Resume Guide

The Complete Dental Assistant Resume Skills Breakdown

Chairside, Radiography & Software Skills That Pass ATS and Impress Hiring Dentists

With 40% of dental practices actively recruiting assistants and three-quarters calling it challenging to hire, your resume skills section matters more than ever. The problem? Knowing which chairside competencies dentists filter for, which certifications carry weight, and how to prove your clinical skills with real achievements.

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What Skills Should a Dental Assistant Put on a Resume?

This guide covers the exact skills that get dental assistants hired, from core chairside techniques to the practice management software offices actually use. You'll find copy-ready resume bullets, ATS keywords by category, and the certification stack that separates callbacks from silence.

Dental Assistant Job Market

6% job growth projected through 2034, with 52,900 openings annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Median salary: $47,300. Certified Dental Assistants earn $26/hour vs $22.50 for non-certified (DANB Survey, 2024).

Dental Assistant Skills by Experience Level

Entry-level to senior: what to include at each career stage

Entry-Level Dental Assistant (0-1 years)

Focus on core chairside skills and certifications. Build your radiography proficiency and infection control knowledge.

  • 1
    CPR/BLS certification (required)
  • 2
    Basic chairside assisting and instrument transfer
  • 3
    Infection control and sterilization procedures
  • 4
    Dental radiography (with state certification if required)
  • 5
    Patient preparation and comfort
  • 6
    Practice management software basics
  • 7
    OSHA and HIPAA compliance
  • 8
    Dental terminology and charting

Experienced Dental Assistant (2-4 years)

Develop specialty skills and pursue CDA certification. Expanded functions and cross-training set you apart.

  • 1
    DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential
  • 2
    Advanced radiography including panoramic and CBCT
  • 3
    Expanded functions (state-dependent): coronal polishing, sealants
  • 4
    Temporary crown fabrication and cementation
  • 5
    Insurance verification and treatment coordination
  • 6
    Training and mentoring new assistants
  • 7
    Multiple practice management software proficiency
  • 8
    Specialty procedure experience (ortho, surgery, endo)

Senior Dental Assistant / Lead (5+ years)

Take on leadership and expanded clinical responsibilities. Advanced certifications and management skills increase earning potential.

  • 1
    Lead assistant or office coordinator responsibilities
  • 2
    Advanced specialty certifications (COA, CPFDA, CRFDA)
  • 3
    Staff training and onboarding programs
  • 4
    Inventory management and supply ordering
  • 5
    Quality assurance and compliance oversight
  • 6
    Treatment coordinator or patient financing expertise
  • 7
    Practice efficiency and workflow optimization
  • 8
    OSHA compliance officer duties
Not sure which skills to highlight for Dental Assistant roles? Our AI-powered Skills Finder analyzes job market data to suggest the most in-demand technical and soft skills for your experience level. Enter your target job title below to get personalized skill recommendations that will help your resume stand out to recruiters and ATS systems.

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Hard Skills for Dental Assistant Resumes

Technical skills with resume examples and ATS keywords

Chairside Assisting
Four-Handed Dentistry, Instrument Transfer & Patient Positioning
ATS Keywords
Chairside AssistingFour-Handed DentistryInstrument TransferSuctionRetractionPatient PositioningDental ProceduresOperative DentistryClinical Support
Resume Bullets
Provided four-handed chairside assistance for 25+ patients daily across restorative, endodontic, and surgical procedures
Anticipated dentist needs during complex crown preparations, reducing average procedure time by 15 minutes
Assisted with 500+ composite restorations annually, maintaining precise instrument transfer and suction control
Supported oral surgery procedures including extractions and implant placements for 3 dentists

💡 Tip:Show procedure variety and efficiency. Mention specific procedures you've assisted with and patient volumes to demonstrate experience.

