Dental Assistant Resume Examples

A Dental Assistant is a valuable asset in the Dentist’s office. Without him or her, the clinic would be in chaos. You have to wear many hats; from office assistant to a second-in-command during surgery to client support, you should have the requisite skills to manage these key areas of responsibility.

If you want to be hired, you need to submit a resume that would immediately gain the nod of the Dentist. The good news is we have the best Dental Assistant resume sample that would numb the pain of writing one. We’ve also included important tips that you need to keep in mind when you are composing your resume.

As a Dental Assistant, your days are spent taking phone calls for appointments, organizing and updating patient records, preparing patients for procedures and of course, assisting the Dentist during operation. It’s not just about having the necessary skills but the ability to transition smoothly from one task to another that matters. In the Dental Assistant resume example we have prepared below, we made it certain that different aspects of the job are given attention especially in work experience and the skills section.

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Our samples are written by career experts with over 10 years of experience in resume writing.

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Dental Assistant Resume Sample

Geoffrey D. Sandburg

Address:              41236 Conejo View Drive, Agoura Hills, Los Angeles, CA
Phone:              (213) 254-6327
Email:                [email protected]
Current job:    Dental Assistant; Avery and Associates Dental Clinic, Agoura Hills


Objective

DANB-Certified dental assistant with more than 10 years experience, valuable customer service skills and organizational ability seeks to advance within the industry by building a career with an established hospital or clinic.


Skills

  • 10+ years work experience as Dental Assistant
  • Bachelor of Science degree, Medical Technology
  • Certified, Commission on Dental Accreditation
  • Passed, DANB Certified Dental Assistant Exam
  • Certified, Dental Technology
  • Certified, Dental Health Maintenance
  • Certified, Patient Services
  • Certified, Medical Billing and Coding
  • Member, National Dental Assistant Association
  • Physically Fit
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Creative Thinker
  • Analytical
  • Excellent people skills
  • Pleasant disposition
  • Highly organized
  • Punctual

Work Experience

Dental Assistant, 2020 to Present
Avery and Associates Dental Clinic, Agoura Hills

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Sterilizes all dental instruments and medical equipment.
  • Organizes and sets up all dental instruments needed by the dentist for the operation.
  • Assists the dentist during procedure by handing correct instrument.
  • Takes X-rays of patient’s teeth.
  • Takes impressions of patient’s teeth to make dentures.
  • Applies suction and swabs to keep patient’s mouth clear and dry during the procedure.
  • Administers topical anesthesia to patients.
  • Removes stitches.
  • Makes temporary crowns.
  • Organizes patient records.
  • Takes phone inquiries.
  • Schedules dental appointments.
  • Obtains patient’s medical history.
  • Prepares statements of account.
  • Orders medical supplies.

Dental Assistant, 2017 to 2020
Trenton and Bernstein Dental Clinic, Agoura Hills

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Prepared treatment room prior to operation.
  • Prepared patients before procedures.
  • Provided information and answers questions from patients related to procedure.
  • Sterilizes all dental instruments.
  • Prepared all required dental instruments before procedure.
  • Assisted dentist during operation by handing required instrument.
  • Took X-rays.
  • Made impressions of patient’s teeth for dentures.
  • Maintained cleanliness of office and clinic.
  • Managed all files and documentation.
  • Updated patient records.
  • Performed administrative and clerical duties such as taking phone calls, setting up appointments and managing the dentist’s calendar.

Dental Assistant, 2015 – 2017
Smiles for Miles Dental Offices, Simi Valley, CA

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assisted dentist during procedures by handing required instrument.
  • Sterilized all dental instruments.
  • Checked the general condition of all instruments and equipment.
  • Ordered medical supplies.
  • Prepared the patient prior to operation.
  • Laid down all dental instruments needed by the dentist for the operation.
  • Administered anesthesia to patients.
  • Took patient X-rays.
  • Took impressions of patient’s mouth to make dentures.
  • Maintained cleanliness of office and clinic.
  • Managed all files and documentation.
  • Updated patient records.
  • Performed administrative and clerical duties such as taking phone calls, setting up appointments and managing the dentist’s calendar.

