice, assisted with patient education and care
• Served as a liaison between patients and insurance carriers
• Trained in the following areas of dental practice
• Trained patients and families on disease processes
• Trained over 20 employees in the following positions
• Trained in the use of asepses and oral hygiene devices
• Trained new staff in the operation of dental office, and assisted in the preparation of dental treatment rooms
• Trained in the operation of a variety dental appliances and supplies
• Trained for the new position and assisted with any additional needs
• Trained over 20 employees in the operation of a commercial cleaning equipment
• Trained over 20 staff on the proper care of patient dental instruments
• Trained to administer medication and treatments as ordered by physician
• Trained on the proper way to sterilized dental tools
• Trained all new hires on the computerized system and assisted with any questions
• Trained all new staff in the office
• Trained all new hires in the dental department, assisted with all office procedures and patient care
• Trained for all aspects of the dental field
• Trained new staff in the dental field, prepared and maintained records of patients dental care
• Developed a plan of care for each client and maintained a safe environment for the clients
• Developed an understanding of the use and function
• Developed an inventory of all dental equipment and materials, maintained a clean work area and organized supplies
• Developed treatment plan for patients with various orthodial diagnoses
• Developed great customer relations and worked with a variety of personalities
• Developed strong relationships with all employees and vendors to maintain a safe work place
• Developed the ability to work with a wide range of people
• Developed procedure instructions and procedures for the following surgical procedure
• Developed and implemented treatment protocols for all dental emergencies andor procedures
• Developed, maintained and implemented treatment plan for patient's needs
• Developed, designed & produced a new product that improved the quality of a seal
• Developed oral care procedures and techniques for dental treatment of all types
• Developed new patient charts for each dental office and provided excellent customer service, maintained office supplies and organized dental files
• Developed an effective and thorough oral health education curriculum for the dental assistant program
• Developed spread sheets and charts for the department to track and report on patient care
• Developed procedures for the preparation of patients' oral care by using a sterile technique
• Developed the patient and dentist care plans
• Developed individual treatment goals and plans for patients with a range of dental health conditions
• Developed relationships with clients and provided them the most upselling options
• Developed a strong working rapport with dental assistants and dentists
• Developed and maintained a filing, inventory system for supplies and materials
• Developed patient care plan in consultation with physician and provided education to patientfamily
• Developed, implemented and administered a comprehensive plan of action for the dental assistant
• Developed, implemented and administered a variety of oral care procedures
• Developed safety and health policies, procedures for the dental office
• Developed care plans for patient's dental health
• Conducted monthly inventory of all office equipment and maintained a safe working environment for all staff
• Conducted consultations with clients to obtain dental histories and physical examinations
• Conducted patient interviews to assess the need for oral care
• Conducted a thorough walk around of the dental clinic to assess patients' conditions and determine the best treatment for each individual
• Conducted general office tasks including data input and maintenance of medical records, patient scheduling
• Conducted daily patient assessments
• Placed orders for supplies, and maintained a safe environment for patients
• Placed all orders for dental services
• Placed patients in the exam rooms and assisted with procedures, such as extractions and root canines
• Placed a patient in the exam rooms and assisted with dental procedures
• Placed all orders for patients in a fast pace and professional manner
• Placed the patients in a sterile environment
• Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, while working in a fast paced, high stress environment
• Demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of the office, from greeting patients to answering phones and scheduling appointments
• Demonstrated excellent customer relations skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of office administration
• Demonstrated success in providing excellent dental services to a variety of patients
• Demonstrated a strong work ethic and the willingness to learn new tasks
• Demonstrated strong leadership and communication abilities, with a proven ability to work in fast paced environments
• Demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in the operation and care of dental equipment
• Demonstrated expertise in the use of medical terminology and patient care
• Demonstrated success in providing excellent customer care, and meeting the needs of all patients
• Demonstrated that patients and families have a variety of dental care needs
• Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively, and work in a fast- paced environment
• Demonstrated the use of Dentistry and Dentrix to assist patients with dental needs
• Demonstrated expertise in the application of chemical compounds to various types and sizes of dental materials
• Demonstrated strong communication, problem resolution and organizational skill with a strong emphasis on customer relations
• Demonstrated expertise in the areas of dental procedures
• Demonstrated a strong knowledge of the medical terminology and practice standards
• Demonstrated proficiency in taking and processing
• Demonstrated that patients and their needs were being fulfilled, while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Demonstrated professionalism and a strong ability to handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines with accuracy
• Demonstrated superior customer relations, while providing exceptional service and quality care to the patients
• Demonstrated skill in providing quality care to all clients in a timely manner while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and integrity
• Demonstrated proficiency in all phases of dental treatment
• Demonstrated strong oral andor written communication abilities, while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Demonstrated skills in assisting the patient with their dental treatment
• Demonstrated success in providing superior customer service, maintaining a clean and safe environment
• Demonstrated skill in performing general office duties such
• Applied a wide array of techniques to assist with the rehabilitation of patients
• Processed and filed patient dental claims, including insurance and payment information
• Processed insurance claim forms, filed patient records and maintained office supplies
• Processed daily deposits and withdrawals
• Processed applications for new dental licenses and maintained records of all dental appointments and services
• Processed applications for new dental licenses and maintained files for current license renewing
• Processed and maintained records of patients dental history
• Processed insurance claim, filed patient records and assisted with office procedures
