Like chameleons, dental assistants adapt to their environment, fitting in wherever needed. Scheduling appointments, greeting patients with a friendly smile, prepping rooms and equipment, assisting in procedures, managing office supplies and patient records, dental assistants are the unsung heroes of the dental office.
This guide, with examples and pro-tips, will ensure your numerous skills and qualifications are evident in the limited space available on your dental assistant resume. As well as addressing these common resume-writing challenges dental assistants encounter:
- Certification and licensure requirements for dental assistants vary based on location and employer, making it difficult to determine which to include on your resume.
- As a dental assistant, you may have diverse skill sets, and choosing the most relevant ones for a particular job can be difficult.
- Choosing the most effective keywords for your resume can be tricky since they may vary among dental assistant jobs.
- The high demand for dental assistants means many enter the field without prior experience. We have tips and tricks to help you combat that.
To see additional resumes for related positions, check out these as well:
Dental Assistant resume examples
By Experience
Senior Dental Assistant
- Clear and intuitive layout draws immediate attention – A Senior Dental Assistant resume that utilizes streamlined formatting, distinct section headings, and balanced white space ensures that recruiters can rapidly identify key qualifications and professional highlights, making the candidate’s expertise stand out at a glance.
- Expressed enthusiasm for continuing patient care – Showcasing a genuine drive to support dentists and improve patient experiences, the applicant’s statement about pursuing the senior role should reflect a commitment to team collaboration, skill development, and advancing oral health outcomes within their workplace.
- Specialized dental and clinical skills take center stage – Including advanced certifications, proficiency with modern dental technology, and detailed experience in complex chairside procedures underlines the candidate’s technical proficiency and readiness for greater responsibility in a senior capacity.
Entry Level Dental Assistant
- Showcasing practical familiarity with dental tools and protocols – An outstanding entry level dental assistant resume emphasizes hands-on experience with sterilization procedures, dental radiography basics, and chairside assisting functions. By highlighting familiarity with common industry instruments and infection control standards such as OSHA and HIPAA requirements, the candidate demonstrates readiness to contribute to a dental team's technical workflow from day one.
- Conveying genuine enthusiasm and patient-centered values – A resume that truly connects with hiring managers often goes beyond listing tasks, expressing a sincere passion for helping patients feel comfortable and at ease during procedures. This personal touch, reflected in phrases like “dedicated to fostering a supportive environment” or “motivated by easing patient anxieties,” gives the document a relatable, human dimension that can set it apart from more generic submissions.
- Weaving relevant dental vocabulary with confidence – Effective use of profession-specific terminology—such as “four-handed dentistry,” “alginate impressions,” or “instrument cassettes”—signals both knowledge and commitment to the dental field. This strategic integration of key terms not only matches the language hiring dentists expect, but also instantly suggests that the applicant is already conversant with the daily realities of a dental practice.
Dental Assistant Trainee
- Impression of professionalism and alignment with dental care responsibilities – A resume that immediately stands out for a Dental Assistant Trainee position demonstrates strong attention to layout, clarity, and concise language, all while directly mapping previous experience or training to the duties expected in a dental practice. It reflects an understanding of infection control, chairside assistance, and patient interaction, signaling to the employer that the candidate is conscious of both the technical and interpersonal elements essential to dental care.
- Ability to create a warm and approachable tone through personal achievements – What distinguishes a memorable resume is the inclusion of personal touches such as brief stories or outcomes associated with teamwork and patient care. Highlighting instances where empathy or clear communication made a positive impact on a patient creates an emotional tie and makes the reader believe in the candidate’s dedication to the comfort and well-being of others.
- Demonstration of versatility across multiple support roles – Showcasing experience beyond standard dental duties, such as having assisted in administrative office tasks or collaborated with various departments, indicates adaptability. Examples like managing appointment schedules, handling sterilization procedures, or stepping in to help with patient education prove that the applicant is comfortable wearing different hats in a fast-paced environment, increasing their appeal as a trainee willing to learn and grow.
Advanced Dental Assistant
- Infusing warmth without compromising professionalism – A standout Advanced Dental Assistant resume skillfully merges a polished, credible tone with a touch of genuine enthusiasm. By striking this balance, the candidate conveys not only their reliability and competence but also their passion for patient care and ongoing development within the dental field, making their application inviting and memorable to employers.
- Showcasing distinctive expertise and adaptability – What elevates a resume in this role is a clear articulation of specialized skills, such as proficiency with cutting-edge dental technology or experience assisting with complex procedures. Highlighting these differentiators, alongside a proven ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic clinical settings, instantly distinguishes the candidate from others who may possess only basic qualifications.
- Delivering a compelling finale with next steps – An exceptional closing statement does more than simply thank the reader. It underscores the candidate’s readiness to contribute, expresses eagerness for an interview, and confidently invites the employer to initiate further discussion. This proactive approach leaves a strong, lasting impression and demonstrates both initiative and professionalism.
Lead Dental Assistant
- Striking a harmonious note between expertise and positivity – A standout Lead Dental Assistant resume conveys deep professionalism while radiating genuine enthusiasm for patient care and teamwork. This careful blend assures prospective employers that the candidate is both reliable and passionate about fostering a supportive clinical environment.
- Demonstrating advanced clinical and leadership abilities – The resume shines when it showcases a rich array of technical skills, such as knowledge of dental radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting, paired with proven capabilities in mentoring junior staff and streamlining clinical workflows. Highlighting certifications and specialized training further underscores their readiness for a leadership role.
