What Employers Really Look for in Dental Assistant Resumes

Author: Dr. Casey Hart

In a competitive field like dental assisting, your resume is more than a list of jobs — it’s your first impression. Whether you’re applying to a private dental office or a large DSO (dental service organization), employers often spend less than 10 seconds scanning your resume before deciding whether to move forward.

So what makes a dental assistant resume stand out? Below are the top 7 things employers look for and how you can craft a resume that gets interviews.

1. Certified Dental Assistant Credentials (CDA or RDA)

Certification matters. Employers prefer candidates who are credentialed, either through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or your state’s Registered Dental Assistant program. If you’re certified in radiology, CPR, or infection control, include those clearly in your resume header or skills section.

📝 Tip: Write out the full certification name and the abbreviation. Example: “Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), DANB certified.”

2. Chairside Experience and Clinical Skills

Clinical experience is one of the first things hiring managers scan for. If you’ve assisted during extractions, root canals, or crown prep, say so. Be specific.

Strong examples:

• “Assisted with four-handed dentistry in general and pediatric procedures”

• “Trained in sterilization protocols and OSHA compliance”

Even if you’re newly graduated, list hands-on training from your externship.

3. Soft Skills: Communication, Compassion, and Professionalism

Dental offices rely on assistants who are great with patients and coworkers. Highlight people skills such as:

• Patient education

• Calming anxious patients

• Working in fast-paced, team-based settings

Employers often say they can train technical skills, but they can’t train attitude. A warm, confident tone in your resume makes a difference.

4. Digital Dental Software Proficiency

Today’s offices are digital. Experience with dental software like Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental gives you a clear edge. List the software by name.

If you’re still in training, include a line like:

“Currently training on Dentrix and cloud-based charting platforms.”

5. X-Ray Certification and Radiology Experience

Most states require certification for dental radiography. If you have this, make it visible — even in the resume title:

“Georgia licensed Dental Assistant | DANB RHS Certified”

List how often you’ve taken x-rays and any specialties:

• Panoramic

• FMX

• Pediatric bitewings

• Cone beam CT (CBCT)

6. Professional Formatting and Grammar

Hiring managers do judge a resume by its cover. Poor formatting or grammar signals poor attention to detail, which is a red flag in clinical settings.

Follow these tips:

• Keep it to one page if you’re early in your career

• Use bullet points and action verbs

• Spell-check thoroughly

• Save as a PDF, not Word

7. Evidence of Growth and Reliability

Employers value candidates who show loyalty and upward movement, even in short-term roles. Include:

• Promotions (e.g., “Promoted to Lead Dental Assistant after 6 months”)

• Training new hires

• Taking initiative (inventory, sterilization protocols, patient education)

This shows you’re not just clocking in. You’re invested in the success of the practice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re applying for dental assistant positions, remember this: your resume should reflect more than just your training. It should reflect your value. From clinical expertise to compassionate care, your ability to show both skill and heart is what gets you hired.

At Dental Careers Institute, we train future dental assistants not just to pass exams, but to build careers. Want help creating a resume that gets interviews? Contact us today or explore our dental assisting program to get started.