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15 Dental Assistant Resume Examples That Work in 2024

Dental Assistant

Best for mid and entry-level candidates.

Our classic resume template is anything but basic. A classic look can bring out your best work—whether projects or traditional work experience.

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• Dental Assistant Resume
• Dental Assistant Resumes by Experience
• Dental Assistant Resumes by Role

Writing Your Dental Assistant Resume

Dental assistants are a tremendous asset to any dental office, but it’s not always easy coming up with what to say when you’re applying for a job. After all, how are you supposed to put all your expertise on one page?

If this sounds familiar, then know that the goal of this post is to lift some of that burden by providing essential tips and showing you exactly what you need to do to  build a professional resume .

These 15 dental assistant resume samples have  helped real dental assistants land jobs,  and our writing guide can help you learn the nitty-gritty of resume writing (or cover letter writing ) so you can land your next great dental assistant role in 2024.

Dental Assistant Resume Example

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Some states (like Iowa) have dental assistant programs designed for people specifically with no certification. You learn the skills on the job so you can eventually apply to get certified! 
• Metrics quantify your impact and let your future employer know that you did something special. 

Experienced Dental Assistant Resume

• Certification for dental assistants varies state by state, but nearly all dental assistant jobs require you have either cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. So if you have either, be sure to mention it on your experienced dental assistant resume.
• We’d recommend having six to eight skills, such as “X-rays” and “4-handed dentistry.”

Inexperienced Dental Assistant Resume

• Be sure to include activities that demonstrate leadership when possible, like being on a sports team or the president of a club.
• If you decide to include a  resume objective , make sure you customize it for each job to which you apply. The most effective way to do that is to include the company name, followed by a sentence or two explaining your strengths that mirror some of the requirements in the  dental assistant job description .

Dental Assistant Externship  Resume Example

• For your projects, add any instances of using dental tools even if it was only at a seminar. Next, use the career objective space to convince the employer that you’re more than ready to be an extern with your current knowledge.

Dental Assistant-In-Training Resume

• Never fear, rely on transferable skills! Positions like office assistant jobs do a great job demonstrating your capacity to provide quality customer service and vast knowledge of electronic medical records.
• We’d also recommend adding a  resume objective  (also called a career objective) to highlight your passion for the role you’re applying to and your relevant skills.
• If you do include an objective, always include the company name and the specific job you’re seeking. Customization is vital!

Lead Dental Assistant  Resume Example

• Remember to include how junior dental assistants have flourished under your supervision as a way of demonstrating your leadership skills and capacity building for future professionals.

Endodontic Dental Assistant Resume

• The next step is giving these skills extra weight by adding quantified bullet points that display how you’ve used each tool to create direct impacts like boosting successful surgery rates or reducing scan-to-report turnaround times.
• Need more space to tell your story? Add the how and why of it all to your dental assistant cover letter .

Chairside Dental Assistant Resume

• Did you earn a high patient satisfaction rating? Are you proficient in cutting-edge dental tools? If yes, highlighting these achievements will add a competitive advantage to your chairside dental assistant resume.

Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume Example

• Colleges around the country offer what are usually 1-year programs in dental assisting, with the goal being certification (usually candidates need to pass the Dental Assisting National Board’s Certified Dental Assistant exam). If you’ve attended such a program, be sure to include it in the “Education” section of your pediatric dental assistant resume .
• If you’re stuck, try using a  resume outline  to get a sense of what your work experience bullet points should look like (and what the rest of your resume should look like, too). 

Oral Surgery Assistant Resume

• If you’re applying to a dental assisting job in oral surgery and you have experience in that field, then create a separate copy of your resume focusing on those aspects of your past work. 
• You’ve already seen some  good resume examples , but it can help to look at other examples within the dental field so you can note specific verbs, metrics, and skills listed there.
• Don’t plagiarize, of course; simply use the examples to give you a boost to write your own resume.

Orthodontic Dental Assistant Resume

• Including numbers on your orthodontic dental assistant resume will demonstrate your value on the job and confirm that you’re the best person for a role requiring specific job skills, like taking impressions and understanding EMR.
• First, that’s a red flag. It speaks strongly of plagiarism (plus it’s not creative).
• Secondly, simply restating the job description doesn’t make a strong sell on why you’re a better choice than the competition. Instead, focus on your accomplishments and achievements (use those numbers we just talked about) to show how you provided value beyond the basic job description.

Dental Hygiene Assistant Resume

• Many people try to emphasize education, but if you’re a few years out from your school days, it’s not relevant. Just include the basics and focus on your work experience.
• Even professional headshots can make a resume look less than professional, and they can even cause bias in the recruitment process.
• Before you go overboard, remember: your resume needs to be easy to read and pleasing to the eye. So use a different font and some color for your section headers, but keep your body text untouched.
• Tip: Find out the color scheme at the dental office you’re applying to, and use that color to complement your application!

Registered Dental Assistant Resume

• For example, a  resume objective  is great for showing off transferable skills and recent experiences if you’re just starting out in your career.
• Once you’ve nailed that content, feel free to add optional sections!
• Be sure to use the exact title widely accepted by your state on your registered dental assistant resume.

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Resume

• Words   alone can’t provide enough evidence for your skills. Try to include numbers on the number of dental techniques you’ve mastered, or the number of patients you see per hour.
• Aim to include metrics in at least half of your bullet points, but don’t be afraid to add more if you can incorporate them naturally.
• Remember: no matter how pretty your  resume template  is, it won’t make up for content and formatting, so make sure you’re setting yourself up for success!

Certified Dental Assistant Resume

• For example, if you include a waitressing position from a few years ago, discuss responsibilities that highlight your abilities with customer service, time management, and communication. These universal skills can easily translate to a dental assistant role.
• We’d recommend formatting your resume in  reverse-chronological  order, with your most current work experience toward the top of the page. This helps highlight your most recent and, probably, most relevant job title.

Related resume guides

• Medical assistant
• Nursing assistant
• Dental hygienist

Dental assistant job postings reflect the variety of responsibilities this flexible career offers and requires. Since a dental assistant will complete various tasks every day, a strong resume for this position should reveal your abilities and responsibilities on the job. Your dental assistant resume should focus on the quantifiable skills and abilities specified in the job description.

Dental practices typically use Applicant Tracking System (ATS) recruiting software to scan applications for key terms, reducing the need for hands-on application review for the first hiring round. So, your resume may need updating to pass the ATS scanning. When creating your dental assistant resume, pay attention to these four areas to increase your odds of successfully moving on to the interview process:

• Emphasizing specific dental assistant skills
• Formatting your dental assistant resume properly
• Utilizing an objective and summary 
• Using quantifiable points 

Emphasize your dental assistant skills

When recruiters hire dental assistants, they use a three-step process to weed out candidates:

• Hiring directors narrow down candidates for minimum qualifications (usually by using ATS). Filters are set to catch basic qualifications regarding experience and key terms or phrases.
• Next, recruiters look for a set of preferred qualifications. Applicants who meet these criteria remain in the application process.
• Lastly, employers shortlist and rank candidates based on their fit with the minimum and preferred qualifications. 

To pass the ATS filtering and move on to the next phase of the process,  your resume should contain key terms and phrases from the employer’s job description.  The  skills section on your resume  is the place to explain your abilities within the scope of the dental assistant job.