- Conveying immediate value for the dental practice – An impactful first impression is formed when the resume demonstrates how the candidate’s unique background translates into improved patient satisfaction, efficient team operations, and overall practice growth. Customizing achievements and quantifying contributions signal a strong fit for the responsibilities and demands of a Lead Dental Assistant position.
Junior Dental Assistant
- Logical sequencing enhances comprehension for recruiters – A Junior Dental Assistant resume that stands out presents educational credentials, certifications, and work experiences in a clearly ordered timeline. By grouping related responsibilities under specific job titles and using straightforward language, such a resume makes it simple for hiring managers to recognize transferable skills and gauge progress, minimizing any confusion about the applicant's background.
- Strategic use of spacing and alignment invites engagement – Careful division of content with consistent margins, bullet lists, and concise sections makes key details pop visually. Ample white space and uniform headings allow each part of the resume to breathe, preventing visual clutter and making the document easy to scan—an approach especially important for busy dental practices quickly reviewing applications.
- Unified messaging across platforms strengthens candidate credibility – When the resume language, achievements, and career objectives mirror those on the applicant's LinkedIn profile, it demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. This coherence reassures employers of the candidate’s reliability and helps establish a strong, memorable personal identity within the dental field.
Dental Assistant Intern
- Striking the ideal tone between confidence and enthusiasm – A standout Dental Assistant Intern resume effectively blends polished professionalism with a genuine eagerness to learn. This dynamic yet respectful tone reassures hiring managers of the candidate’s reliability and maturity while also conveying a positive attitude and readiness to embrace new challenges in the dental field.
- Incorporating role-specific dental vocabulary seamlessly – The most compelling resumes make strategic use of field-related terminology, such as “four-handed dentistry,” “infection control protocols,” “charting patient histories,” and “digital radiography.” Integrating this specialized language demonstrates familiarity with essential industry practices, setting the applicant apart as someone who is prepared to engage confidently in a dental environment.
- Emphasizing unique traits that add notable value – What truly differentiates an applicant are distinct experiences or attributes, such as multilingual communication skills with patients, a track record of excelling under fast-paced clinic conditions, or hands-on volunteer service in community oral health initiatives. Highlighting these exceptional qualities assures the employer that the candidate brings more than just technical know-how—they contribute a meaningful, individualized advantage to the dental office team.
By Role
Pediatric Dental Assistant
- Impression from the outset and alignment with pediatric care – A compelling pediatric dental assistant resume quickly demonstrates hands-on experience in dental settings alongside an evident comfort in working with children. Showcasing certifications, technical proficiency, and an approachable, patient-centric demeanor right at the top can immediately convey to potential employers that the candidate is genuinely well-suited to a child-focused clinical environment.
- Purpose behind seeking the position – A clear and heartfelt statement describing the motivation for entering pediatric dentistry adds authenticity and depth to the application. Explaining an enthusiasm for creating positive dental experiences for young patients or a commitment to easing children’s anxiety at the dentist’s office helps separate casual applicants from those thoughtfully pursuing this specialized field.
- Lasting impact through a confident conclusion – Closing with a strong summary that reiterates eagerness to contribute, while thoughtfully inviting the opportunity for an interview, showcases professionalism and initiative. Such a close signals both genuine interest in the practice and a proactive approach to career development, which are highly regarded qualities in any dental support team.
Dental Hygienist
- Demonstrating high-level clinical proficiency – A resume that highlights a thorough command of core skills—such as administering prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, digital radiograph interpretation, and patient charting—instantly signals a strong technical foundation. Detailing hands-on experience with modern equipment or electronic health record (EHR) systems shows employers you are well-versed in the technological and procedural advances shaping today’s dental practices.
- Evidencing a flexible and responsive approach – Employers value dental hygienists who adapt smoothly to diverse patient needs and rapidly changing workflow demands. Showcasing examples such as developing chairside techniques for pediatric patients, accommodating last-minute schedule changes, or stepping into cross-functional roles during staff shortages paints a picture of a professional capable of thriving under varied pressures or environments.
- Strategically incorporating dental-sector language – Using terminology specific to dentistry, such as “periodontal charting,” “prophylactic treatment protocols,” “infection control compliance,” and “patient oral health education,” assures hiring managers of your industry familiarity. Carefully weaving in these key phrases not only demonstrates expertise but also aligns your application with the expectations and daily realities within dental healthcare settings.
Dental Assistant-In-Training
- Distinctive qualities that elevate the candidate – An exceptional Dental Assistant-In-Training resume stands out by emphasizing transferable skills such as meticulous attention to detail, swift adaptability to new clinical protocols, and a keen interest in patient care—all supported by relevant coursework or hands-on volunteer experiences. These elements underscore genuine commitment beyond basic qualifications, positioning the candidate as a promising asset to any practice seeking to nurture new talent.
- Blending professionalism with genuine enthusiasm – A strong application strikes the right note by confidently articulating eagerness to contribute alongside a respectful understanding of the responsibilities ahead. Expressing sincere excitement for learning and growth, while keeping the language polished and free from slang, shows the hiring manager both a readiness to take the role seriously and a positive attitude sure to uplift the workplace environment.
- Immediate impression and compatibility with the position – The resume’s formatting, clarity, and tailored content all work together to quickly communicate relevance to the dental field, indicating the applicant’s preparedness. Effortlessly highlighting pertinent achievements and training, the document reassures employers that this candidate is not only fit for the role, but also poised to thrive and progress within a dental care setting.
