Do you need an entry level dental assistant resume?

Or maybe you’re an inexperienced assistant and you’re looking to build a stronger resume?

Princess has got ya covered. 

15 Responsibilities To Include on Your Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume

When crafting an entry-level dental assistant resume, it's important to highlight responsibilities that showcase your skills and readiness to contribute effectively in a dental office setting. 

Here's a list of common responsibilities that are often included on an entry-level dental assistant resume. These responsibilities demonstrate a range of skills from patient care to administrative duties, reflecting the multifaceted role of a dental assistant, especially at the entry level.

Include the ones that fit you the best!

1. Assisting with Dental Procedures: Providing chairside assistance to the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures, preparing and handling instruments, and prepping materials during dental procedures.
2. Patient Care: Welcoming patients, preparing them for treatment, and explaining dental procedures in a reassuring manner.
3. Sterilization and Infection Control: Sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment, maintaining a clean and orderly environment to comply with infection control.
4. Dental Radiography: Taking dental radiographs (X-rays) under the supervision of a dentist and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
5. Dental Impressions: Assisting with dental impressions and preparing study models.
6. Record Keeping: Updating and maintaining patient dental records, including recording treatment information in patient records.
7. Appointment Scheduling: Scheduling and confirming appointments, and managing patient flow to ensure efficient operation of the dental office.
8. Supply Management: Monitoring and ordering dental supplies and materials as needed, and ensuring inventory is well-stocked and organized.
9. Patient Education: Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures
10. Front Office Support: Performing various office tasks as needed, such as answering phones, filing, and handling patient inquiries.
11. Treatment Room Prep: Setting up treatment rooms before procedures and ensuring necessary equipment and materials are available.
12. Post-Treatment Care: Assisting patients with post-treatment care and instructions, and ensuring they are comfortable after procedures.
13. Collaboration: Working closely with the dentist and dental hygienist to provide efficient and effective patient care.
14. Compliance: Understanding and adhering to workplace health and safety policies, as well as legal regulations like HIPAA.
15. Continued Education: Staying updated with the latest developments in dental technology and procedures through continuing education courses.

Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume Example

zachbrown@outlook.com • (555) 123-4567 • linkedin.com/in/zach-brown  • @zack.brown

Objective
Highly motivated entry-level dental assistant eager to apply learned skills in a professional dental setting. Committed to providing high-quality patient care and support while continually enhancing dental assisting skills. Looking for an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic dental team and gain hands-on experience.

Education
Diploma in Dental Assisting
September 2022 – June 2023

• Completed accredited dental assisting program
• Learned chairside assisting, dental materials, radiography, and infection control
• GPA: 3.8

Certifications

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) – June 2023
• CPR and First Aid Certified – May 2023

Work Experience
Dental Assistant Intern
Smiles Dental Clinic
March 2023 – June 2023

• Assisted with routine dental procedures under supervision
• Prepared treatment rooms, sterilized instruments, and set up instrument trays
• Provided patient education on oral hygiene
• Assisted with taking dental radiographs
• Managed patient records and scheduled appointments

Skills

• Knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
• Proficient in dental software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Understanding of infection control protocols

Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Dental Assistant
Free Dental Clinic
January 2023 – March 2023

• Assisted dentists in providing free dental care to underserved communities
• Helped in organizing patient records and managing appointments
• Maintained cleanliness and order in the treatment area

Professional Affiliations

• Member, American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
• Member, National Dental Association (NDA)
• National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA)

Top Skills to Include on Your Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume

When crafting an entry-level dental assistant resume, it's important to include specific skills and keywords that employers are likely to look for. These not only highlight your capabilities but also help your resume get noticed, especially by automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many employers. 

Here's two skills lists, hard and soft skills, to consider.