You can add soft skills, like interpersonal communication, or hard skills, which are job-specific abilities learned and perfected in specific careers. Resumes that reflect the soft and hard skills the employer is looking for will pass through the ATS filter and on through the application process. Some of the top soft and hard dental assistant skills employers are looking for are:

• Dental equipment knowledge (hard skill)—shows the applicant can complete basic dental assistant tasks
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) experience (hard skill)—shows the applicant can utilize an online data system for employer
• Medical licensing (hard skill)—indicates up-to-date, recognized proficiencies (could be a minimum requirement)
• Communication skills (soft skill)—shows abilities with positive patient interactions
• Team player (soft skill)— indicates the ability to work with others in the office
• Customer service (soft skill)—shows applicant will put the patient’s needs first
• Highly organized (soft skill)—indicates applicant can prioritize tasks and complete work on time
• X-ray experience (hard skill)—shows precise (and likely preferred) experience and training
• Vital signs (hard skill)—shows future employer ability to complete routine, necessary tasks
• Patient safety (hard skill)—indicates the ability to follow required safety steps and policies

Don’t feel pressured to put every skill on your resume to pass the ATS scan. Instead, customize your resume to match the  dental assistant job description  by finding keywords in the description and adding some to your own dental assistant resume.

Format your dental assistant resume properly

For most job seekers,  properly formatting a resume  is a huge hurdle. Your resume should of course show important details like experience, education, and applicable skill sets, but resume formatting plays a huge role in how the ATS and the hiring manager read your resume. 

Many job seekers get caught up in stylizing their resume instead of simply making minor changes to a  resume template . You don’t have to go overboard to get your resume noticed, so keep your formatting simple

Let’s look at the most vital aspects when formatting your resume for a dental assistant position:

• Pare things down by using simplified wording, removing stylized lines or graphic additions, deleting extra spacing, and removing redundancies.
• Use  bullet points  to narrow your focus and keep things short.
• Avoid using icons or images . The ATS only searches for keywords, icons and graphics won’t help the application process.
• Include the title of the position you’re seeking  on your resume to emphasize your focus or goal.
• Check, double-check, and recheck your resume to ensure  no errors . Spelling errors and other basic mistakes can be a huge turnoff to a future employer since they highlight an applicant’s lack of attention to detail. Send the resume through our  free resume checker  and have another set of eyes look at it before sending it off in an application.
• Decide if you need to include an objective or summary . If so, prioritize its location on your resume to highlight this standout feature.

Your dental assistant resume objective or summary

For some job seekers, you might want to add an  objective to your resume . Some argue that it’s antiquated, but they can be useful if you know how to use them correctly.

What exactly  is  an objective? A resume objective is a way to show a prospective employer your job aspirations and what kind of job you’re seeking. This section is best for applicants new to a field or with experience that doesn’t exactly relate to their ideal position.

In other words, if your goal is to be a dental assistant, but you don’t yet have experience, you could use an objective statement. Comprise your resume objective with two to three sentences explaining you are seeking a dental assistant position as your current career goal and why.

On the other hand, you could choose to add a  summary to your resume  instead. You use a summary if you have at least 10 years of experience in the field. Per its name, a summary summarizes your best achievements and your top skills. It’s a great way to increase your credibility within two to three sentences.

Boost your dental assistant resume with quantifiable points

Like in many careers, using specific data is a concrete way to show value. Generic, vague statements won’t do anything to help you get a job, so use details that strengthen your accomplishments. (Our tip? Try to answer the “how” in most of your work experience bullet points.) You want to show future employers exactly what you’ve done, what you’re capable of, and what they can expect of you if hired. But what does that look like on a resume? 

Here are some ways a dental assistant can show the quantifiable impact:

• Explain a percentage increase in patient retention
• Convey increase in patient satisfaction
• Relay the number of patients seen per shift
• Detail the percentage of reduced cavities experienced with patient education provided
• Listing the total number of clients assisted in a procedure

Once you pinpoint a valuable action of interest to an employer, quantify the impact you made (aka explain the results of your actions). Here are a few examples of strong job-specific quantified points that might be used as a bullet point on your dental assistant resume:

Tailor your resume for each dental assistant job application

By scanning the job posting, you should customize your dental assistant resume to match what the employer is looking for in a candidate for each of these categories:

• Objective/summary—rework your objective statement to include the company’s name, the job title you’re seeking, and specific skills related to the job description.
• Skills—add your skills to the resume you’ve listed on the job posting. Remove any that are not relevant to the job you’re applying for so you can make room for those the ATS will identify.
• Job description bullet points—some of your quantifiable points should echo what’s listed in the job description by using specific keywords and phrases.

Dental assistant resume

Once you have some expertise as a dental assistant, you can  build your resume  to emphasize your time in the field. This will help you stand out from other applicants. Here are some ways to customize your dental assistant resume with some experience in the field:

• List all certifications you’ve earned
• Include quantifiable points that show increases in revenue for dental practices
• Explain how you improved the dental office revenue, patient volume, or another valuable metric

You can list your certifications toward the bottom of your resume, similar to this:

Entry-level dental assistant resume

• Include basic certifications like CPR, since it’s an expectation for most dental practices
• List relevant experience highlighting soft skills that can be utilized as a dental assistant
• Show hobbies and interests that may indicate leadership or other positive qualities
• Mirror the job description in your resume objective, even noting the company name in the career goal

Pediatric dental assistant resume

For a specialized dental assistant resume at a pediatric office, add in some customized details like these to help you stand out from other applicants:

• Soft skill experience demonstrating any work with youth or children
• Include hard and soft skills that are especially vital to working with children, like patience or safety procedures
• List descriptions of excellent customer service provided to patients

Orthodontic dental assistant resume

When customizing your orthodontic dental assistant resume for a job in an orthodontic office, think about adding specifics to showcase your resume:

• Show soft skills that demonstrate the high-quality patient care you provided
• Include quantifiable points that focus on patient satisfaction or happiness
• Add certifications that are valuable in an orthodontic office, like x-ray qualifications

Certified dental assistant resume

When applying for a job as a certified dental assistant, include such customizations to your resume as:

• Using numbers to show your value above other candidates
• List jobs in reverse-chronological order to focus first on your most relevant job experience
• Include past positions that bring relevant soft skills to a potential employer’s attention, even if the job title isn’t relevant

Your dental assistant resume recap

Congratulations  on taking the first step toward your career as a dental assistant! With a little thoughtful customization, your dental assistant pursuit is easily within reach. 

During the process, use our  online resume builder  to help you create your most effective product right from the start. If you already have a working draft, feel free to use our AI-powered  online resume checker  to polish your product for any future job applications.

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How to create a steller dental assistant resume?

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

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

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

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

You can refer to our complete dental assistant resume sample:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[ Back to Table of Content ]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Salary

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

How to write a Dental Assistant Resume?

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Master Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Draft of Dental Assistant Resume

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

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

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

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

Final Draft of Dental Assistant Resume

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume Sections

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

• Summary/Objective

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

• Volunteering Experience (if any)

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume: Professional Experience

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

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

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

• STAR format
• Framing points
• Bucketing & Bolding

STAR Format

The STAR stands for the following points:

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

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

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

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

Framing Points

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume Example 1:

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

Dental Assistant Resume Example 2:

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

Framing Points: Analysis

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

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

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

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

Bolding & Bucketing

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

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

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

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

Bolding & Bucketing: Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume: Key Skills

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume: Objective

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume: Header

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume: Personal Information

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

Contact number

• Current location

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

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

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

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

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

Example : +1 25363 62749

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

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

Example : [email protected] or [email protected]

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

Example : [email protected] or [email protected]

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

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

Current Location

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Resume: Profile Title

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume: Education

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

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

The education section of your resume should ideally consist of:

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

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume: Certifications

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

Your certification section must include the following details:

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

Arrange these points in the below format:

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

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

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

Dental Assistant Resume: Additional Information

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

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

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

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

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

Resume Review & Free Dental Assistant Resume Templates

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

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

You also get 2 resume templates for free!

Resume Builder for Dental Assistant Resume

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

It comes with the below-mentioned resources:

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

• Resume Examples
• Medical Resumes

10 Dental Assistant Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Dental assistants are on the front lines of working with both dentists and patients to create a clear path forward for dental health. if you want to work in a fast-paced field that contains both clinical and clerical elements, this guide will help you build a dental assistant resume by reviewing three example templates and a list of key skills and action verbs to consider including.