Oral Surgery Assistant
- Demonstrates purpose-driven application – A standout resume conveys a clear personal interest in oral healthcare, expressing how past experiences and personal goals align with a career in oral surgery assistance. This tailored motivation helps employers see a genuine commitment beyond generic job seeking, making the candidate memorable and relatable.
- Blends warmth with professionalism in presentation – The most compelling resumes maintain a polished, respectful tone while infusing genuine energy and eagerness for the field. This approach reflects someone who not only upholds workplace decorum but also brings a positive, motivated attitude to both patient care and team interaction.
- Integrates specialized oral surgery language – Effective resumes for this role are rich with terminology specific to oral surgery, such as “extraction assistance,” “sterile field maintenance,” “surgical suctioning,” or “dental implant procedure setup.” This nuanced vocabulary instantly signals to employers the candidate’s hands-on exposure and readiness for the unique demands of a surgical dental environment.
Orthodontic Dental Assistant
- Relevant hands-on expertise highlighted – A standout Orthodontic Dental Assistant resume links previous chairside experience, proficiency in radiography, and familiarity with orthodontic tools directly to the position. By clearly describing how past clinical responsibilities mirror the technical demands of orthodontic support, the candidate shows they will transition smoothly and add immediate value.
- Understanding of company philosophy demonstrated – Resumes that reference the clinic’s approach to patient care, technological advancements, or commitment to ongoing education reveal genuine research and thoughtful alignment with the employer’s mission. Mentioning specific company values or community engagement proves the applicant is eager to mesh with the organization’s culture, not simply occupy a role.
- Engaged yet polished messaging throughout – Effective applications maintain a tone that blends professionalism with genuine enthusiasm for the field. By conveying excitement for helping patients achieve their ideal smiles while staying measured and respectful, a candidate distinguishes themselves as both amiable and reliable, essential traits for thriving in patient-facing orthodontic environments.
Dental Hygiene Assistant
- Immediate visual appeal and role relevance shine through – A standout Dental Hygiene Assistant resume immediately captures attention with a clean, professional layout and concise presentation of certifications and relevant chairside experience. It quickly communicates competence by listing hands-on skills such as infection control and patient charting, proving the candidate is ready to step smoothly into a dental support role.
- Final statements leave a memorable and persuasive finish – The best resumes close with a confident summary highlighting eagerness to contribute to the dental team’s success and inviting the employer to initiate contact. This section emphasizes the applicant’s dedication to patient care while tactfully encouraging further conversation, making the application memorable among the competition.
- Understanding of organization’s unique approach is clearly demonstrated – Outstanding resumes go beyond generic skills by referencing the employer’s specific values, such as a commitment to family-oriented care or innovative dental technologies. By aligning their personal goals and experiences with the company’s mission, the candidate proves genuine interest and a tailored approach to joining the team.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
- Sparking emotional connection through patient-centered stories – A compelling Expanded Functions Dental Assistant resume captivates hiring managers when candidates articulate their dedication to patient comfort and well-being. By sharing succinct anecdotes that highlight moments of empathy, calm under pressure, or building trust with anxious patients, the applicant demonstrates genuine care, creating a profile that resonates beyond technical abilities.
- Enhancing impact with crisp formatting and organized sections – Effective resumes attract attention through clean layout choices, making use of logical headings, clear font choices, and balanced white space between segments like certifications, skills, and experience. This deliberate structuring greatly improves readability, enabling employers to quickly identify core qualifications relevant to the role without feeling overwhelmed or distracted.
- Displaying tailored alignment with dental clinic values – An outstanding resume stands apart when it reveals research into, and alignment with, the specific practice’s mission and approach, such as an emphasis on community outreach or pediatric dentistry. Incorporating statements or examples matched to the clinic’s priorities shows initiative and signals the applicant’s intention to contribute harmoniously within the chosen environment.
Certified Dental Assistant
- Thoughtful use of space and layout – A Certified Dental Assistant resume that shines typically employs generous white space, clear headings, and uniformly aligned text, making qualifications and key achievements instantly discernible. Such a layout guides the reader’s eye smoothly, ensuring every credential or certification is easy to find and digest, thus dramatically boosting overall readability.
- Opening with targeted impact – Kicking off the resume with a concise statement that immediately highlights dental assisting expertise, specialized skills, or certification status grabs the employer’s interest from the outset. This assertive approach signals both relevance and professionalism, setting the narrative for the details that follow and distinguishing the candidate from the outset.
- Personal messaging in harmony with professional profiles – The resume feels more compelling when personal branding elements, such as language, achievements, and professional focus, are echoed in the candidate’s LinkedIn summary or portfolio. This unified presentation across platforms reassures potential employers of the applicant’s clear sense of identity and consistency in their dental assisting career.
Periodontal Dental Assistant
- A thoughtfully organized layout enhances first impressions – A standout Periodontal Dental Assistant resume employs clear section headings, generous line spacing, and concise bullet points, making vital details easily scannable. Strategic use of white space and consistent font choices promote visual clarity, ensuring the reader can quickly identify qualifications and relevant skills without feeling overwhelmed.
- Demonstrating flexibility across various clinical scenarios – Showcasing adaptability means highlighting experiences where the candidate seamlessly switched between roles—such as assisting with both surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments, providing chairside support during emergencies, or taking on administrative duties when needed. This breadth illustrates readiness to handle the varying demands unique to periodontal practices.
