When dental assistants apply for a job, having the right resume format is important for getting your resume into the yes pile, so hiring managers immediately see your certifications, clinical skills, and patient-care experience.
Let's explore some of the various resume formats and which ones work best for dental assistant resumes.
Related: Entry level dental assistant resume examples and template
The Best Resume Format for Dental Assistants (and Why It Works)
The reverse-chronological format is the most common and ATS-friendly choice.
It puts your most recent experience first, which is exactly how dental offices skim for relevance.
Here are some different formats and who they're best for.
| Resume Format | Best For | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse-Chronological | Most applicants | Lists recent roles first; easy for employers and ATS to scan. |
| Functional | New grads / returning to work | Emphasizes skills over work history; useful if experience is limited. |
| Combination | Experienced assistants | Balances a strong skills section with a clear work history; great for showcasing certifications. |
Pro Tip: Keep formatting simple (one column, standard fonts, clear headings). Fancy layouts can break in ATS systems.
What to Include on Your Resume
Here are the essential sections every dental assistant should include on their resume.
- Contact Information: Name, phone, professional email, city/state (skip full address).
- Professional Summary: 2–3 lines highlighting experience, certifications, and patient-care strengths.
- Skills: Mix technical (radiography, sterilization, charting) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).
- Experience: Reverse-chronological bullets with measurable impact.
- Education & Certifications: DANB, X-ray, EFDA/expanded functions (state-specific), CPR.
- Software: Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental.
- Languages: Bilingual skills can boost patient satisfaction.
- Volunteer/Externships: Great for newer candidates.
- Awards/Professional Memberships: ADHA/DANB membership, CE highlights.
Dental Assistant Resume Example
Copy, paste, and customize the sample below to match your experience and the job description.
Jane Doe, CDA Phoenix, AZ · (480) 555-1234 · jane.doe@email.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe · Profile: princessdentalstaffing.com/profiles/janedoe Professional Summary Compassionate and detail-oriented Dental Assistant with 4+ years of experience supporting dentists and improving patient comfort. Proficient in radiography, sterilization, and chairside assistance; recognized for clear communication, efficiency, and infection control compliance. Skills • Chairside assistance • Digital X-rays & radiography • Charting & documentation • Sterilization & infection control (OSHA/CDC) • Dentrix / Eaglesoft • Patient communication • Inventory & operatory setup • Four-handed dentistry • Emergency readiness (CPR) Experience Dental Assistant · Desert Smile Dentistry · Phoenix, AZ Jan 2021 – Present • Prepared operatories and instruments, reducing average setup time by 15% while maintaining OSHA compliance. • Assisted with restorations, extractions, impressions, sealants, and hygiene support for 20–30 patients/day. • Managed digital charting and coordinated lab cases; improved turnaround time by 10%. • Trained 2 new assistants on sterilization protocols and four-handed dentistry techniques. Dental Assistant (Extern) · Sun Valley Dental Group · Phoenix, AZ Aug 2020 – Dec 2020 • Supported perio maintenance visits and took radiographs under supervision; maintained 100% quality checklist score. • Educated patients on post-op care and home hygiene, contributing to higher patient satisfaction scores. Education & Certifications Certified Dental Assistant (DANB) · 2020 Arizona Radiography Certification · 2020 CPR/BLS (AHA) · Current
Pro Tipi: Export your resume to PDF to preserve formatting—and name the file professionally, e.g., Jane-Doe-Dental-Assistant-Resume.pdf.
More Pro Tips to Make Your Resume Shine
Here are a few more tips to help your resume stand out.
- Mirror the job post: If the posting mentions sealants, impressions, or Open Dental, include those exact terms where relevant.
- Use action verbs: Assisted, prepared, sterilized, documented, educated, coordinated, maintained, improved.
- Quantify results: “Supported 25+ patients/day,” “Cut setup time by 15%,” “Trained 2 assistants.”
- Keep it to one page (unless you have 10+ years’ experience).
- Consistency counts: Align dates, dashes, bullets, and tense throughout.
- Match your PDS profile: Ensure your Princess Dental Staffing profile mirrors your resume for a cohesive candidate brand.
Ready to Apply?
Upload your resume and start applying to jobs near you. Princess Dental Staffing connects dental professionals with full-time, part-time, and temp opportunities across the U.S.
FAQ: Dental Assistant Resume Format
What is the best resume format for a dental assistant?
Reverse-chronological is best for most candidates because it’s the easiest for hiring teams and ATS to scan. Functional and combination formats work for new grads or experienced assistants who want to showcase skills up front.
How long should my dental assistant resume be?
Aim for one page. If you have 10+ years of experience, two pages can be acceptable—keep it tightly focused on relevant experience and credentials.
Which skills do employers look for?
Chairside assistance, radiography/X-rays, sterilization & infection control, charting, familiarity with practice software (Dentrix/Eaglesoft), patient communication, and teamwork.
Should I include certifications?
Yes—put DANB, state radiography or expanded functions (EFDA), and CPR/BLS in an Education & Certifications section so they pop on a quick scan.