15 Hard Skills

1. Chairside Assisting: Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures.
2. Patient Care: Ability to make patients feel comfortable and manage any anxiety.
3. Sterilization Techniques: Knowledge of proper sterilization of instruments and infection control.
4. Dental Terminology: Familiarity with dental terms and procedures.
5. Radiography: Skills in taking and processing dental X-rays.
6. Impression Taking: Ability to assist in taking and pouring dental impressions.
7. Record Keeping: Accurate documentation and updating of patient records.
8. Appointment Scheduling: Proficiency in scheduling appointments and managing patient flow.
9. Dental Materials Knowledge: Understanding of the materials used in various dental procedures.
10. Equipment Maintenance: Basic skills in maintaining and troubleshooting dental equipment.
11. Infection Control Protocols: Knowledge of and adherence to infection control guidelines.
12. Oral Hygiene Education: Ability to educate patients on maintaining good oral health.
13. Computer Proficiency: Familiarity with dental software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft) and basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
14. CPR Certification: Often required or highly beneficial for dental assistants.
15. HIPAA Compliance: Understanding of patient privacy laws.

15 Soft Skills List

1. Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with the dental team.
2. Communication Skills: Articulates information clearly and listens attentively, ensuring effective exchange of information with patients and the dental team.
3. Customer Service: Providing a high level of dental patient service and care.
4. Organizational Skills: Efficient in organizing tasks and managing time.
5. Attention to Detail: Precision and care in all dental procedures and administrative tasks.
6. Interpersonal Skills: Excels in building positive relationships with patients and colleagues, fostering a friendly and collaborative environment.
7. Time Management: Effectively prioritizes and allocates time to various tasks, ensuring efficient workflow and meeting deadlines in a busy dental practice.
8. Professionalism: Maintains a high standard of ethics, reliability, and appearance, contributing positively to the workplace environment.
9. Adaptability: Quickly adjusts to new situations and changes in the workplace, maintaining effectiveness in varying environments and with different tasks.
10. Organization: Keeps patient records, schedules, and dental tools well-organized, ensuring smooth operations in the dental office.
11. Problem Solving: Identifies issues promptly and develops effective solutions, especially in unexpected or challenging situations.
12. Multitasking: Efficiently handles multiple responsibilities simultaneously, maintaining composure and focus in a fast-paced dental setting.
13. Active Listening: Pays close attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and responding thoughtfully.
14. Empathy: Demonstrates a deep understanding of and sensitivity to patients' feelings and anxieties, providing comfort and reassurance during dental treatments.

Entry Level Dental Assistant Resume Template

This resume template focuses on your educational background and relevant skills, which are crucial for an entry-level position. It also includes any internship or volunteer experiences that demonstrate practical experience in the field, even if you don't have extensive professional experience.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Objective
Eager and highly motivated Entry Level Dental Assistant with strong attention to detail, exceptional patient care skills, and a passion for providing patients with high-quality dental care. Skilled in chairside assisting, sterilization, x-rays, and a variety of dental procedures. Attention to detail with a committment to the dental field.

Education
Diploma in Dental Assisting
[Name of the Educational Institution], [City, State]
[Month Year] – [Month Year]

• Completed accredited dental assisting program
• Learned chairside assisting, dental materials, radiography, and infection control
• GPA: [Your GPA, if above 3.0]

Certifications

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) – [Month Year]
• CPR and First Aid Certified – [Month Year]
• National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA), Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) – [Month Year]
   

Clinical Experience
Dental Assistant Intern
[Name of the Dental Clinic], [City, State]
[Month Year] – [Month Year]

• Assisted dentist with dental procedures
• Prepped treatment rooms, sterilized instruments, and set up instrument trays
• Provided exceptional patient care and education 
• Maintained a clean, safe work environment with OSHA compliance
• Managed patient records and scheduled appointments

Skills

• Dental procedure assisting
• Treatment room prep
• Inventory managment 
• Patient documentation
• Computer and dental software proficiency (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Collaborative team member
• Basic understanding of infection control protocols

Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Dental Assistant
[Community Dental Camp or Clinic], [City, State]
[Month Year] – [Month Year]

• Managed dental inventory, restocking and ordering of supplies
• Assisted dentists in providing free dental care to underserved communities
• Documented patient care and organized patient records
• Answered phones and set appointments

References
Available upon request