- Connecting previous experience to periodontal priorities – An exceptional resume draws clear parallels between past dental assisting roles and the specialized requirements of periodontics. Detailing hands-on familiarity with infection control, surgical instrument preparation, or patient education on gum care underscores why the candidate is primed to succeed in a periodontal environment.
Dental Radiography Assistant
- Highlighting specialized expertise and adaptability – A Dental Radiography Assistant who emphasizes unique skills—such as proficiency with digital imaging equipment, cross-training in infection control, or experience assisting with complex dental procedures—demonstrates added value beyond basic job requirements. Detailing problem-solving scenarios or certifications, like radiation safety training, shows initiative and an ability to adapt to evolving dental technologies.
- Integrated professional identity across platforms – Consistency between the resume and online profiles, such as LinkedIn, reassures employers of the candidate’s attention to detail and integrity. This unified presentation, seen in similar language, matching role summaries, and endorsement of technical skills, builds a trustworthy and memorable personal brand within the dental care industry.
- Thoughtful layout and seamless navigation – An outstanding resume captures attention with clean spacing, well-organized sections, and readable fonts, ensuring that credentials and key achievements stand out without clutter. Strategic use of bullet points, headings, and white space help hiring managers quickly pinpoint relevant dental radiography qualifications, making the document inviting and efficient to review.
Dental Surgery Assistant
- Demonstrated hands-on expertise in clinical environments – Showcasing prior work in dental clinics or similar healthcare settings, including the use of sterilization protocols, assisting with dental procedures, and managing patient records, provides solid evidence of practical skills that directly relate to the Dental Surgery Assistant position.
- Clear articulation of passion for patient-centered care – A standout resume goes beyond listing skills by explaining a genuine interest in fostering positive patient experiences, such as through references to volunteering, patient communication, or a commitment to maintaining a supportive atmosphere during surgical procedures.
- Compelling conclusion with a proactive outlook – An impressive closing statement confidently expresses enthusiasm for joining the team, reiterates value to the employer, and includes a forward-looking request for an interview or further discussion, signaling professionalism and initiative.
Dental Assistant Department Head
- Immediate connection through purposeful introduction – A resume that begins with a dynamic sentence highlighting years of dental experience, leadership successes, or a signature achievement immediately signals the candidate's alignment with department head responsibilities and invites the reader to learn more.
- Clear demonstration of driving factors for advancement – When the resume articulates a compelling motivation to transition into or continue as a Dental Assistant Department Head—such as a desire to elevate team performance or champion patient care standards—it reassures employers of genuine commitment and vision for the role.
- Depth of engagement through storytelling moments – Sharing authentic anecdotes of overcoming challenges, nurturing professional growth in colleagues, or creating a more positive clinic culture makes the resume memorable, fostering emotional investment from the reader and setting the applicant apart as a leader who has tangible impact.
Dental Office Assistant Manager
- Personal narrative woven across platforms – A resume for a Dental Office Assistant Manager stands apart when it maintains a unified professional identity, with work experiences and achievements mirroring those found on the candidate’s LinkedIn profile. This consistency builds credibility and helps employers trust in the authenticity of the applicant’s journey and professional values.
- Distinct contribution in dental office environments – What distinguishes an outstanding candidate is their ability to highlight specialized skills, such as expertise in streamlining patient scheduling or spearheading HIPAA compliance initiatives, which directly benefit dental practices. Emphasizing these strengths provides employers with clear insight into the unique advantages the candidate offers beyond routine administrative proficiency.
- Visually inviting and logically arranged content – Exceptional resumes are marked by a clean structure with clear section headings, bullet-pointed accomplishments, and measured use of white space, allowing readers to effortlessly scan for crucial information. This attention to layout reflects the candidate’s organizational aptitude and respect for efficient communication—qualities essential in a dental office setting.
Endodontic Dental Assistant
- Strategic use of dental procedure language – Employing precise terminology such as "rubber dam isolation," "apex locator operation," "obturation techniques," and "assisted with apicoectomy procedures" communicates a candidate’s real-world experience in an endodontic environment and assures employers of technical literacy unique to the specialty.
- Unified personal branding across professional materials – Maintaining congruence between the resume’s summary, keywords, and skills section with the content of a LinkedIn profile supports a clear professional identity. This synergy highlights a focused career trajectory in endodontics, boosting employer trust and recognition.
- Compelling final remarks elevate impact – A dynamic closing statement that both reiterates readiness for the specialized responsibilities of endodontic care and invites next steps—such as, “Eager to contribute chairside expertise and compassionate patient care to your endodontic team”—leaves a memorable impression, prompting hiring managers to initiate further contact.
Dental Research Assistant
- Demonstrated research accomplishments tailored to dentistry – A resume stands out when it highlights clear, quantified achievements that directly relate to dental research, such as successful data collection for clinical trials, published papers in reputable journals, or improvements in sample processing procedures. These tailored accomplishments signal readiness to contribute meaningfully and efficiently within the specific landscape of dental research projects.
- Immediate alignment with job requirements signals a perfect fit – The overall impression is greatly enhanced when the document radiates a balance between technical proficiency and interpersonal skills, such as experience with lab equipment, dental terminology, patient record handling, and collaborative teamwork. Demonstrating fluency in both laboratory and clinical settings reinforces the candidate’s suitability and readiness for the responsibilities of a Dental Research Assistant.
