A resume is a marketing tool. It is like a self advertisement that tries to sell one’s capabilities. Consequently, it is just proper to make one that perfectly showcases your aptitude without any compromise. A dental assistant resume may be categorized as one that is for a semi-professional job, but it should be done in the most professional way possible. Here are some key points in constructing one.
1. Career objective.
The objective in the dental assistant resume should clearly state the applicant’s aim. It should be clear, concise and direct to the point and no beating around the bush. Create a statement, not a story.
2. Educational background.
Fresh graduates are at times fearful in submitting their application because of the lack of experience. They usually come up with a dental assistant resume that they think is too short for the employer to take notice. Which is why it is important to emphasize your educational training to support their trust that you are one good choice for the job.
The new graduate may not have a work history to bank on, but he may underscore qualification points that he might have earned during the course of his study. Special skills such as impression taking may sound too simple a task, but it matters to a dentist who values manual dexterity and speed even without years of experience in the dental setting.
3. Work experience.
State work experiences with confidence. List the most recent experience on top. You would certainly have the edge if you have worked the part for quite some time in the recent past. Although the dental assistant job has a limited scope and is not expected to handle patients, specific skills such as impression and radiograph taking may be highlighted. Not all assistants are allowed to do these because it requires hands on access to a patient, which not all dentists would permit.
In stating your experiences in the dental assistant resume, be confident about them but never have a bragging tone. If you have worked in a very famous dental office, stop at the name and address. Name dropping is not necessary because patient confidentiality is a big issue. Never try to win your boss by stating that you have assisted with dentists who worked on celebrities and rock stars.
4. Skills.
o Highlight your skills as a dental assistant. Since you are expected to do stuff such as sterilization, follow-up appointments, record keeping and some x-ray or impression taking, emphasize the area where you think you are very good at.
o Highlight other non-dental skills. Again, you might think this is totally pointless. PR skills would be very good in winning patients, and your past PR job might just come in handy. Proficiency in computer work and paperwork may be highlighted as well. Even your expertise in troubleshooting a Mac may be needed in case the office is completely digital and all files are saved in the computer database. It doesn’t need to be a lengthy explanation; include it in the dental assistant resume to let the employer know of other things that you are capable of just in case the need arises.
5. Personal details.
Include contact numbers and references. You might have won the post but if there’s no way to contact you again, then the effort was just useless.
6. Technical aspects.
Be formal yet reachable, serious yet snappy. Have you seen the first Legally Blonde movie? Elle Woods, the main character portrayed by Reese Witherspoon, was applying for a Harvard post and submitted a resume in scented paper. Which was also pink, by the way.
This does not mean lack of formality. It shows personality. However, do not be too casual and familiar. Use the proper fonts and margins. Make use of bullet points and numbers to highlight qualities that need to be emphasized. Do away with paragraphed objectives that could end up in a book cover page. Do not fold and stash it in a flimsy envelope.
A presentation lacking substance equates to heavy negative points. Make an impression from the first step. Although a pink resume may seem too informal, admit it, it catches your attention. Stick to the white papers though if you are afraid of the initial judgment. If you can pull it off with the right spunk and attitude, its fine; however, stay light and pastel. No hot pinks.
Writing a dental assistant resume is not simply opening up a word file and typing up. Downloadable samples from the internet are aplenty, but most are pretty generic. Add a little something that wouldn’t compromise formality and substance.
Bear in mind that you are selling your professional self and you are not out to prove that you are very much perfect. Your resume speaks of your abilities, not perfection. The technical aspects allow you to showcase personality that you can really prove. It’s not a paper with bragging rights. A dental assistant resume is a document that spells how well you’ve gone so far and how far you could still go in your chosen field.
SAMPLE RESUME
Solenn Wilson
5th Avenue, CA
Home: XXXXX-XXXXX
Mobile: XXXXX- XXXXX
Email: solenn.wilson@xxx.com
Career Profile and Objective:
A dynamic Certified Dental Assistant with extensive skills and the proficiency to assist dentists in handling clinical and laboratory duties. Can also perform administrative tasks.
Seeking position as a Certified Dental Assistant to utilize and hone my abilities.
Professional strengths:
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service and administrative skills
• Extensive knowledge of up-to-date dental treatments with expertise in preventive dentistry
• Comprehensive knowledge of proper dental isolation techniques
• Treats patients with utmost care
• Knowledgeable in handling dental equipment like x-ray machines
• Can take x-rays and patient impressions
• Familiar with major operating systems like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint
• Proficiency with internet applications for further research
Professional Experience:
Dental Care Clinic, CA
20XX till date
Certified Dental Assistant
• Sterilizes dental equipments according to accepted standards
• Assists dentist in carrying out four-handed dentistry measures
• Provides patient care instructions regarding oral hygiene and post-operative care
• Takes and processes x-rays
• Prepares and mixes restorative dental cements
• Arranges instruments on the chair side tray
• Assists in procedures such as oral suction and retraction if needed
• Updates paperwork and patient records
• Handles other responsibilities like basic oral prophylaxis if the need arises
Dental Care Hospital, CA
19XX to 20XX
Certified Dental Assistant
• Assisted with intra-oral procedures
• Provided patients education about oral health care
• Performed preventative procedures like fluoride and fissure sealant application
• Collected data for recording comprehensive patient histories
• Handled dental charting during dental procedures
• Handled other administrative tasks as assigned
Educational Summary:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Assistant Program, Dental College, CA 19XX
• Certification Course in Basic Dental Assistant and Hygienist, Dental Care Center, CA, 19XX
Personal Details:
• Date of Birth: XX/XX/19XX
• Employment Status: Full time
• Relationship status: Married
References:
Will be available upon request
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