How to Write a Standout Resume for a Dental Assistant Position?

We all know the excitement and fear of applying for a new job, especially if you are pursuing your first job in a new career path. Joining the dental industry as a dental assistant requires a resume showing your experience, expertise, and qualifications. A great resume will get you noticed by a massive crowd of applicants. Here is how to develop your Dental Assistant resume.

Understanding the Role

Dental assistants are an indispensable part of a dental office team. They work hand in hand with dentists to ensure patients receive top-notch care. From assisting during procedures to managing basic administrative tasks, dental assistants play a significant role in creating a smooth and comfortable patient experience during clinic visits. In the following section, we will provide simple tips on how you can prepare your resume.

Making Your Resume Readable and Clear

A clear and readable resume helps employers easily and quickly identify the necessary information. Here’s what is proposed:

Contact Information

Start with your full name, telephone number, email account, and location. Ensure the email is formal. Here’s a guide to ensure your email is formal and effective:

• Full Name:
  • Use your full legal name as it appears on official documents. This adds a level of professionalism and avoids any confusion.
• Telephone Number:
  • Include your phone number with the appropriate country and area codes. This ensures that the recipient can contact you without any issues.
• Email Address:
  • Use a professional email address, preferably one that includes your name. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional email providers.
• Location:
  • Mention your city, state, and country. This is especially important if you are contacting someone in a different location, as it provides context and helps plan any potential meetings or calls.

Professional Summary

A statement is a short declaration of experience, ability, and professional goals. One example would be: 

“Certified Dental Assistant with over five years of experience in providing exceptional patient care by supporting procedures and dentists with various functions: radiography, patient management, and administrative tasks. Seeking an opportunity to leverage my expert knowledge and dedication, I can bring in supporting the team.”

Skills

Some skills that would be appropriate to mention when describing the dental assistant position can be briefly categorized into technical skills and soft skills:

1. Technical Competencies:

• Reviewing dental radiographs
• Sterilization techniques
• Mastery of dental software like Dentrix and Eaglesoft
• Assisting the doctor
• Case Management

2. Human Skills:

• High-level communication
• Attention to detail
• Human relatability
• Collaboration
• Caring and sensitivity

Work Experience

Employment History:

1. Start with the most recent and work backward.
2. For each position, state the title, employer’s name, location, and the dates you held it.
3. Use a bulleted list of your duties and achievements.

Smile Dental Clinic, New York, NY, Dental Assistant (June 2019 – Present)

• Assisted in all procedures, e.g., fillings, extractions, and root canal treatment.
• Prepared examination rooms and the operating room by serving as the scrub assistant.
• Worked with the Dentrix system, managing patient records and the schedule of their appointments.
• Provided education to patients regarding post-operative care and oral hygiene.
• Maintaining high empathy and communication skills achieved a 95% satisfactory patient rate.
  

Education

Include your education, beginning with the most recent degree or certification. Ensure to include information like the institution’s name, location, the degree or certification you obtained, and the dates of attendance. If you graduated recently, list some academic honors or coursework that are particularly relevant.

Certifications

Certifications are essential for the Dental Assistant post. Include relevant certifications, such as:

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
• Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
• Essential Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification

Other Information

• Languages: The ability to speak multiple languages can serve you well in a diverse environment.
• Professional Memberships: Membership in a professional body, such as the American Dental Assistants Association, can represent drive and interest within one’s field.
• Volunteer Work: Relevant volunteer experience should be included, e.g., in the healthcare/dental sector.

Conclusion

An attractive resume to land a dental assistant job compiles your skills, experiences, and qualifications in an easy-to-understand format. Structuring the format and tailoring the resume towards particular positions gives a powerful impression to the potential employer.