Dental Radiography
Bitewing, Periapical, Panoramic X-Rays & Digital Imaging
ATS Keywords
Dental RadiographyX-RayBitewingPeriapicalPanoramicDigital ImagingDexisSchickSensor PlacementRadiation Safety
Resume Bullets
Captured 40+ diagnostic-quality digital radiographs daily including bitewings, periapicals, and panoramic images
Maintained 98% first-attempt success rate on radiographs, minimizing patient radiation exposure and retakes
Operated Dexis and Schick digital imaging systems, processing and mounting images for dentist review
Trained 5 new assistants on proper radiography technique and radiation safety protocols

💡 Tip:Highlight your radiography certification and image quality. Digital imaging proficiency is expected in most modern practices.

Infection Control & Sterilization
Autoclave Operation, OSHA Compliance & Instrument Processing
ATS Keywords
Infection ControlSterilizationAutoclaveOSHACDC GuidelinesPPEDisinfectionInstrument ProcessingBiological MonitoringCross-Contamination Prevention
Resume Bullets
Maintained sterilization area processing 200+ instruments daily with 100% compliance on biological monitoring
Implemented CDC-compliant infection control protocols, achieving zero cross-contamination incidents over 3 years
Operated Statim and Midmark autoclaves, performing weekly spore testing and maintaining sterilization logs
Trained staff on updated OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards and proper PPE usage

💡 Tip:Emphasize compliance knowledge and zero-incident records. OSHA and CDC guideline adherence is non-negotiable for employers.

Dental Practice Management Software
Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental & Patient Records
ATS Keywords
DentrixEaglesoftOpen DentalPractice Management SoftwarePatient RecordsElectronic Health RecordsDental ChartingTreatment Planning SoftwareInsurance Verification
Resume Bullets
Managed patient records and treatment documentation in Dentrix for 2,500+ active patients
Processed insurance claims and verified benefits using Eaglesoft, reducing claim rejections by 20%
Scheduled 60+ appointments weekly in Open Dental, optimizing provider schedules and minimizing gaps
Generated treatment acceptance reports and recall lists, contributing to 15% increase in case acceptance

💡 Tip:Name specific software systems you've used. Dentrix and Eaglesoft are industry leaders, and practices filter for these skills.

Dental Materials & Impressions
Alginate, PVS Impressions, Temporaries & Material Preparation
ATS Keywords
Dental MaterialsImpressionsAlginatePVSTemporariesProvisional CrownsStudy ModelsMaterial MixingComposite PreparationAmalgam
Resume Bullets
Fabricated 300+ provisional crowns and bridges annually with precise marginal adaptation
Mixed and prepared alginate and PVS impression materials, achieving 95% first-pour accuracy
Poured, trimmed, and articulated study models for orthodontic and restorative case planning
Prepared composite and amalgam materials for 20+ restorative procedures daily

💡 Tip:Show material handling expertise and quality outcomes. Accurate impressions reduce remakes and save practice time.

Patient Preparation & Comfort
Chair Setup, Vital Signs & Anxiety Management
ATS Keywords
Patient PreparationOperatory SetupVital SignsMedical HistoryPatient ComfortAnxiety ManagementNitrous OxideTopical AnestheticChair Positioning
Resume Bullets
Prepared operatory and positioned patients for 30+ procedures daily, ensuring comfort and proper ergonomics
Recorded vital signs and medical history updates, flagging contraindications for dentist review
Calmed anxious patients using distraction techniques and clear procedure explanations, reducing cancellations
Applied topical anesthetic and assisted with nitrous oxide administration per dentist direction

💡 Tip:Highlight your ability to put anxious patients at ease. Patient comfort directly impacts practice reviews and retention.

Oral Health Education
Post-Operative Instructions, Hygiene Coaching & Fluoride Application
ATS Keywords
Patient EducationPost-Operative InstructionsOral HygieneFluoride ApplicationSealantsHome Care InstructionsPreventive CarePatient Compliance
Resume Bullets
Provided post-operative care instructions to 500+ patients annually, reducing after-hours emergency calls by 30%
Educated patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, improving hygiene scores at recall visits
Applied fluoride treatments and sealants under dentist supervision for pediatric patients
Created take-home instruction sheets for extraction, crown, and root canal aftercare

💡 Tip:Show patient education outcomes. Practices value assistants who improve compliance and reduce post-op calls.