Dental health is considered by many physicians to be the foundation for overall health, meaning those who work in the field as dental assistants are providing a valuable service to the public while simultaneously honing various transferable skills. Dental assistants are in high demand with the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipating a seven percent annual growth rate through 2029 - or almost double the rate of growth for most jobs. Dental assistants can expect to work directly with patients, including completing registration, handling insurance details, and scheduling appointments. In addition, dental assistants will often perform clinical work such as sterilizing equipment, preparing the patient for the dentist, or assisting the dentist during oral health procedures. Hiring managers are looking for specific skills and responsibilities in their dental assistant applicants, and this guide will help you identify and include the appropriate skills that match your experience. We’ll start by looking at three example resumes for dental assistants at different stages of their careers.

Dental Assistant Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Dental Assistant
• Certified Dental Assistant
• Registered Dental Assistant
• Entry Level Dental Assistant
• Experienced Dental Assistant
• Pediatric Dental Assistant
• Lead Dental Assistant

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Dental Assistant Resumes

Dental Assistant Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Medical Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 10: Dental Assistant Resume Example

As a dental assistant, you play a vital role in supporting dentists and performing various tasks that keep dental practices running smoothly. In recent years, there's been an increased focus on patient comfort and creating a welcoming environment, so dental assistants should emphasize these skills in their resumes. Additionally, dental practices are adopting more advanced technology, so showcasing your familiarity with these tools can set you apart from other candidates. When writing your resume, it's important to highlight your hands-on experience and knowledge of dental procedures, as well as any specific certifications you have obtained. Also, don't forget to mention any administrative duties you've handled, as dental assistants often juggle both clinical and clerical tasks.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   showcase patient care skills.

Since dental assistants frequently interact with patients, it's crucial to emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills. Highlight any experience that demonstrates your ability to provide comfort and reassurance to patients, manage patient flow, and maintain a clean and organized workspace.

   Highlight dental technology proficiency

As dental practices continue to adopt advanced technology, hiring managers will appreciate applicants who are well-versed in using modern dental equipment and software. Make sure to mention any experience with digital X-rays, dental practice management software, and other relevant technologies.

Skills you can include on your Dental Assistant resume

Template 2 of 10: dental assistant resume example.

Start your resume with a succinct summary that outlines your background as a dental assistant to catch the eye of hiring managers and give them an accurate impression of your personal skill set. Incorporate numerical values in the summary whenever relevant, and make sure to do the same in the body of your resume to impart an affinity for precision.

   Opening summary specifies dental assistant skills

As the background of dental assistants can vary based on their experience working alongside dentists or at the front of the office, you can orient hiring managers to your particular background by including a short summary at the start of your resume. You can opt to include the tasks and skills you have expertise in, the amount of time you've been a dental assistant, or the type or size of office(s) you've worked in.

   Uses numerical values to impart scope and scale of dental experience

Having an eye for details and accuracy is an important aspect of the clerical duties dental assistants are expected to perform. With that in mind, you should aim to use quantitative values in each of your bullet-pointed accomplishments as it will help hiring managers understand exactly how big your previous offices were, how high your satisfaction rating was, how many physicians you’re accustomed to working with, and so on.

Template 3 of 10: Certified Dental Assistant Resume Example

As a Certified Dental Assistant, you'll be an integral part of any dental practice, providing valuable support to dentists and ensuring a smooth patient experience. When crafting your resume, it's essential to showcase your expertise in dental procedures, patient care, and office management. Keep in mind that the dental field is continually evolving, with advancements in technology and shifts towards more patient-centric care. Employers are looking for dental assistants who are adaptable and committed to staying current on industry trends. In your resume, emphasize your technical skills, certifications, and experience working as a dental assistant. Also, highlight your ability to work well with patients of all ages and backgrounds, as well as your strong communication skills. Your resume should demonstrate your ability to effectively manage your time and multitask in a busy dental practice while maintaining a high standard of patient care.

Tips to help you write your Certified Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   showcase your certifications.

As a Certified Dental Assistant, your resume should highlight your relevant certifications, such as your Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, radiology certification, or any additional dental assisting licensures. Include these in a dedicated "Certifications" section to demonstrate your expertise and qualifications.

   Emphasize infection control skills

Dental practices prioritize maintaining a sterile environment, and employers value dental assistants who are diligent in infection control protocols. Include any OSHA or HIPAA training you've received, and mention your experience in maintaining a safe and clean workspace within the dental practice.

Skills you can include on your Certified Dental Assistant resume

Template 4 of 10: certified dental assistant resume example.

Certified dental assistants have less formal education than registered dental assistants, but will generally be handling the same role at both the front and back of the dentist office. Their duties include entering medical records and scheduling appointments as well as reviewing dental procedures with patients. You can emphasize your experience in the role by listing your skills in a skill bank, along with a list of your certifications nearby. The body of your resume should support the certifications with practical experience.

   Includes skill bank to emphasize dental breadth and expertise

Hiring managers are typically pressed for time, and so a skill bank is a great way to highlight the technical tools and techniques you are familiar with. You should include the relevant software you’ve used (especially if it is field specific) and the full list of certifications you’ve attained.

   Emphasizes breadth of relevant accomplishments in the dental industry

Along with a skill bank, you should be sure that your bullet pointed accomplishments reflect the skills you’ve mastered by including a variety of dental assistant tasks for your past employers. Don’t just include the number of patients you worked with at past employers, but aim to reference your work compiling guides, performing chairside assistance, and ability to sterilize, for instance.

Template 5 of 10: Registered Dental Assistant Resume Example

As a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), your resume should showcase your specialized skills and knowledge in dental assisting. Stay updated on industry trends to demonstrate your commitment to providing top-notch patient care. For example, highlight your knowledge of new dental technologies and how they benefit patients and dental practices. In recent years, digital dentistry has taken off, so showcasing your proficiency in using digital equipment and software can help set you apart from other applicants. It's also important to emphasize your ability to work well with others, as RDAs are essential members of the dental team. Highlight your interpersonal skills, such as empathy and active listening, which contribute to a positive patient experience and seamless communication among team members.

Tips to help you write your Registered Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   emphasize specialized skills and certifications.

As an RDA, you should list any specialized skills, certifications, and training courses you've completed that relate to dental assisting. For instance, if you've earned certifications in radiology, CPR, or infection control, make sure to include them on your resume to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to patient care.

   Showcase experience with digital dentistry tools

Highlight your experience using digital dentistry tools and equipment, such as digital X-ray machines, intraoral scanners, and dental practice management software. This shows employers that you're keeping up with technology trends and can easily adapt to a modern dental practice.

Skills you can include on your Registered Dental Assistant resume

Template 6 of 10: registered dental assistant resume example.

Registered dental assistants (RDAs) have the highest educational requirements and will handle virtually everything in a dental office except the duties of the dentist. RDAs conduct administrative and clerical duties (such as scheduling and preparing clinical spaces for patients) and clinical duties such as taking x-rays and administering topical anesthesia. Hiring managers will be looking for advanced responsibilities that have grown over time, which can be augmented through the use of strong action verbs.

   Shows progressive growth in responsibilities and positions across dental professions

As a registered dental assistant, you should be able to indicate that you have been growing in the degree of responsibility in your position over time. You can illustrate that in your resume by ensuring that your most recent position involves your most impressive accomplishments (such as performing procedures or attending professional development workshops).

   Effective use of strong action verbs relevant to the medical field

To emphasize that you are familiar with the role of dental assistant, each one of your accomplishments should begin with an appropriate action verb. You should aim to include verbs like “assisted”, “prepared”, “provided”, or “fabricated” (with others listed below) to hammer in your understanding of the position.