- Compelling introduction that conveys motivation and focus – An impactful summary or opening paragraph immediately sets the candidate apart by succinctly expressing a genuine enthusiasm for dental research and a clear understanding of the role’s significance. Introducing one or two impressive highlights, such as managing multiple studies or liaising with interdisciplinary teams, captures the reader’s attention and frames the candidate as both passionate and purpose-driven.
Prosthodontic Dental Assistant
- Showcasing specialized dental knowledge and adaptability – A standout Prosthodontic Dental Assistant resume distinguishes itself through a unique combination of technical expertise in prosthodontics and a flexible, patient-focused approach. By emphasizing specialized skills such as proficiency in dental impression techniques, CAD/CAM technology, and collaborating with multidisciplinary dental teams, the candidate demonstrates a deeper understanding of the complexities specific to prosthodontic care, making their profile more appealing to hiring managers seeking expertise beyond basic dental assisting duties.
- Highlighting measurable contributions to practice success – Clear documentation of past achievements is essential for setting a resume apart. For example, including quantified accomplishments such as reducing lab turnaround times by 20%, improving patient satisfaction scores through detailed post-procedure care, or training new staff in advanced prosthodontic procedures serves as concrete evidence of the assistant’s direct positive impact on workflow efficiency, patient experience, and overall practice outcomes.
- Crafting a compelling and targeted professional summary – An engaging opening paragraph that explicitly aligns the applicant’s skills, experience, and motivation with the unique needs of a prosthodontic setting immediately grabs attention. By succinctly conveying a genuine passion for prosthodontics, committed patient care, and a history of supporting complex dental restoration cases, the introduction sets an enthusiastic and relevant tone for the rest of the document.
Dental Assistant Instructor
- Showcasing an aligned professional identity – Presenting a resume that mirrors the tone, accomplishments, and focus found on your LinkedIn profile establishes a unified and credible image. This congruence reinforces your expertise as a Dental Assistant Instructor and assures potential employers of your authenticity and commitment to the field.
- Highlighting clear enthusiasm for the institution – Referencing the educational values or teaching methodologies unique to the company signals that you have researched the organization. Tailoring your resume to connect your instructional style and achievements with what the company prioritizes illustrates genuine motivation and cultural compatibility.
- Integrating precise dental education terminology – Employing language specific to dental assisting and instructional contexts—such as “curriculum development,” “chairside training,” or “infection control techniques”—demonstrates in-depth familiarity with both the dental industry and education best practices, positioning you as a knowledgeable and effective mentor in the classroom.
How to format a dental assistant resume
Your resume’s formatting is an opportunity to demonstrate technical skills in creating well-formatted, easy-to-read documents, an administrative task you may be asked to perform as a dental assistant.
To ensure your resume is well-organized, professional, and memorable, follow these formatting best practices:
- Creative Elements: Include creative elements like colors and decorative patterns to make your resume unique and memorable.
- Header Content: A prominent header featuring your name, desired job title, and contact information lets employers view them at a glance.
- Ordering: List all section examples in reverse chronological order to ensure your most recent and relevant appear first.
Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is critical when formatting your dental assistant resume.
ATS analyzes text on resumes, looking for exact keywords or phrases corresponding to desired skills and qualifications for a specific job. Employers use these systems to quickly sort and prioritize resumes to consider the most qualified candidates.
Here’s what’s considered “best practices” for ATS-optimized formatting on your dental assistant resume:
- Fonts: Select ATS-friendly fonts matching the overall style of your resume. Some ATS-friendly fonts are Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman. However, by employing these overused fonts, you may miss a chance to make your resume stand out. For interesting, modern font options with great readability, try Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, Raleway, Exo 2, or Volkhov, all available on the Enhancv Resume Builder.
- Document Type: PDF files are standard for resumes to ensure formatting is maintained and ATS can easily identify and analyze text.
- Creative Elements in Text: Avoid using nonessential stylistic features within text. Elements such as emojis for bullets and non-standard date formats can impede ATS’ ability to recognize information in these sections.
- Headings and Subheadings: Ensure resume sections are organized and include simple, precise headings. Standard section titles ensure ATS accurately recognizes and extracts information from these sections.
Be aware of location-based layout differences – Canadian resumes, for instance, might differ in format.
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To improve the organization and ATS optimization of your resume, include the following top-recommended sections:
The top sections on a dental assistant resume:
- Contact Information: This allows prospective employers to know who the resume belongs to and how to get in touch with the candidate.
- Personal Statement: A brief, concise explanation of the candidate's motivation for becoming a dental assistant and the unique skills or experiences they bring.
- Certifications and Licenses: In the field of dental assistance, certain qualifications or licenses can be legally required, proving the candidate's ability to carry out the specific tasks.
- Experience: A short history of the candidate's related work experience to verify their skills.
- Clinical skills: Recruiters prioritize proficiency in clinical tasks central to patient care.
- Administrative skills: These are vital to maintaining patient records and office efficiency.
While applicants may have unique backgrounds and qualifications, be sure to include these highly sought-after qualifications on your dental assistant resume when possible:
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Dental assisting certification: Many states require dental assistants to be certified, so this is often a top priority for recruiters to ensure the candidate meets legal requirements.
- Experience with dental software: Knowledge of specific dental software such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft shows an ability to manage patient data and scheduling, which can be critical in dental offices.
- X-Ray certification: In many cases, dental assistants might be required to take x-rays; hence having this certification can make the candidate more attractive to recruiters.
- Basic life support skills: Dental procedures can sometimes lead to medical emergencies, so candidates with life support skills are typically highly valued.
