There are few things as exciting, hopeful, and at times, nerve-wracking, as applying for a new job – especially if you’re finally pursuing a brand-new career. When it comes to joining the dental industry as a dental assistant, you’ll need to write a resume that shows off your experience, expertise, and qualifications, but more importantly, also shows off just how valuable of an asset you’d be for that office! Here are some tips to help you out.

1. Highlight Your Relevant Skills

Dental assistants require a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. It’s wise to include a dedicated “skills” section in your resume where you list out relevant key abilities, including things like your time spent chairside assisting, your knowledge of dental software (Dentrix, EagleSoft, etc.), and other dentistry skills that are worth showcasing. This information signals to employers that you have some of the qualifications they’re looking for. It’s also a good opportunity to mention any experience you have in the role already, which includes volunteer work as well as professional memberships. Even being bilingual is often a huge asset when it comes to dental assisting; carefully evaluate your skills and experience and share what matters most!

2. Emphasize Your Certifications and Education

Dental practices often look for specific qualifications, such as the completion of a dental assisting program or certification. A few of the things they’ll be looking for include:

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

Additionally, include your education, beginning with the most recent degree or certification. Be sure to include information like the institution’s name, location, the dates of attendance, and of course, the degree/certification you earned.

3. Keep Things Organized & Professional

Your resume should have a clean, professional design. Stick to a simple format, use standard fonts, don’t overload it with color, and ensure that it’s easy to read. Your experience and credentials are what your potential employer is focused on; not your creativity, and there will be a time and place for that later on once you’ve joined a team! Also, use your full legal name as it appears on official documents, and include a current (and formal) email address, telephone number, and location.

4. Customize Your Resume for Each Position

Lastly, tailor your resume for each dental assistant job you apply for; while they might all seem similar at first glance, each office and job is inherently different. Review the job description carefully and incorporate keywords and phrases into your resume. For instance, if the job posting emphasizes pediatric care, it’s wise to mention whether you’ve worked with young children. Likewise, if they’re asking about specific software knowledge, don’t hesitate to let them know how savvy and up-to-date you are!

The bottom line is that if you’re hoping to land a job as a dental assistant, an attractive and detailed resume in an easy-to-understand format will go a very long way. In a world where first impressions matter so greatly, give yourself an edge as soon as possible!

About the NE Dental Academy

Our team here at the NE Dental Academy has helped numerous aspiring dental assistants in Worcester and the surrounding area acquire the skills needed to successfully enter the world of dental assisting. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to request additional enrollment information, please visit us online or call us today! Telephone: (508) 392-5314.