Template 7 of 10: Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume Example

A dental assistant facilitates many tasks within a dentist’s office. These individuals have specialized knowledge in dental health and safety. They may be responsible for administrative tasks, teeth cleanings, taking X-rays, and patient education. They may also assist the dentist in more advanced procedures such as root canals. To become a dental assistant, most hiring managers will require you to have completed a dental assisting program, which is typically 1-2 years. At the end of this course, you’ll need to get certified as a dental assistant. A bachelor’s degree is not required, though if taken in a related field, might give you a leg up. Previous experience in a dental setting, like working as a receptionist in a dentist’s office, will be attractive to hiring managers.

Tips to help you write your Entry Level Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   complete an externship to stand out as an entry level dental assistant.

An externship can be a great way to get hands-on dental assisting experience before entering the field. Your educational institution may have many externship opportunities available. Often, externships are counted toward the completion of the course as voluntary credits. Externships give you exposure and real-world training in a dental setting, which look great on an entry level resume.

   Differentiate your resume with speciality certifications or licenses

Almost all dental assistants have to pass the CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) exam. However, you can obtain speciality certifications and set yourself apart. For example, you can get a certification in orthodontic dental assisting or restorative dentistry. This diversifies your resume and can help you land jobs in more specialized sectors like orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry.

Skills you can include on your Entry Level Dental Assistant resume

Template 8 of 10: experienced dental assistant resume example.

A dental assistant facilitates several procedures within a dentist’s office. They have specialized knowledge in dental health and safety. An experienced dental assistant will be tasked with core elements of the dental assistant role, including teeth cleanings, performing X-rays, and more. An experienced dental assistant may also have other duties, like training new hygienists, assisting with more complicated procedures like oral surgery, or managing patient data. To become an experienced dental assistant, hiring managers will require that you have an educational background in dental assisting, and are a certified dental assistant. To land a role as an experienced dental assistant, you’ll need prior experience as a dental assistant with a track record of competency and excellence.

Tips to help you write your Experienced Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   highlight your successes in previous dental assistant roles.

To land a role as an experienced dental assistant, you’ll need to show hiring managers that you have valuable experience in the field. It’s important to highlight what you have excelled at in previous roles. For example, you can highlight how many patients you successfully committed to a needed course of treatment, or how you successfully secured and organized patient data.

   Get certified in dental office software like Dentrix

When recruiting for an experienced dental assistant, hiring managers will often be looking for someone who has the ability to streamline administrative operations. You can obtain certifications, such as the Dentrix certification, that provide the skills needed to proficiently use the program and how to train others on it. These certifications will make your resume stand out as they show administrative competency and the ability to teach colleagues about office software.

Skills you can include on your Experienced Dental Assistant resume

Template 9 of 10: pediatric dental assistant resume example.

Pediatric dental assistants support pediatric dentists. Though you are not likely to perform procedures on patients, you may still perform clinical tasks like sterilizing equipment, preparing patients, and giving advice to patients on oral healthcare. A lot of your time will also be spent on administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining records. To qualify for this job, you will need a dental assistant certification at the very least. Some recruiters will also be looking for experience in dentistry as well. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Pediatric Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   clearly list your certifications and where they were obtained..

You must be certified to work in this position and so recruiters will need to easily find your certifications in your resume. It is also important to clearly list which board or organization you got your certification from because recruiters might have ATS filters that will filter out all resumes that do not list the board certifications that they recognize.

   Have a mixture of dental and administrative tools listed.

In this position, you will be assisting with dental procedures and also performing many administrative tasks. It is therefore important to list industry standard tools for both functions. This applicant does this successfully.

Skills you can include on your Pediatric Dental Assistant resume

Template 10 of 10: lead dental assistant resume example.

As a lead dental assistant, you will be a dentist's second in command. You will assist in many of the procedures and may even perform some procedures like teeth cleaning and taking X-rays. You will also perform administrative tasks like scheduling and record keeping. Your biggest function, however, is to manage and supervise the other dental assistants. You will create schedules, supervise them during procedures, train them, monitor their performance, etc. This position requires you to be at least certified by an accredited program, but recruiters would prefer to see a diploma or degree in dentistry. Additional qualifications like a degree will also increase your chances of getting higher pay. Recruiters will also want to see that you have had successful experience as a manager or leader. Take a look at this strong resume sample.

Tips to help you write your Lead Dental Assistant resume in 2024

   use action verbs to indicate experience in your three main functions..

A lead dental assistant has three main functions: assisting the dentist, administration, and management of other assistants. Action verbs are a great way to shape your experience section to make your experience in all three functions stand out. For your assistant function use action verbs like administered or assisted. For your administrative function use action verbs like scheduled. For your management function use action verbs like trained and managed.

   List industry-specific tools.

There are particular administrative and management tools used in dental practice. Show your knowledge and expertise in the field by listing these industry-specific tools. Some of these tools include Curve Hero and Weave.

Skills you can include on your Lead Dental Assistant resume

As a hiring manager who has recruited for top dental practices like Aspen Dental, Affordable Dentures & Implants, and Western Dental & Orthodontics, I've seen countless resumes for dental assistant positions. In this article, I'll share insider tips on how to make your dental assistant resume stand out and increase your chances of landing an interview.

   Highlight your dental-specific skills

Employers want to see that you have the specific skills required for the dental assistant role. Make sure to highlight your expertise in:

• Chairside assisting
• Dental instrument sterilization
• Taking and developing dental radiographs
• Preparing dental materials (e.g., cements, amalgams, composites)

Don't just list these skills; provide specific examples of how you've used them in your work experience section. For instance:

• Assisted dentists with procedures such as fillings, extractions, and crown placements
• Maintained strict infection control protocols, ensuring proper sterilization of instruments

   Showcase your patient care experience

Dental assistants play a crucial role in patient care and comfort. Highlight your experience in:

• Educating patients on oral hygiene practices
• Helping anxious patients feel at ease
• Taking and recording patient medical histories
• Providing post-operative care instructions

Use specific examples to illustrate your patient care skills:

• Developed rapport with patients, easing anxiety and ensuring comfort during procedures
• Provided clear and concise post-operative care instructions to patients and caregivers

   Include relevant certifications and training

Dental practices often prefer candidates with specific certifications or training. Be sure to include:

• Dental Assistant Certification (e.g., CDA, RDA, EFDA)
• CPR and First Aid certifications
• Continuing education courses related to dentistry

If you have multiple certifications, consider creating a separate 'Certifications' section to make them easy for employers to find. For example:

Certifications: - Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Dental Assisting National Board, 2019 - CPR and First Aid Certified, American Red Cross, 2020

   Tailor your resume to the specific job

One common mistake job seekers make is using the same generic resume for every application. Instead:

• Sending the same resume to every dental practice without customization
• Including irrelevant skills or experience not related to the dental assistant role

To make your resume stand out, tailor it to the specific job:

• Read the job description carefully and highlight key skills and requirements
• Emphasize the skills and experience that directly match what the employer is seeking
• Use similar language and terminology as the job posting

By customizing your resume for each application, you show the employer that you're a strong fit for their specific needs.

   Quantify your accomplishments

When possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments and make your resume more impactful. For example:

• Assisted with an average of 30 patient procedures per day
• Maintained a 95% patient satisfaction rating based on post-visit surveys
• Trained 5 new dental assistants on office procedures and protocols

Quantifying your achievements helps employers better understand the scope and impact of your work. It also helps your resume stand out from those that only include generic descriptions of responsibilities.

   Proofread and format for readability

Before submitting your resume, make sure to:

• Carefully proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
• Use a clear, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri
• Organize your resume with clear headings and bullet points
• Keep it concise, typically one to two pages

A well-formatted, error-free resume shows attention to detail and professionalism. Consider asking a friend or family member to review your resume for any mistakes or areas for improvement.

By following these tips and tailoring your resume to showcase your dental-specific skills and experience, you'll be well on your way to landing your next dental assistant role.