Education

University of Washington
Bachelor of Science, Medical Technology
Thousand Oaks, CA

2011-2015; 3.2 GPA

Agoura Hills School
High School Diploma

Agoura Hills, Los Angeles, CA

2007-2011, 3.6 GPA


Courses

  • Certified, Commission on Dental Accreditation
  • Passed, DANB Certified Dental Assistant Exam
  • Certified, Dental Technology
  • Certified, Dental Health Maintenance
  • Certified, Patient Services
  • Certified, Medical Billing and Coding
  • MS Office

Personal information

  • Married with 2 children
  • Date of birth 02/08/85
  • Hobbies include swimming, piano, reading

Dental Assistant Trainee Resume Sample

Name: Irvin Hester

Address: Gastonia, NC 28052

Phone: (781) 540-1627

Email: [email protected]

Current job: Dental Assistant Trainee at St. Lucie Medical Center

Objective

I am a Dental Assistant Trainee with a passion for assisting in dental procedures for patients. I enjoy being able to provide the best care for my patients and help them achieve the health and dental care they desire. I am committed to learning all aspects of dental care, including scaling and root planing, filling cavities, placing crowns and bridges, and extracting teeth.

Working with people to provide quality care is something I am passionate about, and I want to work in a hospital or dental office where I can use my skills as a Dental Assistant to help people.

Work Experience

Dental Assistant Trainee, 2018 – present
Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with patient care and treatment, including taking digital x-rays, applying dental sealants, assisting the dentist during dental procedures, providing dental care for patients under general anesthesia, and preparing patients for procedures
  • Perform preventive dental care for patients, such as teeth cleanings, sealant and fluoride treatments, and applying topical fluoride treatments
  • Maintain a clean office environment by sterilizing instruments, cleaning up debris, and organizing stock
  • Conduct daily cleaning of equipment, instruments, and instruments using appropriate disinfectants and cleaning materials
  • Attend to patient needs, ensures patient safety, and ensures efficient workflow of the office

Skills

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication skills
  • Basic understanding of dental terminology
  • Able to perform various dental procedures, including injections, fillings, and extractions
  • Knowledge of oral anatomy
  • Able to work with a team
  • Advanced computer skills

Dental Assistant Pediatric Resume Sample

Name: Kyler Pope

Address: South Ozone Park, NY 11420

Phone: (774) 855-9322

Email: [email protected]

Current job: Dental Assistant Pediatric at Tampa Community Hospital

Objective

I am a compassionate, experienced Dental Assistant who has a passion for children’s dental needs. I am looking for a job in which I can utilize my degree in healthcare with my experience in dental assisting.

My skills are diverse and I have experience with all areas of dentistry including: x-rays, oral hygiene, surgery and more. I am a team player that is eager to learn more about the field of dentistry.

Work Experience

Dental Assistant Pediatric, 2018 – present
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform dental exam on pediatric patients
  • Prepare patient for dental treatment
  • Document findings and implement treatment plan
  • Ensure patient’s safety during treatment
  • Assist in providing necessary care to patients
  • Schedule appointments, collect patient’s insurance information and coordinate with other staff members
  • Perform lab work for pediatric patients, such as taking blood samples, performing x-rays and taking impressions.

Dental Assistant Pediatric, 2014 – 2018

Jefferson Hospital

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Understand and follow safety procedures for infection control
  • Maintain dentist’s schedule by performing a variety of patient care duties
  • Provides patient care by examining and cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, and giving oral hygiene instructions
  • Maintain equipment by completing preventative maintenance procedures and following manufacturer’s instructions
  • Keep work area clean and organized by completing general cleaning tasks
  • Compose correspondence by answering questions or inquiries
  • Perform administrative duties including scheduling appointments.

Dental Assistant Pediatric, 2012 – 2014

Tampa Community Hospital

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Prepare patients for treatment by providing direction and supervision
  • Perform basic dental procedures, such as taking x-rays and making restorations
  • Record patient information in the dental office computer system
  • Sterilize instruments
  • Keep the treatment area and materials clean and organized
  • Instruct patients about oral hygiene

Skills

  • Excellent customer service skills and be able to communicate with patients and staff in a professional manner
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast paced environment
  • Knowledge of dental terminology
  • Possess the ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
  • Excellent communication skills with children and parents.