Appointment Scheduling & Front Office
Insurance Verification, Treatment Coordination & Recall Management
ATS Keywords
Appointment SchedulingInsurance VerificationTreatment CoordinationRecall ManagementFront OfficePatient SchedulingBenefit VerificationTreatment Acceptance
Resume Bullets
Verified insurance benefits and pre-authorized treatment plans for 50+ patients weekly
Managed recall system for 3,000-patient practice, maintaining 85% reappointment rate
Coordinated treatment schedules across 4 providers, maximizing chair utilization
Processed patient payments and explained treatment costs, collecting 95% of patient portions at time of service

💡 Tip:Dual clinical-administrative skills are highly valued. Show you can support both chairside and front desk operations.

Restorative Procedure Support
Composite, Amalgam, Crown & Bridge Assistance
ATS Keywords
Restorative DentistryCompositeAmalgamCrown and BridgeCementationMatrix PlacementIsolationRetraction CordCuring Light
Resume Bullets
Assisted with 1,000+ composite and amalgam restorations annually, preparing matrices and curing materials
Supported crown and bridge procedures from preparation through cementation, ensuring proper isolation
Placed retraction cord and managed hemostasis for impression procedures
Assisted with core buildups and post placements for endodontically treated teeth

💡 Tip:Detail your experience with specific restorative procedures. Crown and bridge experience is particularly valuable.

Specialty Procedure Assistance
Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Endodontics & Implants
ATS Keywords
OrthodonticsOral SurgeryEndodonticsImplantsExtractionsBracket PlacementRoot CanalSurgical AssistingSpecialty Dentistry
Resume Bullets
Assisted with orthodontic bracket placement and wire changes for 15+ patients daily
Supported oral surgery procedures including wisdom tooth extractions and bone grafts
Assisted with root canal procedures, managing irrigation and obturation materials
Prepared surgical trays and assisted with implant placement and restoration procedures

💡 Tip:Specialty experience commands higher pay and opens doors to specialized practices. Highlight any exposure you have.

Need stronger action verbs? Browse our Action Verbs Library for powerful words that make your achievements stand out.

Soft Skills Every Dental Assistant Needs

Interpersonal abilities that strengthen your resume

Patient Communication
Anxiety Reduction, Procedure Explanations & Empathetic Listening
ATS Keywords
Patient CommunicationEmpathyActive ListeningAnxiety ManagementPatient RelationsInterpersonal Skills
Resume Bullets
Explained procedures to anxious patients in clear, reassuring terms, reducing appointment cancellations by 25%
Communicated treatment options and costs to patients, achieving 90% case acceptance rate
Translated dental terminology for non-English speaking patients using basic Spanish communication skills
Received consistent patient compliments on chair-side manner, contributing to 4.9-star Google rating

💡 Tip:Show how your communication improved patient experience. Many patients are anxious, and calming skills matter.

Attention to Detail
Charting Accuracy, Instrument Preparation & Quality Control
ATS Keywords
Attention to DetailAccuracyQuality ControlDocumentationPrecisionError Prevention
Resume Bullets
Maintained 100% accuracy on patient charting and treatment documentation across 2,000+ visits
Verified instrument tray setups against procedure protocols, catching setup errors before procedures began
Double-checked prescription information and patient allergies before each appointment
Identified charting discrepancies during record reviews, preventing billing errors

💡 Tip:Dentistry demands precision. Show examples of catching errors or maintaining exacting standards.

Manual Dexterity
Fine Motor Skills, Instrument Handling & Precise Movements
ATS Keywords
Manual DexterityFine Motor SkillsHand-Eye CoordinationPrecisionInstrument Handling
Resume Bullets
Demonstrated precise instrument transfer during complex procedures, maintaining sterile field throughout
Fabricated temporary crowns with accurate occlusion and marginal fit
Operated high-speed suction while maintaining clear visibility for dentist during procedures
Placed pit and fissure sealants with precise application technique under supervision

💡 Tip:Dental assisting requires excellent hand-eye coordination. Show this through procedure outcomes.