Writing Your Dental Assistant Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name on its own line.

Your name should be the most prominent part of your header. Put it on its own line at the top, in a font size that's larger than the rest of your resume (18-24pt is a good range).

Here's an example of what your name line might look like:

• John Smith, CDA

Avoid adding labels or extra details on the same line as your name:

• John Smith - Certified Dental Assistant, 123 Main St, New York, NY 10001

2. Include essential contact details

After your name, add your key contact information:

• Phone number
• Professional email address
• Location (City, State)
• LinkedIn URL (optional)

You can put these details on one line, separated by vertical lines or bullet points to keep your header compact:

[email protected] | 212-555-1234 | New York, NY | linkedin.com/in/john-smith

Avoid cluttering your header with personal details or a full mailing address, which hiring managers don't need at this stage:

• 123 Main St, Apt 2B, New York, NY 10001 | Birthday: Jan 1, 1985 | Marital Status: Single

3. Showcase your dental assistant job title

If you're an experienced dental assistant, consider adding your job title as the last line of your header. This quickly communicates your level and area of expertise. For example:

John Smith, CDA [email protected] | 212-555-1234 | New York, NY Senior Dental Assistant

However, avoid adding multiple job titles or stuffing your header with keywords, which can look cluttered and spammy:

• Dental Assistant | Dental Hygienist | Dental Receptionist | Billing Coordinator
• Dental Assistant with skills in patient care, X-rays, dental instruments, EagleSoft, Dentrix...

Keep your header clean and stick to one clear job title. You'll have space to elaborate on your skills and experience in other resume sections.

  Summary

A resume summary for a dental assistant position is optional, but can be a valuable addition if you have relevant experience or skills that set you apart from other candidates. While an objective statement is outdated and should be avoided, a well-crafted summary can provide context and highlight your most impressive qualifications. Keep your summary concise and tailored to the specific dental assistant role you're targeting.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Dental Assistant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Dental Assistant Resume Summary Examples , or Dental Assistant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Highlight your dental experience and skills

When crafting your dental assistant resume summary, focus on your most relevant experience and skills. Hiring managers want to see that you have the necessary qualifications to excel in the role.

Rather than using generic statements like this:

Experienced dental assistant looking for a new opportunity. Skilled in various dental procedures and patient care.

Quantify your experience and highlight specific skills:

Certified Dental Assistant with 5+ years of experience in fast-paced dental practices. Skilled in chair-side assisting, dental impressions, and patient education. Proficient in digital X-rays and dental charting software.

2. Showcase your achievements and impact

In addition to listing your skills and experience, use your summary to showcase your achievements and the impact you've made in previous roles. This helps you stand out from other candidates and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

• Assisted dentists with various procedures
• Provided excellent patient care

Instead, quantify your achievements and highlight specific results:

• Assisted in 20+ dental procedures daily, ensuring efficient and high-quality patient care
• Implemented a new patient education program, increasing patient satisfaction scores by 15%

3. Tailor your summary to the specific role

To make your resume summary more effective, tailor it to the specific dental assistant position you're applying for. Research the practice and the job description to identify the key skills and qualifications they're looking for.

For example, if the job description emphasizes pediatric dentistry experience, highlight your relevant skills:

Compassionate Dental Assistant with 3+ years of experience in pediatric dentistry. Skilled in creating a friendly and welcoming environment for young patients and their families. Proficient in behavior management techniques and patient education.

By tailoring your summary to the specific role, you demonstrate your fit for the position and increase your chances of catching the hiring manager's attention.

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show the impact you've made at your previous dental assistant jobs. Avoid simply listing your daily responsibilities. Instead, think about your proudest accomplishments and the key skills you leveraged to achieve them.

Here are some tips to make your work experience section stand out to hiring managers and paint a memorable picture of what you bring to the table:

1. Highlight your clinical skills and specialties

Dental assistants play a crucial role in supporting dentists with a variety of procedures. Highlight the specific clinical skills and specialties you've developed, such as:

• Assisted with dental implants, veneers, and teeth whitening procedures
• Specialized in pediatric dentistry, helping young patients feel at ease during cleanings and treatments
• Expertise in taking digital dental x-rays and impressions using iTero scanner

Mentioning the procedures and patient populations you have experience with helps employers quickly see if you're the right fit for their practice.

2. Showcase your impact with numbers

When possible, quantify your achievements to give a concrete sense of your impact. Compare this:

• Responsible for sterilizing dental instruments and managing inventory
• Implemented a new inventory management system, reducing supply costs by 15% and ensuring 100% adherence to sterilization protocols for 50+ instruments

The second example paints a much more vivid picture by including specific numbers. No need to quantify everything - focus on your most impressive data points.

3. Feature promotions and added responsibilities

Highlight any promotions, title changes, or times you took on additional responsibilities, as these indicate strong performance and trust from your employer. For example:

Dental Assistant II, 2019-2022 Dental Assistant, 2016-2019

This shows you advanced in your role over time. Even if your title didn't change, you can call out how you expanded your scope, like:

• Took on additional responsibility of training new dental assistants on clinical procedures, terminology, and patient care

4. Demonstrate your soft skills through examples

In addition to clinical abilities, dental assistants need strong communication, organization, and customer service skills. Weave these in naturally by showing how you applied them. For instance:

• Built rapport with patients, clearly explaining procedures to help them feel informed and at ease
• Reorganized supply closet and treatment rooms to maximize efficiency, reducing prep time by 5 minutes per patient

This is more effective than simply listing soft skills without context, like:

• Communication skills
• Organizational abilities

  Education

The education section of your dental assistant resume should be concise and highlight your relevant training and certifications. This section is especially important if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective education section:

1. List your highest level of education first

Start with your most recent or highest level of education, such as a dental assistant diploma or associate degree. Include the name of the institution, the degree or diploma earned, and the graduation date.

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting XYZ Community College, Anytown, USA Graduated: May 2023

2. Include relevant coursework and awards

If you are a recent graduate, you can include relevant coursework, clinical experience, or academic achievements to showcase your knowledge and skills. This can help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar educational backgrounds.

• Completed coursework in dental anatomy, radiology, and infection control
• Received Dean's List honors for three consecutive semesters

3. Highlight your dental assistant certification

If you have earned a dental assistant certification, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), make sure to include it in your education section. This certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can set you apart from other candidates.

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Earned: August 2022

4. Keep it brief for experienced professionals

If you are a seasoned dental assistant with several years of experience, your education section should be brief and focus on your highest level of education and most relevant certifications. Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant information that may distract from your professional experience.

Example of what not to include:

• Online course in basic Microsoft Office skills
• High school diploma, class of 1995

Instead, keep it concise:

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting XYZ Community College

Action Verbs For Dental Assistant Resumes

Dental assistants are expected to be versatile in their ability to assist both physicians and patients, so selecting a range of action verbs to utilize in your resume will help showcase your experience. Along with leading your bullet points with strong action verbs when appropriate, you should work them into the body of the accomplishment as added emphasis.

• Coordinated
• Administered

For more related action verbs, visit Medical Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Dental Assistant Resumes

Skills for dental assistant resumes.

The skill set for dental assistants will vary between individuals based on their experience, but hiring managers will generally be looking for key skills that will enable you to function effectively in the position. On the left, we’ve listed the most common skills that dental assistants are expected to have. As dental assistants rely on specific technical skills and software to conduct a portion of their duties, you should aim to include a skill bank on your resume to give hiring managers an easy way to determine your capability. Additionally, starting your resume with a summary that incorporates key skills will help you stand out to hiring managers and make it past automatic screening tools.

