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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.

Hiring Manager for Dental Assistant Roles

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.

Dental assistant resume showcasing patient care and technology proficiency.

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.

Showcase patient care skills - Dental Assistant Resume

   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.

Highlight dental technology proficiency - Dental Assistant Resume

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.

Dental assistants can highlight their personal experience with an opening summary while indicating the exact nature of their past accomplishments with number values.

   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.

Opening summary specifies dental assistant skills - Dental Assistant Resume

   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.

Uses numerical values to impart scope and scale of dental experience - Dental Assistant Resume

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.

Certified Dental Assistant resume example

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.

Showcase your certifications - Certified Dental Assistant Resume

   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.

Emphasize infection control skills - Certified Dental Assistant Resume

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.

Certified dental assistants should utilize a side or bottom skill bank while supporting them with appropriate accomplishments in the resume body.

   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.

Emphasizes breadth of relevant accomplishments in the dental industry - Certified Dental Assistant Resume

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.

RDA resume highlighting specialized skills and digital dentistry experience.

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.

Emphasize specialized skills and certifications - Registered Dental Assistant Resume

   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.

Showcase experience with digital dentistry tools - Registered Dental Assistant Resume

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.

Registered dental assistants should aim to demonstrate their growing skills over time, along with effective use of 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).

Shows progressive growth in responsibilities and positions across dental professions - Registered Dental Assistant Resume

   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.

Effective use of strong action verbs relevant to the medical field - Registered Dental Assistant Resume

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.

A resume for an entry level dental assistant with a BSN and experience as a receptionist and volunteer nurse.

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.

Differentiate your resume with speciality certifications or licenses - Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume

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.

A resume for an experienced dental assistance with a associate degree in dental assisting and experience as a dental hygenist.

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.

Get certified in dental office software like Dentrix - Experienced Dental Assistant Resume

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.

A pediatric dental assistant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s certifications and functions.

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.

Clearly list your certifications and where they were obtained. - Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume

   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.

Have a mixture of dental and administrative tools listed. - Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume

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.

A lead dental assistant resume sample that highlights the applicant’s industry-specific skills and experience.

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.

Use action verbs to indicate experience in your three main functions. - Lead Dental Assistant Resume

   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.

List industry-specific tools. - Lead Dental Assistant Resume

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

Bullet Point Samples for Dental Assistant

   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.

How to write a resume summary if you are applying for a Dental Assistant resume

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:

How To Write An Education Section - Dental Assistant Roles

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.

Action Verbs for Dental Assistant

  • 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:

How To Write Your Skills Section - Dental Assistant Roles

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.

Top Dental Assistant Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

How to use these skills?

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  • Dental Assistant Resume Example
  • Certified Dental Assistant Resume Example
  • Registered Dental Assistant Resume Example
  • Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume Example
  • Experienced Dental Assistant Resume Example
  • Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume Example
  • Lead Dental Assistant Resume Example
  • Tips for Dental Assistant Resumes
  • Skills and Keywords to Add
  • All Resume Examples
  • Dental Assistant CV Examples
  • Dental Assistant Cover Letter
  • Dental Assistant Interview Guide
  • Explore Alternative and Similar Careers

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These professional templates are optimized to beat resume screeners (i.e. the Applicant Tracking System). You can download the templates in Word, Google Docs, or PDF. For free (limited time).

   access samples from top resumes, get inspired by real bullet points that helped candidates get into top companies.,    get a resume score., find out how effective your resume really is. you'll get access to our confidential resume review tool which will tell you how recruiters see your resume..

dental assistant resume examples

Writing an effective resume has never been easier .

Upgrade to resume worded pro to unlock your full resume review., get this resume template (+ 9 others), plus proven bullet points., for a small one-time fee, you'll get everything you need to write a winning resume in your industry., here's what you'll get:.

  • 📄 Get the editable resume template in Google Docs + Word . Plus, you'll also get all 9 other templates .
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dental assistant resume examples

I had a clear uptick in responses after using your template. I got many compliments on it from senior hiring staff, and my resume scored way higher when I ran it through ATS resume scanners because it was more readable. Thank you!

dental assistant resume examples

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

dental assistant resume examples

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  1. Dental Resume Examples & Writing Tips

    dental assistant resume examples

  2. Dentist Resume Sample

    dental assistant resume examples

  3. 5 Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume Examples & Guide for 2023

    dental assistant resume examples

  4. Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume Example for 2023

    dental assistant resume examples

  5. 17 Dental Assistant Resume Examples That Work in 2024

    dental assistant resume examples

  6. 3 Successful Surgical Dental Assistant Resume Examples And Writing Tips

    dental assistant resume examples