Here is a recent resume posted on this site in the comment section. After everything I posted, how is this any different than all the other resumes sent out daily? Would you feel excited to meet this applicant? You need to make your resume stand out. This is a competitive environment and the traditional resume just does not make it to the top of the pile anymore.
Name deleted
Phone -xxx-xxx-6693
Email: name deleted@yahoo.com
Objective: Position at the Dental office with the opportunity to utilize training, expertise and experience to work as a Dental Assistant
Professional Experience:
Dental Assistant somewhere, VA Nov 2010 – Present
• Expose digital panoramic radiographs, FMS X-rays
• Electronic Periodontal charting, assisting in scaling
• Knowledge on Dentrix dental software
Dental Assistant internship somewhere, LLC, MD June 2010 – Nov 2010
• Prepare and arrange instruments, dental materials; cements, amalgam, composite, impression materials, etc
• Promptly follow all instructions from the Dentist dealing with patient comfort
• Expose, develop and process dental X-rays and maintain x-ray machinery
• Perform required laboratory procedures, i.e., take dental impressions, pour plaster modals, etc
• Maintain dental equipment and operatories in good, clean condition at all times and maintain the instruments and working areas in strict accordance with sterilization/disinfection protocols as per OSHA guidelines.
• Maintain personal protection per OSHA guidelines as it pertains to personnel safety, i.e., protective clothing, eyewear and gloves
• Excellent communication skills needed to follow verbal and written instructions, and great ability to understand technical and pharmaceutical terminology
• Deep sense of punctuality, accuracy, efficiency and professionalism
Education:
Diploma in Dental Assistant somewhere, Arlington, VA
2009 – 2010
General Courses somewhere, Takoma Park, MD
2008 – 2009
Microsoft Office somewhere, Silver Spring, MD
2007-2008
Diploma General Agriculture somewhere, somewhere, Ethiopia
1992-1993
Professional Affiliations:
C.P.R Certified
2010-2012
Work Experience:
Parking Attendant PENN Parking Attendant somewhere, MD January 2010 – Present Customer Service
References provided upon request
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
LOL!
The point of this website is to help dental assistants avoid the trap of complacency. Be “different” if you want to stand out.
A few simple things could have made this resume better:
1. Layout – be creative, non-traditional. Maybe like an iPhone text message thread? Just an idea…
2. Picture? A smiling face is very important.
3. Start your resume with a list of things YOU could do FOR the practice that no-one else does…social networking?
Think outside the box.
Hi – I noticed you seemed so nice and quick to respond in the other comment sections on this site I’ve been reading and I wanted to ask you (but couldn’t find a contact us/email address)
I’m fresh meat and have many questions…I wanted to be a cosmetic dentist for 20 years (I’m 22 now, nearing completion of BA in Busin. management) but since volunteering at a family dental practice, I’m liking the wide variety of what I see the dental technician does more than the actual dentist.
I’ve read the difference between RDA (state registered, seem to earn more) and CDA (nationwide) and see that expanded functions help pay-wise. Do differences in continuing education exist between RDA/CDA? How often are the CEUs?
If I have no rush with time, except wanting to work with teeth and my scholarship, should I attend school for CDA now or try to find a dentist who will on the job train me? How long does it take to get certification in expanded functions? Can this certification be done with on the job training as well? What is the right way to go about asking for on the job training? How soon is too soon? Should I show my interest in on the job training on my first visit to a new office because I don’t think I can at my current small town location. I know that each dentist is different when it comes to DA salaries and training, etc. but I am trying to find out beforehand. Hope to hear back! via e-mail is great…or posted here to help others is fine too
P.S. Professional headshots on a DA resume does seem different and smiles are important in that setting, but should we really hand that in with a resume? What if the person we hand it to discards it or he/she or the dentists takes it as presumptuous?
GREAT comment. This is what a forum like this is all about. Sorry it took so long.
The decision between becoming a dentist or a dental assistant is significant and really can’t be grouped together. I will focus on your decision to become a dental assistant
Dental assisting is a great profession as it does provide variety! There are so many different jobs in a dental office that an assistant can perform you are certain to never get bored.
Now, RDA vs CDA: Each State has different regulations. I had a practice in California and now have one in Kentucky. In CA the requirements are much higher for dental assistants than here in Kentucky, to the demise of Kentucky. Education usually results in a better quality dental assistant. You need to see which State you plan to work in and what their rules are.
Continued education, I believe in most States, is due every 2 years. You should look forward to this as it makes the profession more exciting. Some States have no requirements.
I know there are many ways to become a dental assistant, and it can seem overwhelming to consider all the options such as extended functions. Remember, most dentists want a “good” dental assistant and don’t care about the “title” unless you also are experienced. So don’t go out and get all the degrees without having gotten your feet wet in a real office.
Salaries…the big $. Salaries vary widely by State. I would suggest you pick a place to work where you want to live, then consider the jobs. That is just me, but life comes first – you need to live in a place you love regardless of income. Then find ways to maximize your income (hence I wrote the manual). Most people have a hard time living off the salary you receive as a dental assistant. It is a great second income, but supporting a family on this income is hard, in my opinion, especially in a place like Kentucky. So, obviously you make more money assisting in California or Florida than Kentucky or Indiana.
Dentists will hire based on many factors. It does not hurt to get to know the “good” dentists in your chosen location before going to school. Some may even help pay for your schooling!
Headshot: I recommend this because it is different and shows that you are serious. Make sure you look well put together, happy and approachable. It also helps visual people (like myself) remember you when going through the resumes later!
I hope this helps
Keep smiling,
Dr. Chris
Could you show an example of what you think is a great resume?
Hi Misty,
I have yet to receive a “great” resume myself! But, I can tell you how I select if someone gets an interview or not in my office since it recently happened.
A dental assistant walked in and “smiled” at my receptionist. She introduced herself and looked into her eyes. She complimented the office and after 20 seconds it was apparent that she was an uplifting personality. I did not meet this girl but my office manager was impressed. She handed her a generic resume. Had she not had such a great “personal” interaction with the dental assistant then I would never have looked at that resume twice. But since she came highly recommended from my front office staff I looked at the resume and instantly went to the recommendation letters in back (these should be front and center). They were hand signed and of course great (who would put a bad recommendation letter in there?). I especially like when I see that the previous dentist recommends that I call them with any questions.
So I interviewed her and she seems perfect. Voila, it is that simple.
Smile, make a great first impression (no scrubs), and live up to what you promise