• Dental Assisting
• Dental Care
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Patient Education
• Restorative Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Infection Control
• Oral Surgery
• Sterilization
• Coronal Polishing
• Dental Software
• Dental Imaging
• Orthodontics
• Teeth Whitening
• Endodontics

Skills Word Cloud For Dental Assistant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Dental Assistant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

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• Dental Assistant Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Dental Assistant Resumes:

• Prepare treatment rooms for patient procedures, including sterilizing equipment and instruments
• Assist the dentist during procedures by passing instruments, suctioning, and providing other support as needed
• Take and develop dental x-rays as directed by the dentist
• Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide post-operative care instructions
• Schedule patient appointments and maintain accurate patient records
• Manage inventory of dental supplies and order new supplies as needed
• Perform basic laboratory procedures, such as pouring and trimming models and fabricating temporary crowns
• Clean and maintain dental equipment and instruments
• Assist with administrative tasks, such as answering phones and filing patient paperwork
• Provide support to other dental staff members as needed
• Ensure compliance with infection control protocols and OSHA regulations
• Assist with patient billing and insurance claims processing.

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Dental Assistant Resume Example:

• Implemented a patient education program that increased patient compliance with oral hygiene instructions by 25%.
• Streamlined the inventory management system, reducing supply waste by 15% and saving the practice $5,000 annually.
• Developed and implemented a patient recall system, resulting in a 20% increase in patient retention and revenue.
• Managed the implementation of a new electronic health record system, resulting in a 30% reduction in administrative tasks and a 20% increase in patient satisfaction.
• Collaborated with the dentist to develop and implement a treatment plan for a patient with severe dental anxiety, resulting in successful completion of treatment and a positive patient experience.
• Developed and led a training program for new dental assistants, resulting in a 50% reduction in onboarding time and improved team performance.
• Developed and implemented infection control protocols that exceeded OSHA standards, resulting in zero incidents of infection transmission in the practice.
• Managed the ordering and inventory of dental supplies, resulting in a 10% reduction in supply costs and improved supply availability for patient care.
• Collaborated with the dentist to develop and implement a treatment plan for a patient with complex dental needs, resulting in successful completion of treatment and improved patient oral health.
• Patient Education and Care
• Inventory Management
• Patient Retention Strategies
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management
• Dental Treatment Planning
• Staff Training and Development
• Infection Control Protocols
• Supply Chain Management
• Collaborative Patient Care
• Dental Anxiety Management
• Compliance with Regulatory Standards
• Dental Procedure Assistance
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Dental Equipment Maintenance
• Organizational Skills
• Problem-solving Skills
• Detail-oriented Approach
• Multitasking Skills
• Time Management
• Customer Service Skills

Top Skills & Keywords for Dental Assistant Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Patient Care and Comfort
• Dental Radiography
• Sterilization and Infection Control
• Dental Charting and Record Keeping
• Dental Materials Knowledge
• Dental Anatomy and Terminology
• Chairside Assisting
• Dental Impressions and Models
• Dental Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Dental Office Management Software
• Dental Billing and Insurance Processing
• Dental Laboratory Procedures

Soft Skills

• Attention to Detail
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Stress Management
• Professionalism

Resume Action Verbs for Dental Assistants:

• Communicated
• Administered
• Coordinated
• Facilitated

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Resume FAQs for Dental Assistants:

How long should i make my dental assistant resume, what is the best way to format a dental assistant resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a dental assistant resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a dental assistant, compare your dental assistant resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Dental Assistant job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Dental Assistants:

Beginner dental assistant, entry level dental assistant, lead dental assistant, orthodontic dental assistant, pediatric dental assistant, registered dental assistant, dental assistant, medical assistant.

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Surgical Dental Assistant Resume Example

Having a well-crafted dental assistant resume can be the difference between getting an interview or not. If you are looking for a job as a dental assistant, then there are some important steps to consider for writing an effective resume. This guide will provide helpful advice and examples for writing a top-notch dental assistant resume that will help you stand out from the competition. With the right knowledge and tools, you can create a standout resume that will make a great first impression.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of resume examples .

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Surgical Dental Assistant

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 99999 | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: [email protected]

Highly motivated and experienced Surgical Dental Assistant with 6+ years of experience in providing exceptional patient care. Expertise in chairside dental assistance, taking impressions, sterilizing instruments, and educating patients on preventative dental care. Skilled in minimizing patient discomfort during dental treatments and providing a positive experience while in the dentist’s chair. Committed to achieving the highest quality of care with each patient.

Core Skills :

• Chairside dental assistance
• Sterilizing instruments
• Taking impressions
• Patient education
• Management of patient records
• Knowledge of OSHA
• Radiography
• Treatment planning

Professional Experience : Surgical Dental Assistant – ABC Dental, 2016- Present

• Assist dentists in performing surgeries and other dental procedures
• Prepare patients for procedures, explain the treatments to be undertaken and ensure that the patient is comfortable
• Take radiographs, clean and polish teeth, and provide preventative oral care instruction
• Monitor patient vital signs, apply desensitizing agents, and provide fluoride treatments
• Maintain accurate patient records and update patient information as needed
• Sterilize instruments and equipment and maintain a sterile environment
• Educate patients about post- operative instructions and follow- up care

Education : Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene – XYZ University, 2016

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Surgical Dental Assistant Resume with No Experience

Dedicated and motivated recent high school graduate eager to secure a Surgical Dental Assistant position. Possesses no prior experience in the dental field but is eager to learn and develop skills necessary to assist dentists in a safe and efficient manner.

• Strong organizational and customer service skills
• Ability to multi- task
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Works well independently and in a team environment
• Eagerness to learn
• Proficient in computer and technology

Responsibilities

• Prepare treatment rooms by sterilizing instruments and setting up equipment
• Prepare dental materials and provide necessary instruments
• Assist in all dental procedures as requested by the dentist
• Maintain patient records and other administrative duties
• Keep an inventory of dental supplies
• Assist in taking X- rays and provide other laboratory procedures
• Provide patient care instructions and post- operative instructions
• Maintain a clean and sterile environment

Experience 0 Years

Level Junior

Education Bachelor’s

Surgical Dental Assistant Resume with 2 Years of Experience

Dedicated and detail- oriented Surgical Dental Assistant with two years of experience providing excellent care to patients in a wide range of dental practices. Proficient in X- ray and imaging technology, sterilization processes, surgical procedures, and administrative tasks. Skilled in establishing relationships with patients, Dentists, and staff members, as well as providing effective patient education and instruction. Highly organized, flexible, and eager to contribute to team success.

• Patient Care
• Digital X- Rays
• Sterilization Processes
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Impressions and Castings
• Team Collaboration
• Strong Communication
• Dental Software
• Record Keeping

Responsibilities :

• Assisted Dentists in providing quality patient care, including chairside assistance and white- glove chairside manners.
• Performed digital X- rays and other imaging services for patients.
• Ensured that all instruments and materials were properly sterilized and disinfected.
• Assisted with surgical procedures, including preparation and post- operative care.
• Monitored patient progress, patient records, and other administrative tasks.
• Prepared dental impressions and castings for patient treatments.
• Maintained collaborative relationships with teammates, Dentists, and patients.
• Provided patient education and instruction regarding dental health and safety.
• Utilized dental software programs to manage records, schedules, and appointments.

Experience 2+ Years

Surgical Dental Assistant Resume with 5 Years of Experience

A patient- oriented and detail- obsessed Surgical Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience in providing patient care, monitoring and chair- side support in a wide range of procedures. Skilled in performing complex tasks and providing chair- side assistance to the dentist during dental procedures, as well as providing patient- oriented services in a professional and caring manner. Possesses excellent multitasking and organizational skills, with a focus on ensuring excellent patient outcomes, as well as providing a safe, clean and inviting environment for each patient.