Senior Dental Assistant Pediatric Resume Sample

Name: Riley Nelson

Address: Royal Oak, MI 48067

Phone: (835) 829-1244

Email: [email protected]

Current job: Senior Dental Assistant Pediatric at West Boca Medical Center

Objective

As a Senior Dental Assistant with experience in pediatric dentistry, I possess the skills necessary to gain the trust of the child and their parents. I am skilled at helping children who are afraid of the dentist to relax and get through their treatment. I am also able to give physical and emotional support to a child who is experiencing a difficult period in their life.

Work Experience

Senior Dental Assistant Pediatric, 2018 – present
Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide patient care in a safe, fun and educational manner
  • Assist with patients’ oral hygiene
  • Schedule appointments
  • Provide emergency care according to the American Dental Association Guidelines
  • Prepare and/or review patient records
  • Assist with set-up, distribution, and clean-up of operating rooms and treatment areas
  • Participate in dental education programs

Senior Dental Assistant Pediatric, 2014 – 2018

Candler Hospital

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Clean and sterilize equipment after each use
  • Maintain sterilized work area by cleaning equipment, instruments, and other surfaces
  • Monitor patients’ dental records to ensure accurate treatment plans
  • Check in patients at the clinic and assign exam rooms
  • Prepare the dental room for treatment procedures
  • Assist in oral exams, scaling and polishing teeth
  • Maintain patient records and chart information

Senior Dental Assistant Pediatric, 2012 – 2014

West Boca Medical Center

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assess dental needs of patients
  • Create insurance claims for patient’s treatment
  • Schedule patient appointments
  • Manage scheduling of cases
  • Attend to patient needs
  • Make sure that patients are comfortable and in good health
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary environment for pediatric patients
  • Organize and maintain tools, equipment and supplies

Skills

  • Efficiently and effectively organize dental office, including patient records, equipment and supplies
  • Ability to quickly locate and locate assigned tasks, projects or patients in the office
  • Give professional presentations, including oral health assessments and education
  • Ability to coordinate activities among multiple patients
  • Excellent communication skills, including written and verbal skills
  • Team player
  • Excellent time management skills

Dental Assistant Pediatric Assistant Resume Sample

Name: Eugene Powell

Address: Kansas City, MO 64151

Phone: (524) 499-4424

Email: [email protected]

Current job: Dental Assistant Pediatric Assistant at Cape Canaveral Hospital

Objective

I am an enthusiastic and dedicated professional who has a strong work ethic and an eye for detail. I am eager to learn from my peers, and I am constantly striving to improve my skills and knowledge of the Dental Assistant Pediatric Assistant job position.

I provide oral care and extractions for patients using proper sterilization and sterilization techniques in a professional and compassionate manner. I assist with the preparation of patients for dental procedures, with oral hygiene, and with general patient care.

Work Experience

Dental Assistant Pediatric Assistant, 2018 – present
Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Receive patients and their families in a prompt, courteous and professional manner
  • Assist with patient care needs including assisting with hygiene, positioning, measuring vital signs, and collecting specimens
  • Assist in dental surgeries as needed
  • Collect patient fees and billing for services
  • Assist with the purchase of supplies
  • Clean and maintaining equipment and instruments
  • Handle insurance verification and forms
  • Maintain dental records

Dental Assistant Pediatric Assistant, 2014 – 2018

Shepherd Center

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform basic dental procedures such as extracting teeth, cleaning teeth, and placing fillings
  • Take x-rays, administer fluoride treatments and prepare radiographs
  • Perform basic office tasks such as filing, answering phones, and greeting patients
  • Wipe down chairs and equipment
  • Operate dental equipment like drills and dental handpieces
  • Clean teeth and gums using dental instruments like scaler, tongue cleaner and rubber

Dental Assistant Pediatric Assistant, 2012 – 2014

Cape Canaveral Hospital

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Inform patients of the benefits of dental sealants and fluoride treatments
  • Help treat patients with a variety of dental issues
  • Prepare patients for dental procedures by explaining what will happen and the benefits of the procedure
  • Get supplies for patients
  • Set up appointments for patients

Skills

  • Trained in procedures related to dentistry
  • Certified in CPR and First Aid
  • Comfortable with dental equipment
  • Fluent in English and Spanish
  • Basic computer skills for Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines

Resume Writing Tips for Dental Assistant

You don’t have to be a college degree holder to become a Dental Assistant. If you finished high school or have taken the GED, you can still work as a Dental Assistant provided you are certified.

