Dental assistant resume
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Key skills for a dental assistant resume
Terms that job ads ask for and ATS filters look for. Only include the ones you master.
- Chairside assisting
- Instrument sterilization
- Dental X-rays
- Infection control
- Patient preparation
- Impressions
- Dental charting
- Dental software
- Scheduling
- Patient education
Tips for your dental assistant resume
- Put any state registration, license or certification near the top.
- Say what kind of practice you work in: general, pediatric, orthodontic or oral surgery.
- List chairside and clinical tasks such as X-rays, impressions and sterilization.
- Add expanded duties you are allowed to perform in your state.
- Name the dental software you use, such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft.
- Include CPR certification and radiography training.
Dental assistant resume summary examples
Adapt these examples with your real details: years of experience, industry, tools and certifications.
Dental assistant with 5 years of experience in a general practice with four operatories. I assist chairside, take X-rays, make impressions, sterilize instruments and update charts in Dentrix. State registered with radiography and coronal polishing certifications.
Dental assistant who completed an accredited one-year program with an externship in a family dental office, where I assisted chairside and sterilized instruments. CPR certified and trained in dental radiography. Looking for my first dental assistant role.
Other job titles
Search for them too and use the one in the job ad on your resume.
- Registered dental assistant (RDA)
- Certified dental assistant
- Orthodontic assistant
- Dental nurse (UK)
- Chairside assistant
- Expanded function dental assistant
How to write a dental assistant resume step by step
Write a short summary
Three or four lines with your experience, type of practice and main duties.
Detail your experience
In “Experience”, add the practice, specialty and your clinical and office tasks.
Add education and certifications
In “Education”, your program. In “Certificates”, state credentials, radiography and CPR.
Highlight your skills
In “Skills”, include clinical duties, dental software and patient care.
Tailor your resume to the job ad and download it
Paste the job ad into Beatjob: the AI improves the wording with the keywords your experience backs up. Then download the PDF.
More resume examples
Frequently asked questions about a dental assistant resume
Do dental assistants need a license?
States typically do not require a license for entry-level dental assistants, but some require licensure, registration or certification, especially for expanded duties. Check your state's dental board.
What education do dental assistants need?
Some states require an accredited program and an exam, while others have no formal education requirements. Many accredited programs take about a year.
What should an entry-level dental assistant resume include?
Your program, externship, CPR card, radiography training and any customer service or office experience.
Sources
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