• Assist in oral surgery procedures
• Patient care and comfort
• Perform dental radiographs
• Instrument and tray set- up
• Sterilization techniques
• Provide chair- side assistance
• Record keeping
• Inventory and ordering
• Patient scheduling
• Conflict resolution
• Assisted the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures including oral surgery
• Performed radiographic procedures, as well as dental charting and patient records
• Maintained strict sterilization and infection control protocols
• Provided chair- side assistance to the dentist during treatment, including passing instruments, suctioning, and other patient care activities
• Assisted the dentist in educating patients regarding treatment plans and preventative procedures
• Provided support to the team by setting up trays with instruments and materials, stocking treatment rooms, prepping and disinfecting instruments, maintaining records, and ordering supplies
• Managed patient schedules, appointment confirmations and dental records
• Resolved conflicts and provided conflict resolution strategies between patients, staff, and dentist

Experience 5+ Years

Level Senior

Surgical Dental Assistant Resume with 7 Years of Experience

Dedicated and experienced Surgical Dental Assistant with 7 years of experience. Proven track record of providing excellent patient care, developing positive customer relations and administrative support. Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and ensure that all dental instruments are properly sterilized and sanitized. Possessing strong customer service skills and ability to multi- task in a fast- paced environment.

• Dental Instruments Sterilization
• Patient Records Management
• Patient Insurance Verification
• Dental Charting
• Dental Imaging
• Oral Surgery
• Oral Hygiene
• Laboratory Procedures
• Assist dentist in oral surgery, periodontal procedures, endodontic and restorative treatment.
• Prepare patients for dental procedures and take medical histories.
• Operate and maintain dental equipment, sterilize dental instruments and maintain dental supplies.
• Prepare and set up tray setups for various dental procedures.
• Take x- rays as directed and ensure appropriate film processing.
• Provide chairside assistance in all dental procedures.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, plaque control, nutrition and postoperative instructions.
• Maintain patient records and update patient charts.
• Verify and enter patient data and insurance information into computer.
• Maintain cleanliness of the dental office, equipment and instruments.

Experience 7+ Years

Surgical Dental Assistant Resume with 10 Years of Experience

Highly motivated and experienced Surgical Dental Assistant with 10 years of experience in providing patient care, clinical treatment and surgical assistance. Possess strong knowledge of dental terminology and procedures, as well as excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Understanding and professional demeanor, with the capability to provide superior patient care.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively
• Computer proficient
• Ability to use dental instruments and equipment
• Assisted in oral surgery, periodontal and endodontic treatments
• Performed day- to- day operations of a dental office such as scheduling and confirming appointments, managing patient records and updating patient information
• Prepared and maintained dental instruments and treatment rooms
• Provided patient care, clinical treatment and surgical assistance in a professional manner
• Instructed patients on oral hygiene techniques
• Provided assistance to dentists during procedures
• Handled sterilization and disinfection of dental equipment and treatment rooms
• Answered patient inquiries and managed patient accounts

Experience 10+ Years

Level Senior Manager

Education Master’s

Surgical Dental Assistant Resume with 15 Years of Experience

Surgical Dental Assistant with 15+ years of experience in providing comprehensive dental assistance to surgeons in a busy dental practice. Supervised by a team of dentists and surgeons, provided vital support to ensure that patient treatment was performed safely, effectively, and efficiently. Possesses a passion for patient care, attention to detail, and a strong command of the dental and medical terminology.

• Proficient in dental sterilization techniques and instrumentation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledgeable in dental insurance and coding
• Proficient in patient documentation and record keeping
• Strong ability to multitask and prioritize duties
• Knowledgeable of dental instruments and equipment
• Set up and prepare dental instruments and equipment in the treatment room
• Assist the dentist with patient care, treatment, and post- operative care
• Assist with the preparation and sterilization of instruments
• Ensure patient safety and comfort at all times
• Perform patient charting and take diagnostic radiographs
• Maintain a clean and organized dental environment
• Provide patient education and instructions as needed

Experience 15+ Years

Level Director

In addition to this, be sure to check out our resume templates , resume formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

What should be included in a Surgical Dental Assistant resume?

Writing a resume for a surgical dental assistant position can be difficult, but with the right approach, you can easily make a resume that stands out from the crowd. When drafting your resume, it’s important to highlight the important qualifications and experience that make you an ideal candidate for the job. Here are some of the key points to include in your surgical dental assistant resume:

• Education: Include any college degrees, certifications, or other qualifications that you have obtained in the field of dental assisting. Be sure to include the name of any accredited universities or colleges that you attended, as well as any relevant coursework you completed.
• Clinical Experience: List any clinical experience gained while working as a dental assistant, such as chair-side assisting, sterilization, taking X-rays, and helping dentists prepare for surgeries.
• Computer Skills: Many dental assistants are responsible for the maintenance of digital patient records and the use of computer software for dental imaging and charting. If you have any experience or knowledge of computer software, be sure to include this on your resume.
• Soft Skills: Emphasize any soft skills that you have that would be beneficial to a surgical dental assistant role. These include strong communication skills, organization, and the ability to stay composed in stressful situations.
• Other Dental Experience: If you have worked as a dental assistant in any other setting, such as a general practice or orthodontic office, be sure to list this experience as well.

By ensuring that you include all the necessary information in your surgical dental assistant resume, you can make yourself a more attractive candidate for the job. Your resume should be tailored to the position you are applying for, with the skills and experience that you possess being clearly highlighted.

What is a good summary for a Surgical Dental Assistant resume?

A strong summary for a Surgical Dental Assistant resume should highlight the applicant’s dental experience and skillset, such as chairside assisting, patient care and recordkeeping. Mention any specialized surgical dental assistant training and certifications. Showcase a positive attitude and an ability to work as part of a team, as well as a commitment to providing excellent patient care. Also, mention any additional skills such as scheduling appointments, billing, and patient education. Lastly, emphasize any awards or recognition received. By doing this, the summary can provide an effective overview of a potential candidate’s qualifications and professional experience in the field of surgical dental assisting.

What is a good objective for a Surgical Dental Assistant resume?

When writing the resume of a Surgical Dental Assistant, it is important to include a clear objective statement that outlines your qualifications and experience. An effective objective should be concise, yet provide a comprehensive picture of what you can bring to the job. Here are some tips for crafting an impactful objective for your Surgical Dental Assistant resume:

• Highlight any education or credentials you possess. This could include a degree in dental assisting or a certification in the field. Show that you have the required knowledge and experience to excel at the role.
• Mention relevant skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and patient care. Demonstrate that you understand what it takes to be a successful Surgical Dental Assistant.
• Describe any past experience in the field. Show that you have a history of success in a similar role.
• Express your enthusiasm for the job. Make it clear that you are eager to take on this new challenge and make a positive contribution to the team.

By following these tips, you can create an effective objective statement that will give employers a clear picture of your qualifications and experience as a Surgical Dental Assistant.

How do you list Surgical Dental Assistant skills on a resume?

When it comes to listing your skills as a Surgical Dental Assistant on a resume, it’s important to not only list the skills you possess, but to also emphasize how you’ve used those skills in past positions. Here are a few skills to consider including in your resume:

• Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Assisting the dentist or oral surgeon in dental procedures
• Taking and recording patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure or pulse
• Assisting with post-operative care, such as dressing changes
• Charting procedures and patient records
• Maintaining inventory of dental supplies
• Performing routine laboratory tasks, such as taking x-rays
• Providing patient education on dental care
• Supervising dental office staff

In order to effectively demonstrate your value as a Surgical Dental Assistant, make sure to include specific examples of how you’ve used your skills in past positions. For example, you may have taken x-rays for an oral surgeon and managed their inventory of dental supplies. By emphasizing your past successes and experiences, you can show employers that you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

What skills should I put on my resume for Surgical Dental Assistant?

When applying for a position as a Surgical Dental Assistant, it is important to highlight the skills that will make you an asset to any dental practice. Including the following skills in your resume will demonstrate your qualifications for the role.