- Chairside manner: Recruiters often prioritize dental assistants who demonstrate good interpersonal skills, as they need to interact with patients, easing their worries and explaining procedures.
How to write your dental assistant resume experience
The daily responsibilities of dental assistants vary depending on their credentials and the size and specialization of the dental office where they work. Therefore, it’s critical to highlight employment experiences requiring equivalent skills to the position you are applying for.
PRO TIP
To quickly and easily create a targeted dental assistant resume for each application, follow these steps:
- Create a resume template including a complete list of your experiences, certifications, education, and skills.
- Make a copy of the template for each new application.
- Review the job description for each new job you apply to, paying close attention to the ideal candidate description.
- In the copy of the template, delete all examples that don't align with the job description.
- Edit remaining examples to ensure they include keywords directly copied from the job description for increased ATS optimization.
The experience section of your dental assistant resume should be more than a list of tasks you performed. It’s an opportunity to share the specialized skills you developed and the achievements you made in those past positions. This reveals not only what you did but how successfully you did it.
Take a look at the following experience examples to better understand how focusing on achievements rather than duties improves an experience description.
02/2020 - 01/2024 
- •Worked reception answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and checking in patients.
- •Assisted the dentist in various procedures.
- •Conducted preliminary patient assessments and recorded medical histories.
- •Updated patient records using electronic health records (EHR) systems.
This applicant fails to use active verbs and specific details to document their accomplishments in this role. The description of their duties comes off as generic and doesn’t reflect how well they performed these tasks, which could set them apart from other applicants who performed many of the same tasks.
02/2020 - 01/2024 - •Managed front desk responsibilities, seeing an average of 30 patients daily, including scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and handling patient inquiries with professionalism and courtesy.
- •Created education flyers to distribute to patients on topics including post-treatment care, oral hygiene practices, and preventive measures, contributing to improved patient satisfaction and compliance.
- •Collaborated with the dental team to implement infection control protocols, maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment.
- •Successfully completed 8 bi-annual professional development sessions to stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
This applicant does an excellent job using active verbs to indicate they not only performed their assigned duties but actively contributed by managing, creating, collaborating on, and completing them. It’s evident from this description that the applicant was successful and gained valuable experience in this job.
Additionally, they do a nice job including examples and keywords to describe their skills and qualifications for ATS optimization.
How to quantify impact on your resume
An excellent way to stand out amongst other applicants and boost your resume impact is to include quantifiable evidence of your skills and abilities in your experience descriptions. These are tangible, measurable, or verifiable details that highlight your accomplishments in past jobs.
The example above provides an excellent example of incorporating quantifiable evidence:
“Successfully completed 8 bi-annual professional development sessions to stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.”
This applicant stated the number of professional development sessions completed to clarify their dedication to continued learning and staying current in the industry.
In addition to sharing the number of completed training sessions, workshops, or certifications, there are many other ways to quantify your impact. Here are a few additional options for using numbers and data to quantify your skills in your experience descriptions:
- Share a percentage increase in efficiency or patient satisfaction to illustrate the effectiveness of your efforts.
- State the number of patients assisted daily to demonstrate efficiency and capacity to manage a fast-paced environment and large workload.
- Note how many dental procedures you are proficient in to highlight your diverse skill set.
- Identify the size of office staff you've worked with to indicate your experience collaborating as a team member.
- Detail the number of patient records you've managed to showcase your ability to organize and maintain high volumes of patient data.
- Share the amount of office management software or dental equipment you're proficient using to emphasize your technical acumen.
- Mention reductions in wait times or operational costs you contributed to illustrate your efficiency and attention to detail.
When including numbers and statistics, be selective by only mentioning data relevant to the position you're applying for. For example, a small dental practice focused on positive patient experience will be more impressed by how your efforts resulted in an increased percentage of patient satisfaction than how many patients you treated daily in a large, fast-paced dental office.
How do I write a dental assistant resume with no experience
Some employers offer applicants on-the-job training or certification contingent employment, creating opportunities for applicants without prior dental assistant experience.
However, there are additional considerations to keep in mind when writing a dental assistant resume with no experience. A crucial element is ensuring experiences highlight transferable skills, such as employment, temp work, or even medical or dental office volunteering.
Follow these steps to write an experience section highlighting transferable skills without dental assistant experience:
- Compile a list of keywords from the job description.
- Brainstorm previous employment, educational, or volunteer experiences that showcase the same keyword skills and knowledge from the job description.
- To add credibility, include tangible evidence of these skills, such as certifications, achievements, and quantifiable data.
- Avoid including irrelevant work experiences or outdated experiences.
- List experiences in reverse chronological order to ensure your most recent and relevant examples appear first.
PRO TIP
Don’t worry about explaining or giving details about how your transferable skills align with the job you are applying for in your resume. Your dental assistant cover letter is an excellent opportunity to detail further how your background aligns with the open position.
Without dental assistant experience, this section aims to share related jobs and transferable skills, especially those in medical or dental environments. The best way to demonstrate your potential to succeed in the available position is to utilize keywords from the job description in your examples.
How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume
The skills section of your dental assistant resume can be intimidating since an extensive list may be necessary to highlight the broad range of skills required of dental assistants.
Include subsections where appropriate to keep your skills lists manageable—for instance, listing hard and soft skills in separate sections. In addition, you can organize hard skills by creating subsections for clinical and administrative skills.