• Processed and filed patient's insurance claims, prepared medical records for billing and filing
• Processed patients' teeth by applying fluoride and sealers
• Processed client's insurance claim and prepared claims for processing
• Processed daily deposits and maintained accurate records of all monies received and distributed
• Processed orders, maintained patient files and organized office operations
• Created and implemented a new patient chart system
• Created an Excel spread sheet to calculate the amount of time patients would need to complete a dental procedure
• Created & implemented a new dental chart system for the clinic
• Created all paperwork for new employees and updated them on the status of each job
• Created reports for the dentist and filed all paperwork in the office
• Created new charts and maintained current records for the dentist and other dental assistant
• Created & maintained a dental record database for the practice
• Created an Excel spreadsheet to track all the materials used in each dental clinic
• Created strategies to increase revenue and customer retention; Developed a comprehensive training manual for all new employees
• Conducted research and prepared statistical analysis of the dental market
• Conducts daily patient intake and documentation
• Implemented new procedures and equipment for the office, which increased productivity and quality of patient care
• Implemented an inpatient and out patient care program for the patients
• Implemented various procedures and treatments for the treatment of dental problems
• Implemented patient education and care
• Implemented various procedures and equipment to assist in the dental office
• Implemented a new system for the dental assistant to use
• Implemented the use of a dental assistant to provide quality care for the patients
• Implemented patient care plan and provided education to patient
• Operated equipment, prepared and maintained records of dental care
• Operated an electric forklift to load and move dental supplies
• Operated equipment and maintained a safe work area for the patient
• Operated various types of instruments
• Operated all office machinery and maintained a safe working
• Operated an office computer and maintained a filing cabinet, organized files and documents
• Processed and filed all insurance forms
• Maintaining an accurate and up to par inventory of supplies and equipment
• Maintaining accurate records of patients dental care
• Maintaining accurate records of patients care, conditions and concerns
• Assisting with daily tasks and cleaning up the Dentistry area
• Handled multiple responsibilities including, scheduling appointments and patient education
• Handled confidential paperwork and maintained a professional attitude while interacting with patients and their families
• Handled any and every task with a patient focus and always kept the patients happy
• Handled incoming calls from members and providers regarding dental benefits, eligibility for services
• Made sure the patients were well cared for and that the dentist was doing their duties
• Made adjustments to the patient
• Made daily rounds to ensure that patients had adequate oral care
• Made patients comfortable and helped with daily living
• Made a variety of sterile solutions for dental treatment and procedures
• Made sure all the equipment and supplies needed for each patient was in order
• Made calls to potential patients and answered any question or concerns
• Made necessary adjustments to patient charts
• Made a lot of money and learned how to make a good customer
• Examined instruments and materials to verify compliance with specifications and established standards
• Examined each appliance to determine its suitablity for dental treatment
• Examined the patients for bruises or bleeds
• Examined the patients for any abnormalities and made recommendations to the dentist
• Examined for and interpreted patients dental records
• Examined patients' conditions by using a computer, and recorded information on patients charts
• Examined each patients oral andor written history to ensure compliance with dental standards
• Examined rooms for proper dental hygiene, clean and disinfect instruments
• Lead the team in a high-stress and challenging work environment
• Coordinated with other staff members to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of dental treatment
• Coordinated with the dentist to perform procedures, including dental extractions and root canal fillings
• Coordinated scheduling of all dental procedures
• Coordinated treatment plans with other staff members
• Coordinated office procedures and maintained dental records; prepared patient charts and other documents
• Monitored and documented patients' oral hygiene status, including weights and vital
• Monitored compliance with OSHA and state requirements for the safety of patients and staff
• Monitored all patient vital signs and reported changes to the physician
• Monitored clients for signs of emotional andor behavioral changes in response to therapy
• Monitored daily vital sign, assisted with procedures and dental cleaning
• Monitored clients for any changes in condition and provided necessary treatment
• Monitored clients for changes in conditions and treatment
• Monitored vital sign's of residents and provided them with daily care
• Monitored all patients for signs andor changes in their conditions
• Monitored all patient records for proper dental treatment, and maintained patient records in accordance with state and hospital policies
• Monitored residents' vital statistics and recorded intakeoutput data
• Monitored each patient for dental needs
• Monitored employees, completed paperwork and maintained a clean environment
• Monitored for any changes in patients' condition
• Monitored client's progress and reported to the dental hygene, provided patient education and treatment plans
• Helped to develop and implement a dental education curriculum for the Eaglesoft team
• Helped to maintain a clean and safe work area, including the front office
• Helped physicians with patient exams and dental treatment, sterilization of instruments
• Helped maintain a safe and healthy dental practice environment by complying with all rules and regulation
• Helped manage the receptionist areas including answering phones and completing insurance forms, filing patient records and scheduling patients for appointments
• Helped in the development of a training manual for the new dental assistant program
• Helped prepare and maintain sterile environment for patient care and procedures
• Helped residents with ADl' s and feeding as necessary
• Helped students with the application of dental xray
• Helped clean and disinfect patients
• Helped set up and take down the instruments for dental treatment
• Helped residents with everyday tasks
• Helped set up and break down of equipment for the dentist
• Helped students with questions and provided assistance in the classroom with their dental work
• Helped coordinate and manage the office
• Helped maintain a neat and orderly patient file; prepared charts for upcoming procedures
• Helped to prepare and clean up dental equipment, sterilized supplies and cleaned patient's rooms
• Helped out with the cleaning of rooms and equipment as well
• Oversaw all front of office procedures and ensured proper patient registration
• Oversaw patients' medical needs and provided quality care in a timely and professional matter
• Administered and graded dental exam Administrated oral medication to patients Assisted in the preparation of oral andor topical treatment plans
• Help assist with patient procedures