• Knowledge of Oral Surgery Techniques: Being knowledgeable of the various oral surgery techniques is essential for this job. Include any relevant training in your resume such as certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
• Familiarity with Sterilization Procedures: As a Surgical Dental Assistant, you must have a good understanding of infection control and sterilization procedures. Showcase your skills in cleaning and sterilizing the instruments used for oral surgery and other procedures.
• Ability to Prepare Patient for Surgery: Showing your ability to prepare patients for surgery is a must. Explain how you are able to provide preoperative instructions to patients as well as prepare them physically and emotionally for their surgical procedure.
• Excellent Interpersonal Skills: As a Surgical Dental Assistant, you must be able to interact with patients in a caring and compassionate manner. Demonstrate your ability to build relationships with patients and co-workers alike.
• Detail Oriented: Include in your resume your ability to pay close attention to detail when preparing and administering medications, verifying patient information and charting patient progress.

By emphasizing your skills in your resume and during your interviews, you can show that you are the ideal candidate for the Surgical Dental Assistant position.

Key takeaways for an Surgical Dental Assistant resume

When it comes to creating a great resume for a surgical dental assistant position, there are some key takeaways you should keep in mind. Below are some of the most important aspects of creating a successful resume for this position:

• Highlight Your Knowledge of Surgical Dental Procedures: Make sure to include any experience you have in performing surgical dental procedures, as well as any additional qualifications such as a certification or specialized training. This is one of the most important aspects of a successful resume for a surgical dental assistant position.
• Showcase Your Communication Skills: Communication is an essential skill for this position, so make sure to highlight any experience you have in communicating with patients and other medical professionals.
• Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Medical Terminology: It is important to demonstrate your knowledge of medical terminology and jargon, as this will help you stand out from the competition.
• List Your Ability to Work Well in a Team: This position requires the ability to work effectively in a team environment, so make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in this area.
• Showcase Your Organization Skills: As a surgical dental assistant, organizational skills are essential. Make sure to include any experience you have with filing, organizing records, and other similar tasks.

Follow these key takeaways when creating your resume for a surgical dental assistant position, and you should have no problem standing out from the competition!

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Professional Front Office Assistant Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your front office assistant cover letter must spotlight your exceptional organizational skills. Demonstrate how these skills have contributed to past workplaces and will benefit the potential employer. Showcase your communication expertise in your letter. Articulate and emphasize how your interpersonal abilities have positively impacted team dynamics and customer satisfaction.

Cover Letter Guide

Front Office Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Front Office Assistant Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your job search, you've diligently submitted resumes but now realize a polished front office assistant cover letter is a missing key. Crafting this document can be daunting: it's not a resume repeat but a narrative of your pinnacle professional moment. You must strike a balance—formal without falling into clichés, concise yet compelling within a one-page limit. Prepare to transform your cover letter hurdles into a launchpad for success as we guide you through each step.

• Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
• Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
• Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
• Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your front office assistant resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

If the front office assistant isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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Front Office Assistant cover letter example

Carter Andrade

New York, New York

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Highlighting relevant experience to the role - For instance, mentioning a specific project that transformed a patient intake system showcases direct experience with clinic operations, a key aspect for an administrative role in a healthcare setting.
• Demonstrating measurable achievements - Citing a "70% reduction in administrative time" gives a quantifiable measure of success that is likely to catch a hiring manager's attention and prove the candidate's capability to create operational improvements.
• Expressing knowledge about the potential employer - Showing that you have researched and are genuinely interested in the clinic's community initiatives suggests a compatibility with the clinic's culture and values, making the candidate seem like a good fit beyond just skills and experience.

Standard formatting for your front office assistant cover letter

Structure your front office assistant cover letter, following industry-leading advice, to include:

• Header - with your name, the role you're applying for, the date, and contact details;
• Greeting - make sure it's personalized to the organization;
• Introduction paragraph - no more than two sentences;
• Body paragraph - answering why you're the best candidate for the role;
• Closing paragraph - ending with a promise or a call to action;
• Signature - now that's optional.

Set up your front office assistant cover letter for success with our templates that are all single-spaced and have a one-inch margin all around.

Use the same font for your front office assistant cover as the one in your resume (remember to select a modern, Applicant Tracker System or ATS favorites, like Raleway, Volkhov, or Chivo instead of the worn-out Times New Roman).

Speaking of the ATS, did you know that it doesn't scan or assess your cover letter? This document is solely for the recruiters.

Our builder allows you to export your front office assistant cover letter in the best format out there: that is, PDF (this format keeps your information intact).

The top sections on a front office assistant cover letter

• Header with Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address so the recruiter can easily contact you; this section establishes a professional tone and provides necessary details.
• Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible, which shows you've done your homework and are addressing your cover letter personally rather than using a generic salutation.
• Introduction: Briefly mention how you learned about the job and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work as a front office assistant, sparking the recruiter's interest in reading further.
• Body with Relevant Experience and Skills: Highlight your customer service skills, organizational abilities, and experience with front office operations, demonstrating that you have the specific competencies required for the role.
• Closing and Call to Action: Politely request an interview and convey your eagerness to further discuss how you can contribute to their office team, while thanking the reader for considering your application, ending the letter on a courteous and proactive note.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Strong communication skills: Essential for handling customer inquiries, articulating information clearly, and liaising effectively with other staff.
• Attention to detail: Important for managing accurate records, scheduling, and ensuring that the right information is passed to the right person.
• Customer service experience: Demonstrates the ability to maintain professionalism, patience, and a friendly demeanor under pressure when dealing with clients.
• Proficiency in office software: Necessary for tasks such as data entry, appointment scheduling, and document preparation.
• Multitasking capability: Shows the capacity to handle various tasks simultaneously without compromising the quality of work.
• Discretion and confidentiality: Critical for dealing with sensitive information and maintaining the trust of both the clients and the organization.

Greeting recruiters with your front office assistant cover letter salutation

What better way to start your conversation with the hiring manager, than by greeting them?

Take the time to find out who the professional, recruiting for the role, is.

Search on LinkedIn, the company website. And for those still keen on making a fantastic first impression, you could even contact the organization, asking for the recruiter's name and more details about the job.

Address recruiters in the front office assistant greeting by either their first name or last name. (e.g. "Dear Anthony" or "Dear Ms. Smarts").

If you're unable to discover the recruiter's name - don't go for the impersonal "To whom it may concern", but instead use "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,
• Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team,
• Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
• Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
• Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,

First introductions in your front office assistant cover letter

Within your front office assistant cover letter introduction , genuinely state what you like about the organization.

Research the latest company projects, honorary awards, company updates, etc.

Write up to two sentences to let recruiters know what impresses you about the company,

This would help you to set a good tone for the rest of the communication.

How to write an achievement-focused front office assistant cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your front office assistant cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action

You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your front office assistant cover letter .

But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?

Most front office assistant professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.

Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).

Choose to close your front office assistant cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.

No experience front office assistant cover letter: making the most out of your profile

Candidates who happen to have no professional experience use their front office assistant cover letter to stand out.

Instead of focusing on a professional achievement, aim to quantify all the relevant, transferrable skills from your life experience.

Once again, the best practice to do so would be to select an accomplishment - from your whole career history.

Another option would be to plan out your career goals and objectives: how do you see yourself growing, as a professional, in the next five years, thanks to this opportunity?

Be precise and concise about your dreams, and align them with the company vision.

Key takeaways

Summarizing the most important aspects in writing your front office assistant cover letter, remember to:

• Create a personalized front office assistant cover letter for each role you apply for, that includes the recruiter's name in the salutation;
• Format your front office assistant cover letter with single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a modern, yet ATS-friendly font;
• Always start off your front office assistant cover letter with two sentences that reflect what is most important about your application;
• Your front office assistant cover letter body should feature your biggest accomplishments and the job-relevant skills it has taught you;
• Instead of opting for the "Sincerely yours" ending, close your front office assistant cover letter with a nod to the future with what you aim to achieve in this potential role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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