Additionally, you can trim a lengthy skills section by tailoring it to the desired position. The skills an employer values most will depend on many factors, such as the size of the office, patient demographics, number of employees, and dental specialty. Therefore, it's not necessary to include every skill for every application.
Hard skills - in a nutshell
Hard skills are skills necessary to perform a particular job. They typically require study, training, and practice.
In the dental field, hard skills often require certification and reflect technical abilities, like using office software and dental equipment or performing dental procedures.
When brainstorming hard skills to include on your dental assistant resume, consult this list of top sought by employers in the field:
Best clinical hard skills for your dental assistant resume
- Dental X-ray photography
- Dental impression molding
- Sterilization techniques
- Dental instrument preparation
- Dental procedure assisting
- Coronal polishing
- Fluoride application
- Sealant application
- Infection control
- First aid and CPR
- Oral evacuation
- Digital radiography
- Photography
- Dental health education
- Restorative procedures
- Orthodontic procedures
- Periodontal dressings
Best administrative hard skills for your dental assistant resume
- Administrative Skills
- Patient management software
- Dental coding and billing
- Supply inventory management
- HIPAA compliance
- Dental office management
Soft skills - in a nutshell
Soft skills are intrinsic, personal skills demonstrating the kind of employee you'll be. In a dental office, these skills enable you to provide excellent patient care and satisfaction. For example, in the dental field, compassion, empathy, and active listening are valued regardless of the office in which you work.
These are some of the top soft skills employers look for in dental assistant applicants:
Best soft skills for your dental assistant resume
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Stress management
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Listening skills
- Compassion
- Organizational skills
- Professionalism
- Trustworthiness
- Tact and diplomacy
- Customer service skills
- Initiative
- Tolerance
Follow these steps to write your dental assistant skills sections:
- Format your skills section as a simple list without elaboration or examples.
- Differentiate between hard and soft skills by listing them in separate subsections.
- Consider organizing your hard skills further by adding subheadings for clinical skills and administrative skills.
- Target your skills section using keyword skills from the job description.
- Write these keyword skills precisely as they appear in the job description to enhance ATS analysis.
- Never lie about or exaggerate your skills on your resume.
- Ensure consistency between your experience and skills sections by listing the skills mentioned in the experience section in the skills section and vice versa.
In general, employers are willing to offer training in hard skills. However, the intrinsic nature of soft skills makes them difficult to teach. Therefore, it's essential to tailor your resume's hard skills for each application and to include as many keyword soft skills as possible.
How to list your certifications and education on your resume
While certification is not always required, many employers prefer applicants with a general dental assisting certification. Beyond that, there are numerous expanded dental functions certifications (EDFC) available to enable Certified dental assistants (CDAs) to perform specialized tasks such as performing X-rays.
Your resume's education and certifications sections should reinforce your skills sections as evidence supporting your stated skills.
To write your dental assistant certification section and education section, follow these steps:
- Create separate sections titled “Education” and “Certifications” to allow ATS to parse information from your resume accurately.
- List all degrees and certifications in reverse chronological order, putting your most recent and relevant at the top.
Education Specific best practices:
- For each degree, include the name of the university, its’ location, the dates you attended, and the title of your degree.
- Continuing education courses, like those required for a CDA, should be listed in the education section.
- Including your GPA is optional unless the job description specifies a minimum GPA requirement.
- You can include brief statements about relevant exceptional coursework achievements in the example description.
- Only include your major and minor if relevant to the desired position or if it provides relevant information about your background. For example, a minor in Spanish may be appropriate. However, a minor in Dance probably isn’t.
Here’s an example of how an excellent education example:
02/2022 - 09/2022 - •Earned perfect scores in all 10 required courses.
- •Completed a supervised clinical externship, gaining practical experience in assisting with various dental procedures and leading to my first dental assistant employment.
Best practices for listing examples on your resume’s certification section:
- Include the name of the certification, the certifying institution, and the year obtained.
- When appropriate, consider listing certifications under the subheadings “Clinical Certifications” and “Administrative Certifications” for clarity.
- Limit certifications to current, unexpired credentials. For example, if you were certified in CPR four years ago and never renewed, you shouldn't list this since CPR certification is only valid for two years.
- If a certification requires renewal to remain valid, include the date first acquired as well as the most recent renewal date or a "valid through" date. For certifications you have held long-term, this demonstrates soft skills such as organization and responsibility.
- Limit your certifications to only those specifically named or directly related to the required skills mentioned in the job description.
Here’s an example of how a certification item requiring renewal should look on your dental assistant resume:
If you're considering adding a dental assistant certification to your resume, check out one of these highly sought-after by employers.
Best certifications for your dental assistant resume
- Certified dental assistant (CDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Registered dental assistant with Expanded Functions (RDAEF) by Various State Dental Boards (specific websites vary by state)
- Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant (COMSA) by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Certified Restorative Functions dental assistant (CRFDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
- Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator (CDPMA) by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
It's essential to be selective when writing your dental assistant resume's education and certifications sections.
Some employers may sift through long lists. However, others will only take a cursory look before determining whether or not your background will suit their needs. Therefore, limiting your qualifications to highlight those that best demonstrate your ability to succeed is critical.
How to write your dental assistant resume summary or objective
A summary or objective section, sometimes called “Resume Profiles” or “Personal Statements,” allows you to briefly contextualize how the data and facts on your resume correspond to your career progression and goals.
These sections demonstrate your suitability for the position, which may not be evident, particularly if you don’t have prior experience as a dental assistant.