Teamwork & Anticipation
Dentist Coordination, Procedure Flow & Proactive Support
ATS Keywords
TeamworkCollaborationAnticipationCoordinationAdaptabilityTeam Player
Resume Bullets
Anticipated dentist needs during procedures, having next instruments ready before requests
Coordinated with hygienists and front office to optimize patient flow and reduce wait times
Supported 3 dentists with different procedure preferences, adapting technique to each provider
Collaborated with lab technicians on case specifications and delivery schedules

💡 Tip:Great assistants anticipate needs before being asked. Show how you made procedures flow smoothly.

Time Management
Multi-Patient Scheduling, Room Turnover & Efficiency
ATS Keywords
Time ManagementEfficiencyOrganizationMultitaskingPrioritizationProductivity
Resume Bullets
Turned over operatories between patients in under 5 minutes while maintaining sterilization standards
Managed preparation for 3 operatories simultaneously during high-volume days
Prioritized tasks to ensure on-time starts for 95% of scheduled appointments
Balanced chairside duties with administrative tasks during slower periods

💡 Tip:Dental practices run on tight schedules. Show how you kept things moving without sacrificing quality.

Writing your professional summary? Our AI Resume Summary Generator creates compelling summaries that highlight your key skills.

ATS Optimization for Dental Assistant Resumes

  • Name specific dental software you've used: 'Dentrix', 'Eaglesoft', or 'Open Dental' rather than just 'practice management software'
  • Include certification acronyms AND full names: 'Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)', 'Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)'
  • Specify state radiography certification if required in your state
  • List procedure types: 'restorative', 'endodontic', 'orthodontic', 'oral surgery' to match specialty practices
  • Quantify patient volumes: '25+ patients daily' or '2,500-patient practice'
  • Include both clinical and administrative keywords if you have dual responsibilities

Resume Mistakes Dental Assistants Should Avoid

Common errors that get skills sections rejected

Don't Do This

Writing 'dental software experience' without naming specific systems

Practices search for 'Dentrix' or 'Eaglesoft' specifically. Generic terms won't match their ATS filters.

Do This Instead

Name exact systems: 'Managed patient records and scheduling in Dentrix Enterprise'

Don't Do This

Listing 'patient care' without dental context

Every healthcare role involves patient care. This doesn't differentiate you from medical assistants or CNAs.

Do This Instead

Be specific: 'Prepared patients for restorative procedures, explained treatment plans, and provided post-op instructions'

Don't Do This

Omitting certification status or expiration dates

Employers need to verify current credentials. Missing this information raises red flags.

Do This Instead

Include full certification names with status: 'DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), current through 2026'

Don't Do This

Not quantifying patient volumes or procedure counts

A busy multi-provider practice needs to know you can handle volume. Numbers prove capability.

Do This Instead

Add metrics: 'Assisted with 1,000+ restorative procedures annually in high-volume general practice'

Don't Do This

Forgetting to mention radiography credentials

Most states require radiography certification. Omitting it suggests you may not be qualified to take X-rays.

Do This Instead

List clearly: 'State Radiography License' or 'DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certified'

Don't Do This

Using outdated terminology like 'dental nurse' or 'chair-side'

Modern job postings use 'dental assistant' and 'chairside' (one word). Outdated terms may not match ATS.

