Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By detailing accomplishments using metrics, such as achieving a 20% increase in patient record management speed and reducing supply costs by 15% annually, the applicant’s impact is clear.
- Highlights industry-specific skills: With skills like dental radiography and sterilization techniques prominently featured, the applicant aligns their healthcare skills well with sector needs.
- Uses action-oriented language: Action verbs such as “streamlined” and “reduced” on their resume, convey proactive efforts and efficiency.
More Dental Assistant Resume Examples
Check out these dental assistant resume examples to learn how to effectively showcase your skills in patient care, chairside support, and administrative tasks. Use these samples to help you craft a standout resume that highlights your expertise in dental settings.
Entry-level dental assistant
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Boston University showcases a strong academic foundation early in their career.
- Effective use of keywords: Using keywords like “patient care” and “dental radiography,” the applicant positions their resume perfectly for ATS screening.
- Shows digital literacy: Implementing new patient scheduling systems shows their digital skill, aligning with modern computer skills needed in healthcare settings.
Mid-level dental assistant
Why this resume works
- Demonstrates language abilities: Listing language skills in Spanish, Mandarin, and French shows how this candidate can improve communication with diverse patient groups in dental settings.
- Points to measurable outcomes: By including metrics such as increasing clinic efficiency and training three junior assistants, the applicant showcases impactful contributions through quantifiable improvements.
- Displays technical expertise: Certified Dental Assistant credentials paired with digital X-ray expertise underline the applicant’s mastery of essential technical skills for effective dental care delivery.
Experienced dental assistant
Why this resume works
- Lists relevant certifications: The inclusion of certifications like Certified Dental Assistant and Radiation Health and Safety from the Dental Assisting National Board shows strong dedication to professional growth.
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume format, the applicant effectively emphasizes extensive dental experience, showcasing steady career progression in roles that improve patient care and clinic operations.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: By training new assistants and leading workflow improvement projects, the applicant showcases leadership skills that reveal a proactive approach to team development and operational efficiency.
Dental Assistant Resume Template (Text Version)
Jin Thompson
Parkview, MO 64153
(555)555-5555
Jin.Thompson@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced dental assistant enhancing patient care. Proven record of improving efficiency and managing dental procedures with precision. Skilled in team collaboration and patient communication.
Work History
Dental Assistant
Bright Smile Dental Care – Parkview, MO
January 2023 – July 2025
- Assisted in 150+ dental procedures monthly
- Managed patient records 20% faster
- Streamlined scheduling system by 30%
Oral Health Technician
Family Dental Group – St. Louis, MO
January 2018 – December 2022
- Reduced supply costs by 15% annually
- Prepped equipment within 5 mins
- Conducted community dental workshops
Dental Lab Coordinator
Dental Innovations Lab – Parkview, MO
January 2016 – December 2017
- Improved lab turnaround by 25%
- Coordinated lab staff of 10 effectively
- Developed quality control processes
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
- Italian – Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Patient Care Management
- Dental Radiography
- Sterilization Techniques
- Dental Software Proficiency
- Attention to Detail
- Team Collaboration
- Communication Skills
- Time Management
Certifications
- Certified Dental Assistant – Dental Assisting National Board
- Radiology Certification – Ohio Dental Board
Education
Master of Science Health Sciences
University of Ohio Columbus, Ohio
May 2014
Bachelor of Science Biology
Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio
May 2012
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Dental Assistant Resume
Learn how to write a resume for a dental assistant role and discover how to highlight your skills in patient care, dental procedures, and teamwork.
Follow these tips to make a dental assistant resume that stands out in the dental field and lands you that perfect job opportunity.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a brief introduction at the top of your resume, crafted to grab a hiring manager’s attention. It’s key to choose between using a summary or an resume objective based on your experience and career stage.
A professional summary usually consists of three to four sentences that highlight your experience, skills, and achievements. It’s most suitable for experienced applicants looking to showcase their professional identity and the value they offer in a role. This gives potential employers a quick understanding of what you’ve accomplished and how it connects to the job you’re applying for as a dental assistant.
