Your resume is one of the first things potential employers see, and as a dental assistant, it鈥檚 your chance to showcase the skills and training that make you stand out.聽
Whether you鈥檙e just graduating from a program or already have experience in the field, knowing what to put on your resume can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.
What Is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a key member of a dental team. They support dentists, care for patients, and keep the office running smoothly. While duties vary by practice, dental assistants often:
- Collect patient medical and insurance information
- Take dental impressions and X-rays
- Prepare exam rooms and sterilize instruments
- Assist during procedures and explain treatment options
- Provide patient education on oral hygiene
- Handle administrative tasks such as scheduling and insurance forms
What to Include on Your Dental Assistant Resume
When writing your resume, focus on highlighting the training, skills, and experience that demonstrate your readiness to support both patients and dental professionals.
1. Contact Information
Start with your name, phone number, email, and city/state. Make sure your email address looks professional.
2. Professional Summary or Objective
Write 2鈥�3 sentences that summarize your career goals and highlight your most relevant skills. Example:
鈥淐ompassionate and detail-oriented dental assistant with hands-on training in patient care, chairside support, and office management. Seeking to bring strong clinical and communication skills to a patient-centered dental practice.鈥�
3. Education
Include your Dental Assistant Certification and any other relevant degrees. If you are a recent graduate, put this section near the top of your resume.
4. Skills Section
List both technical and soft skills, such as:
- Patient care and communication
- Chairside assisting
- Instrument sterilization and preparation
- Dental impressions and X-rays
- Infection control and OSHA compliance
- Administrative tasks (scheduling, insurance forms)
- Teamwork and customer service
5. Experience (If Applicable)
Include internships, externships, or prior work experience. Even part-time jobs in customer service or healthcare can show transferable skills like organization, communication, and attention to detail.
6. Certifications (Optional but Valuable)
Highlight certifications such as:
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- CPR and First Aid
- Radiology certification (if applicable in your state)
What If I Have No Experience?
If you鈥檙e applying for your first job, don鈥檛 worry. Employers know that entry-level dental assistants may not have years of experience. Instead, focus on:
- Skills learned in your dental assistant program at FNU
- Hands-on training from labs and clinical practice
- Transferable skills such as communication, organization, or customer service
- Externships or volunteer work in healthcare or service roles
Framing your education and training as professional preparation shows employers you鈥檙e ready to contribute on day one.
Dental Assistant Duties
Dental assistants are the backbone of a dental practice. They help keep things running smoothly and make sure that patients are comfortable, relaxed, and informed during their appointments.
Some of the duties that dental assistants are responsible for include:
- Collecting patient information, such as medical history and insurance information
- Taking dental impressions
- Explaining procedures to patients
- Administering local anesthetic or nitrous oxide gas to patients
- Performing dental hygiene treatments, including oral hygiene instruction and teeth cleaning
- Filling out insurance forms
- Explaining treatment options to patients
Want to know more about becoming a dental assistant? Check out our website today!
Where Great Careers Begin
妻友直播 wants to help you become a dental assistant.
We take pride in offering an accredited dental assistant program that will prepare you for your future career in the dental field. Once you graduate with your dental assistant certification, you鈥檒l be ready to enter the job market with confidence.
Our campus is located in Florida, where we鈥檝e been providing quality education for over 40 years. Our faculty has extensive experience in teaching and mentoring students, so you鈥檒l have access to the best resources available when it comes to learning about your chosen field of study.
We strive to make sure every student completes our program with the skills necessary for success鈥攁nd that鈥檚 why so many of our alumni remain with us throughout their careers!
If you鈥檙e ready to get started on your career as a dental assistant, we invite you to visit our website today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Assistant Resumes
What skills look best on a dental assistant resume?
Skills like chairside assisting, sterilization, patient education, and office administration are valuable. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are also important.
Do I need experience to get hired as a dental assistant?
Not always. Many employers hire graduates directly from accredited programs. Hands-on training and externships can count as relevant experience.
What should I put if I just graduated?
Highlight your education, certifications, and the practical skills gained during training. Focus on your readiness to learn and contribute to a dental practice.
Do dental assistants need a certification on their resume?
While requirements vary by state, certification can make your resume stand out and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