Do This Instead

Use current industry terms: 'chairside assisting', 'four-handed dentistry', 'expanded functions'

Before submitting your Dental Assistant resume, make sure it contains the right keywords. Our Keyword Scanner compares your resume against job descriptions to identify missing terms that could get your application filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems. Paste your resume and a job posting below to see your keyword match score.
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ATS Keywords for Dental Assistant Resumes

Terms that help your resume pass applicant tracking systems

ATS Keywords

Click to copy • Include these naturally in your resume

CategoryRecommended Keywords
Core Clinical Skills
Dental Radiography
Infection Control
Dental Software
Materials & Procedures
Certifications

Dental Assistant Resume Bullets You Can Copy

Achievement statements tailored to your experience

  • Provided chairside assistance for 25+ patients daily across restorative, surgical, and endodontic procedures
  • Captured 40+ diagnostic-quality digital radiographs daily with 98% first-attempt accuracy
  • Maintained sterilization compliance with zero infection control incidents over 3-year tenure
  • Managed patient scheduling and records in Dentrix for 2,500+ active patients
  • Fabricated 300+ temporary crowns annually with precise marginal adaptation
  • Verified insurance benefits and pre-authorized treatment for 50+ patients weekly
  • Trained 5 new dental assistants on radiography technique and infection control protocols
  • Reduced patient anxiety through clear procedure explanations, decreasing cancellations by 25%
  • Supported oral surgery procedures including extractions, implants, and bone grafts
  • Processed 200+ instruments daily through sterilization cycle with 100% biological monitoring compliance
  • Achieved DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential with passing scores on all three exams
  • Coordinated treatment schedules across 4 providers, maximizing chair utilization and reducing gaps

Want personalized bullets? Our AI Bullet Generator creates achievement-focused bullets tailored to your experience.

Best Certifications for Dental Assistants

Credentials that boost your hiring chances

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

Gold standard certification. Requires GC, RHS, ICE exams. Recognized in 39 states. 35,000+ holders. Annual recertification.

Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)

DANB

Required for radiography in most states. Part of CDA or standalone. Valid for X-ray duties in dental offices.

Infection Control (ICE)

DANB

Demonstrates OSHA and CDC compliance. Part of CDA certification. Required independently by some states.

CPR/BLS Certification

Required

American Heart Association or Red Cross

Required for all positions. Renews every 2 years. Healthcare Provider BLS preferred over basic CPR.

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

State Dental Boards

State-level license with varying requirements. Some states require for expanded functions. Check state board.

National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA)

DANB

Entry-level certification for new assistants. Stepping stone to CDA. Good for career starters.

Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA)

DANB

Specialty cert for ortho practices. Covers bracket placement and wire changes. Higher pay in ortho offices.

Dental Assistant Resume Skills FAQ

Include chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control, practice management software (Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental), patient communication, and any certifications. Tailor skills to the job posting: general practices want versatility, while specialty offices want relevant specialty experience.

Requirements vary by state. Some states require licensure or registration, while others allow on-the-job training. However, DANB's Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is recognized in 39 states and preferred by most employers. CDAs earn $3.50/hour more on average than non-certified assistants according to DANB's 2024 salary survey.

Dentrix (Henry Schein) and Eaglesoft (Patterson) dominate the market, used by most large practices. Open Dental is popular among independent practices with 12,000+ installations. Digital imaging systems include Dexis and Schick. List specific systems you've used rather than generic 'computer skills'.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median dental assistant salary is $47,300 annually ($22.38/hour). Certified Dental Assistants earn $26/hour on average. Top earners exceed $61,000. Location matters significantly: Minnesota averages $64,000 while Mississippi averages $37,000.

CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) is a national credential from DANB requiring three exams. RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) is a state-level license with requirements varying by state. Some states require both. The CDA is portable across states, while RDA requirements differ by location.

Yes. Many dental assistants learn through on-the-job training, though this path takes longer. DANB allows the CDA exam after 3,500 hours of work experience (about 2 years full-time). Formal programs take 9-12 months and may include externships. Some states have specific education requirements.

Start with CPR/BLS (required everywhere) and state radiography certification. The DANB CDA requires passing three exams: General Chairside (GC), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), and Infection Control (ICE). Specialty certifications include COA (orthodontic), CPFDA (preventive functions), and CRFDA (restorative functions).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for dental assistants through 2034, faster than average. This translates to 52,900 openings annually. The American Dental Association reports that 40% of practices were actively recruiting dental assistants in 2024, with 75% describing hiring as challenging.

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