Conversely, a resume objective focuses more on stating your career goals. It’s perfect for entry-level applicants, those shifting careers, or individuals with employment gaps. While a summary concentrates on “what I’ve accomplished,” an objective emphasizes “what I aim to contribute.”
Next, review the examples below of both summaries and objectives tailored to various levels of experience.
Dental assistant resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate from an accredited dental assistant program with a strong foundation in dental radiography, infection control, and patient care. Certified in CPR and radiology, with hands-on experience gained through clinical externships. Eager to support dentists and contribute to patient comfort and practice efficiency.
Mid-career
Skilled dental assistant with over five years of experience in both private practice and community health settings. Proficient in chairside assistance during complex procedures, maintaining sterilization protocols, and managing patient records. Known for excellent teamwork skills and the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for patients.
Experienced
Seasoned dental assistant with expertise in orthodontics and oral surgery assistance. Possesses certifications in expanded functions such as sealant application and fluoride treatments. Recognized for leadership abilities within the dental team, mentoring junior staff, and improving patient satisfaction through exceptional care delivery.
Dental assistant resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Detail-oriented and enthusiastic recent dental assisting program graduate aiming to secure a position as a dental assistant. Committed to using clinical skills and knowledge of dental procedures to support dentists in delivering exceptional care and improving patient comfort.
Career changer
Dedicated professional transitioning into the dental field, eager to bring strong organizational and patient interaction skills acquired from previous roles to a dental assistant position. Looking forward to contributing positively to a dynamic dental team while developing expertise in patient care and oral health maintenance.
Entry-level applicant
Aspiring dental assistant with comprehensive training in chairside assistance, radiography, and sterilization techniques seeking an entry-level opportunity. Passionate about supporting dental professionals in providing excellent oral healthcare through efficient practice management and attentive patient service.
Want to save time and make your resume stand out as a dental assistant? Try our Resume Builder for stunning templates and tips to highlight your skills perfectly.
Include relevant certifications and training
Certifications are important for a dental assistant because they show you know your stuff. They tell employers that you’re trained to help with dental care, follow strict rules, and keep patients safe. Having certifications also means you can use the latest tools and techniques in the field. A dedicated certifications section on your resume lets hiring managers see these skills right away.
Some certifications that can strengthen your resume include:
- Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Radiology Certification
- Infection Control Training
- Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification
These certifications make you stand out as a dental assistant by showing you’re ready to handle many tasks in a dental office. They give you confidence and let employers know you’re prepared for the job. Listing them separately from your education shows you have extra skills that are needed for this role.
Example of a certifications section
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
Issued by: Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Expires 2025
Radiography Certification
Issued by: American Dental Association (ADA)
Issued 2022
Infection Control Exam (ICE)
Issued by: Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Expires 2026
CPR and First Aid Certification
Issued by: American Red Cross
Issued 2023
Include either the issue date or expiration date of each of your certifications and licenses to show that your credentials are current.
Showcase your work experience
Listing your work experience on a resume is important for landing a job as a dental assistant. It lets employers see what you’ve accomplished and how well you did it. Start with your most recent job first, including your job title, where you worked, the location, and the dates you were there. This format helps hiring managers easily follow your career path.
Use clear and action-oriented language when describing each role. Instead of saying “helped with patients,” consider “assisted in preparing patients for procedures.” Highlight measurable results like “reduced patient wait time by 20%,” which demonstrate your positive impact on previous workplaces. Include key tasks such as managing patient records, sterilizing equipment, or assisting during treatments.
Link your skills directly aligned to what’s required for the dental assistant position you’re targeting. Consider teamwork, patient care, or using dental software as examples. Each skill should be supported by stories from past jobs when possible. When employers can see exactly how you’ve applied these skills before, they’re more likely to view you as an asset to their practice.
5 dental assistant work history bullet point examples
- Assisted in the preparation and sterilization of dental instruments, ensuring a 100% compliance rate with safety regulations.
- Managed patient records and appointment scheduling, improving office efficiency by 25% through streamlined processes.