The Hiring Manager of a hospital or the proprietor of a dental clinic will not consider your resume if you have not undergone formal training as a Dental Assistant. You will notice in the Dental Assistant resume example we shared at the beginning of the article, that certification is displayed front and center among your qualifications. Certification will also help you negotiate for better pay.

There are some states where certification is not enough. Legislation may further require you to take a licensing exam as proof you can competently assist the dentist during procedure. You cannot take the licensing exam unless you have been certified. If you are licensed, you should also highlight this information in your Dental Assistant resume.

In the healthcare and medical industries, certifications are a big plus not only because these assure the clinic or hospital of your qualification but it also reduces time spent on training and orientation. If you received additional training in the different areas of dental assistance work, you should showcase these certifications in your resume.

But remember, the work of a Dental Assistant isn’t all about clinical assistance. You should also have experience managing a dental office and this means possessing organizational skills. Do not forget to include these abilities as we did in our resume for Dental Assistant.

Finally, consider the type of dental clinic you are applying for. There are different types of dental clinics: cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry and dental surgery to name a few. Then arrange your certifications and proficiencies according to their relevance to the type of dental clinic.

What to Write in a Dental Assistant Resume Objective

If you noticed in our job objective we wrote in the resume, the first item indicated is the DANB certification. As stated earlier, certification is a prerequisite for a Dental Assistant. This is probably the first qualification the Hiring Manager will look for in your resume.

Next item would be your level of experience. Hiring managers are noted for having a preference for well- experienced applicants. It makes the transition easier and it is hoped that the learning curve will not be as steep as someone with lesser experience.

Finally, it is important that you include attributes that are sought after in a Dental Assistant. Top of the list would be customer service, organizational and communication skills. These are all valuable qualities of a well- rounded Dental Assistant.

What to Write in a Dental Assistant Resume Skills Section

As a Dental Assistant, you will find yourself frequently assisting the Dentist during the procedure. This means you have to assure your potential employer that you have the trainings and skills to be in the same room with him or her.

The dentist would like to see which areas of dentistry or clinic operations you are already familiar with. If you have taken special courses or certifications related to the dentistry profession, trust that these skills will clearly catch the interest of the dentist.

  • Educational Attainment; a college degree is not necessary but a big advantage. If you finished high school, indicate the inclusive years and GPA. If you were not able to finish high school, state that you took the GED, attach proof and your score.
  • Certifications; your priority should be proof as a Certified Dental Assistant and licensure. Without this information, it will be difficult to find a job as a Dental Assistant. Those in the health and patient-care industry are allergic to potential law suits. Doctors and dentists would not want to take the chance on hiring a person who has not been certified for the job.
  • Additional Skills; dentistry involves different tasks. If you have taken additional training for X-rays, taking teeth impressions, patient care, dental technology and other related work, include these details in the resume skills section.
  • Associations; are you a member of any association or organization of dental assistants? Include the name of the organization and other pertinent details. Membership in recognized associations is a plus factor because it implies you adhere to established values, guidelines and best practices in the industry.
  • Administrative Skills; when you are not assisting the Dentist, you have to hold down the office. You will be tasked to handle phone calls, set appointments, discuss cases with patients, manage the dentist’s calendar, update patient files, order medical supplies, record inventory, check the working condition of the equipment and maintain cleanliness of the office.
  • People Skills; you have to know how to deal with different types of people. As you know, some procedures take long hours. It may encroach on the schedule of another patient who has been waiting in the reception area for quite some time. You should be able to manage the various personalities that flow in and out of the office on a daily basis. You should also know how to keep patients calm before their procedure.

Dental Assistant Job Seeking Tips

The first thing you should do is find out the requirements of the city or state where you want to work as a Dental Assistant. If you have not fulfilled some of the requirements, delay the job search and do what is necessary to make sure you can comply.

Your job search can cover these avenues:

  • Classified Ads – Check your local newspaper for ads posted by dental clinics looking dental assistants.
  • Online Sources – Visit popular online job sites such as Monster, CareerBuilder, Indeed, DentalPost and DentalSpots.
  • Referrals – Ask those in your network if they can refer you to a dental clinic or hospital that needs dental assistants.
  • Social Media – Join focus groups, connect with people in your industry and inquire about job openings for dental assistants.

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