Regardless of which personal statement you select, it should clarify how your experiences and qualifications make you a suitable candidate for an available job.
Follow these best practices when writing either a summary or an objective:
- Customize the statement to match the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
- Start sentences with action verbs to make your summary dynamic and impactful.
- Be brief. A summary should only be 3-5 sentences.
The difference between a summary and an objective is the focus on either your past experiences or future career goals.
A resume summary focuses on your past work experience and how it aligns with an available job. On the other hand, a resume objective focuses on your future career goals to illustrate how they correspond with the position.
A summary is preferable for dental assistants with extensive experience well aligned to the available job, for example, in the same dental specialty. It highlights how your past success indicates your potential to succeed in that particular role.
To write a summary for your dental assistant resume, follow these best practices:
- Highlight your most relevant skills or experiences that directly overlap with the job description.
- Briefly mention your years of experience to provide context for your level of expertise.
- Write an impactful summary using keywords directly from the job description, highlighting your well-aligned keyword experiences and skills.
- Use details such as naming specific software, dental equipment, procedures, and certifications to reinforce the relevance of your experiences.
- Convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue providing high-quality patient care in the dental field in this position.
Check out how the following summary is improved by including specific details to reinforce skills.
This applicant overlooks several opportunities to include specific details, such as examples of procedures they are proficient in, contributions they’ve made, and their specific certification to incorporate keywords and ensure their qualifications are evident to the employer.
This applicant includes specific examples of tasks they are proficient in, procedures they've performed, and their impact on patient satisfaction. They also named the professional organization where they completed their continuing education. These details lend authority to their stated skills and qualifications and enhance ATS analysis by including keywords from the job description.
An objective section is a better option for dental assistants with limited experience or who are applying for their first job. It allows you to focus on how you plan to use your background to achieve career goals while contributing to the success of the office.
To write your dental assistant resume objective, follow these best practices:
- Describe the type of position you are seeking.
- Share relevant or transferable skills that will help you succeed in the position using keywords directly from the job description.
- Clearly state your career goals and enthusiasm to work towards them in the role.
- Highlight valuable contributions you can make while learning and gaining experience.
- Avoid generic phrases. Instead, focus on specific skills and goals that set you apart.
PRO TIP
Rephrasing specifics from the “Qualifications” or “Ideal Candidate” sections of a job description is a great way to guarantee you mention the skills and qualifications most valued by the employer.
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Additional sections for a dental assistant resume
In addition to the top-resume sections, consider including one or more of these optional resume sections to highlight specific qualifications or accomplishments that will help you stand out among the other dental assistant applicants.
- Languages: Excellent patient communication is a cornerstone of patient care. Therefore, being multilingual is a valuable asset in patient-centric environments. Including a language section is an effective way to set yourself apart from other applicants.
- Achievements and Awards: If you’ve received recognition for your work in the past, consider including an awards and achievements section as evidence to support your stated soft skills. In addition to individual awards, you can include awards your office received, such as being voted the top healthcare facility in your community.
- Professional Associations: A professional Associations section highlights your dedication to ongoing improvement and staying current in dentistry. If you’d like to include a professional association membership to your resume, consider joining one of the leading professional associations for dental assistants below.
Professional associations for dental assistants
These prominent professional associations for dental assistants provide resources, support, and opportunities for networking and continuing education:
- American dental assistants Association (ADAA)
- American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM)
- National dental assistants Association (National Dental Assistants’ Association (NDAA))
- Academy of Chairside Assisting (ACA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
Individualizing your resume with tailored sections ensures it reflects all your top qualifications and stands out among other applicants. Should you include sections other than those above, be sure they use catchy, ATS-friendly headings.
How to write a specialization section
If you have extensive experience or certifications in a particular dental specialty directly corresponding to an available job, consider including a specialization section to highlight these qualifications.
Your dental assistant specialization section should include the following:
- The title of your dental assistant specialization
- Relevant training or certifications
- Specialty-specific billing and coding experience
- Technical skills related to using software and equipment
- Skills and expertise in performing specialized dental procedures
- Relevant soft skills, for instance, patience and communication, are vital when working with children in a pediatric dental office.
Here’s an example of how your specialization section should appear on your resume:
Only include a specialization section that demonstrates extensive knowledge, skills, and qualifications if applicable to the available dental assistant position. For instance, the example above would be relevant to a family or pediatric dental office. However, it would not likely be relevant enough to include as a separate section for work in a prosthodontic office. In this case, these skills may be mentioned in the other resume sections, such as the experience section, to demonstrate your capacity to learn specialized skills.
Key takeaways
Selecting among the multitude of skills and qualifications required for dental assisting is one of the and most challenging aspects when writing a resume.
To ensure your dental assistant resume accurately reflects your most valuable, unique skills, experiences, and qualifications, review these key takeaways:
- Targeted resumes include only examples relevant to the available position as found in the job description.
- ATS-optimized formatting helps ensure your dental assistant resume reaches employers.
- Provide quantifiable evidence of achievements in previous dental offices to demonstrate your impact in past jobs.
- Include clinical and administrative hard skills as well as transferable soft skills, using precise wording for enhanced ATS optimization.
- List relevant education and certifications demonstrating your dentistry knowledge and qualifications.
- Give context to the information on your resume by including either a summary or an objective section, depending on your experience level in similar dental assistant positions.
- Use additional sections to showcase credentials that don't fit within other resume sections.
- Include a specialization section when your past dental assistant employment is in a similar environment to the available position to highlight your expertise.