- Educated patients on post-procedure care and oral hygiene practices, leading to a 40% reduction in follow-up visits for complications.
- Supported dentists during procedures by effectively handing instruments and keeping patient comfort levels consistent, resulting in a 30% increase in positive patient feedback.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered supplies as needed, reducing supply shortages by 50% through proactive management.
For dental assistants, selecting a resume format that highlights hands-on skills, patient care experience, and knowledge of dental procedures can improve your job application.
Match your resume with the job description
Tailoring resumes to match job descriptions is key for job seekers, especially those aiming for a dental assistant role. This strategy helps you stand out to employers and effectively pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), which scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases from job postings.
An ATS-friendly resume includes relevant keywords and phrases from the job description. By aligning these terms with your skills, you boost the chances of your resume being noticed by hiring managers who use ATS software to filter applications.
To identify keywords in job postings, focus on skills, qualifications, and duties mentioned repeatedly. Examples include “patient care,” “clinical assessments,” or “healthcare team collaboration.” Use exact phrases to increase the likelihood of your resume passing initial screenings.
Integrate these terms naturally into your resume content. Instead of copying job descriptions verbatim, rewrite them to reflect your experience. For instance, modify “Provide high-quality patient care” to “Delivered high-quality patient care to improve overall health outcomes.”
Customizing your resume for ATS compatibility can open more doors for interviews by ensuring your application gets seen by potential employers.
Make sure your resume gets seen by using our ATS Resume Checker. It checks if your resume is formatted right and has the best keywords.
Salary Insights for Dental Assistants
Salaries can change depending on where you live or what industry you work in. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shares data to help you compare pay and plan your career choices. More details are provided below.
Top 10 highest-paying states for dental assistants
Dental assistants earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $47,321. The table below highlights the states where dental assistants command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for dental assistants across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $63,680 |
| Oregon | $57,690 |
| District of Columbia | $57,390 |
| Washington | $56,140 |
| Massachusetts | $56,790 |
| Vermont | $54,570 |
| Maine | $54,190 |
| Alaska | $54,720 |
| North Dakota | $54,720 |
| California | $53,570 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my dental assistant resume?
Yes, adding a cover letter to your dental assistant resume can help you stand out from other applicants.
A cover letter allows you to show your real interest in the specific dental practice and highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
For example, if the office specializes in cosmetic dentistry or pediatric care, you can mention any relevant experience or training you’ve had in those areas.
Think about using tools like our Cover Letter Generator to create a personalized cover letter that complements your resume effectively.
You might also find it useful to check out cover letter examples for dental assistants to get ideas on how to best present your qualifications.
How long should a dental assistant’s resume be?
For a dental assistant, aim for a one-page resume that efficiently highlights your key skills and experience. Focus on showcasing your expertise with dental procedures, patient care, and familiarity with dental software.
If you have extensive experience or specialized certifications like radiology or CPR that are highly relevant to the role, extending to a two-page resume can be appropriate. Just ensure every detail is directly relevant to the position.
To fine-tune the length and content of your resume according to your career stage, explore our guide on how long a resume should be for further tips and examples.
How do you write a dental assistant resume with no experience?
To create a dental assistant resume, even without experience, emphasize your education, certifications, and relevant skills that make you a strong applicant. For detailed guidance, refer to this guide for writing a resume with no experience. Here’s how to begin:
- Emphasize education and certifications: Start by listing your dental assistant training program or any relevant coursework. Include details like the institution name, dates attended, and any specific certifications such as CPR or radiology.
- Showcase transferable skills: Highlight skills that are applicable to dental assisting, such as excellent communication, attention to detail, organization, and customer service from previous jobs or volunteer work.
- Include hands-on training: If you’ve completed an externship or practical training as part of your education, treat it like job experience. Describe the duties you performed and what you learned in that setting.
- Volunteer experiences count too: List any volunteer work in healthcare settings where you had exposure to patient care or administrative tasks related to dentistry.
Remember that tailoring your resume to highlight these aspects can set you apart as a dedicated and capable applicant ready for the dental field.
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Dental Assistant
Toni is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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