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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.

or download as PDF

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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 .

Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program

Applications Open June, 2024

Questions? Fill out the Contact Form

About Our Program

CHAS Health is a non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that provides high-quality medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services to families and individuals of all ages, regardless of ability to pay.

On The Job Training

The dental assistant apprenticeship program is a 1 year (2,000 hour) on-the-job training program facilitated by CHAS Health to train individuals to work as Registered Dental Assistants in the state of Washington and Idaho. Apprentices will be employed with CHAS Health full-time while simultaneously completing related coursework, which includes homework assignments and mandatory lab days. Following successful completion of the program, the dental assistant will be transitioned into a regular, full-time position.*

Throughout this program, the apprentice will be working hands-on in the dental clinic alongside a coach and team to practice clinical skills. The coach will support and guide the apprentice and ensure the mastery of each skill.

In addition to working clinically, there will be 8 lab days, where the instructor will follow an agenda for lectures, reviewing practical skills, help with technique, and answer questions. Homework and lab obligations are unpaid.

Registered Apprenticeship Program

The Dental Assistant Training Program is now recognized by the state of Washington as a registered apprenticeship. This provides students with the assurance that they will receive a quality education that has met the qualifications set by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries for training and instruction. Our program is governed by an Apprenticeship Committee of 50% employer and 50% journey-level dental assistant representatives. The curriculum is approved by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Why CHAS Health?

• This is a unique and exciting opportunity to receive paid training geared toward success as a registered dental assistant
• Benefits of full-time employment include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), paid training and ongoing learning opportunities, uniform allowance, and more.
• Be a part of a well-respected organization providing patient-centered care in our community
• immersive learning environment
• Option to work toward DANB certification
• Have fun at work!
• Opportunities for advancement

Hear From Our Recent Grads!

Application Information

The next application process will begin in June 2024. Interested applicants will need to meet specific requirements and provide the requested information as shown below:

All applicants to the DA Apprenticeship must meet the following basic requirements:

• 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Ability to pass a Washington State Background check
• Online Application through Careers at CHAS.org

Personal Statement (350 words or less)

Life impact statement (350 words or less).

• Short Answer Response (100 words or less for each question)
• Letter of Recommendations (1 Required)

Review and/or consideration of incomplete applications or late materials is at the discretion of Chas Health. If application materials are missing due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, CHAS Health will take that into consideration and make judgments based on the information available.

There is no preferred formatting or specific requirements that need to be met. However, your submission should include the following information, as applicable:

• Work History (including employer, position title, and dates of employment)
• Involvement with volunteer, community, and/or diversity-related activities including the organization, position title, and dates of service
• Education (including school, degree, dates of attendance)
• Honors, awards
• Skills or relevant qualities (languages spoken, computer programs, etc.)

The CHAS Health Apprentice program desires individuals who have a passion to help others and a vision to succeed in healthcare. This field requires flexibility, adaptability, and perseverance. In your personal statement, please explain why you think you would be successful in this program. Please include your personal goals and what obstacles may stand between you and successful completion of the program and how will you overcome these obstacles.

The Apprenticeship programs are a commitment that includes a 2000 hours on-the-job training program and potential employment upon successful completion. In this statement, please explain how this educational training will affect your work and personal life.

Short Answer Response (100 words or less)

The field of healthcare requires flexibility, dependability, and empathy. Give an example of a situation when you had to use these skills.

Fill out the contact form below for program questions or to be informed when the application process will open.