Dental Assistant Resume Example & Writing Guide

Dental assistants are the unsung heroes of the dental world. They help dentists and hygienists provide quality care to patients by performing routine tasks like preparing treatment rooms and instruments, taking X-rays, and assisting with procedures.

Because the role of dental assistant is so varied, there’s no one-size-fits-all resume template that will work for every applicant. But if you want to write a compelling dental assistant resume that will land you interviews with top employers, follow these tips and example below to guide your efforts.

How to Write a Dental Assistant Resume

Here’s how to write a dental assistant resume of your own.

Write Compelling Bullet Points

Bullet points are the most important part of your resume because they’re the first thing recruiters will read. And since they’re so important, it’s crucial that you use them to your advantage by crafting compelling bullet points that highlight your experience and skills.

The best way to do this is to focus on the results of your work. So rather than saying you “provided patient care,” you could say you “provided patient care for 15 patients per day, ensuring all patients received proper care according to clinic protocols.”

The second bullet point is more specific and provides more detail about the nature of the work. It also provides a quantifiable measure of the work being done—which is always a good thing.

Related: What Is a Dental Assistant? How to Become One

Identify and Include Relevant Keywords

When you apply for a job as a dental assistant, your resume is likely to be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. This program will look for certain terms related to the job, like “oral surgery” or “endodontics” to determine whether your skills are a match for the position. If you don’t have enough relevant keywords on your resume, the ATS might discard your application.

To increase your chances of getting an interview, use this list of common dental assistant keywords to help you optimize your resume:

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Dental assistants use a variety of technology in their work, from computers to x-ray machines. That’s why it’s important to list your technical skills prominently on your resume. By doing so, you’ll show that you’re a valuable candidate who is familiar with the essential tools and systems used in your field.

Recruiters are looking for dental assistants who are proficient in specific programs, such as DENTrix and Dexis. They also want to see that you have experience with specific systems and methodologies, such as digital radiography and CBCT. So be sure to list all of your relevant technical skills prominently on your resume.

Related: How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make?

Remember The Basics

As you’re writing your resume, you’ll want to keep a few basic guidelines in mind.

Create Easy-to Scan Sections

There are a few things you can do to your resume to make it easier to read and understand. First, left-align your text and keep the font size consistent. You should also try to keep your bullets under 2 lines each and use digits for numbers. Finally, leave some white space on the page to break up the text and make it easier to scan.

Be Concise

There is no set length for a resume, but a one-page resume is generally preferred. Try to focus on the most relevant and recent experience and be succinct in your descriptions. If you have a lot of experience to include, consider making a two-page resume. However, be selective about the information you include.

Proofread

Proofreading your resume is important in order to make sure it looks professional and error-free. Spell checking is a must, as are punctuation and grammar checks. It is also helpful to have someone else proofread your resume for you, as they may catch mistakes that you have missed. Beware of easily confused words, and make sure that your tense is consistent throughout the resume.

Use a Summary

If you’re looking for a new job, you should use a resume summary statement. This is a great way to introduce yourself and explain how your skills and experience can be put to use in a new role. A good summary statement can help recruiters understand how your skills might fit in with the position you’re applying for. It’s also a great way to show off your best traits and skills. When writing your summary statement, be sure to keep it short and simple, and focus on your most relevant experiences and skills.

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