DENTAL ASSISTANT SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Jun 20, 2025 - The Dental Assistant has experience operating a wide range of dental equipment, including autoclaves, suction systems, handpieces, imaging tools (panorex, cephalometric, TMJ film), and sterilization devices such as Hydrim and Statmatic. This role requires strong interpersonal communication, multitasking under pressure, conflict resolution, and a consistently professional attitude when interacting with patients, staff, and doctors. The assistant is also proficient in Dentrix and Microsoft Office, with radiology licensure and a solid understanding of dental practices and procedures.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Dental Assistant Resume
  • Instrument Sterilization
  • X-ray Imaging
  • Chairside Assistance
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Infection Control
  • Chart Management
  • Tray Preparation
  • Appointment Scheduling
  • Procedure Preparation
  • Supply Inventory
  • Patient Care
  • Time Management
  • Team Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Patient Education
  • Problem Solving
  • Patient Experience
  • Staff Development
  • Preventive Dialogue
  • Stakeholder Negotiation

Summary of Dental Assistant Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Dental Assisting with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience as a Dental Assistant
  • Experience in taking X-rays, organizing, and maintaining lab equipment
  • Experience in sterilizing instruments and equipment
  • Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs
  • Able to provide excellent customer service to all patients and visitors
  • Superior working knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
  • An ability to provide comprehensive post-operative dental procedures to patients.
  • Ability to build rapport with patients
  • Good manual dexterity

2. BS in Dental Technology with 3 years of Experience

  • Oregon Certificate of Radiological Proficiency
  • Oregon Certificate of Expanded Functions (EFDA)
  • Oregon Certificate of Additional Expanded Functions (Sealants)
  • Idaho Certification of Registration in Expanded Functions
  • Idaho Certificate to place sealants and polish restorations.
  • BLS certified in basic life support.
  • A pleasant and mature personality and a willingness to learn and take initiative.
  • Be able to speak and understand Spanish and English.
  • Be available for evening and weekend hours
  • Compassionate toward people and display a genuine understanding and empathy toward the underserved populations of Idaho and Oregon.

3. BS in Biomedical Science with 1 year of Experience

  • Previous dental assistant experience
  • Working knowledge of Dentrix
  • Upbeat, friendly disposition
  • Must be a motivated self-starter
  • Reliable, punctual, and responsible
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Able to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, following company policy
  • Must be licensed to practice as a Registered Dental Assistant by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners

4. BS in Dental Science with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience working as a Dental Assistant with necessary industry certifications and education
  • Working knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, and equipment
  • Outstanding time management, communication, and technical skills
  • Can-do attitude, a proactive nature, and a strong sense of ownership and integrity
  • A nice, caring person who wants to grow
  • Must be willing to learn and jump in quickly.
  • Good computer skills and manual dexterity

5. BS in Dental Hygiene with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience working in the dental industry
  • Must have chair-side experience
  • Working knowledge of sterilisation processing and tracking instruments practice
  • Strict understanding and knowledge of infection control
  • Ability to do other duties such as office administration and reception
  • Exceptional patient care
  • Working experience with the latest dental technologies and equipment
  • Sound computer literacy skills and experience with Dental 4 Windows

6. BS in Public Health with 4 years of Experience

  • Ability to ensure the maintenance of dental equipment.
  • Skilled in X-ray and film development techniques.
  • Knowledge of sterilization techniques.
  • Knowledge of OSHA requirements
  • Ability to fabricate cosmetic temps.
  • Ability to document treatment plans with estimated costs.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • An ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
  • Proficient with scheduling programs.

7. BS in Biology with 3 years of Experience

  • Previous Dental Assistant experience
  • Must have Dental Software experience
  • X-Ray, infection control, and current CPR and First Aid certificates
  • Pediatric dentistry working experience
  • Team player, detail-oriented, service-oriented, and social perceptiveness
  • Great communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong critical thinking ability
  • Positive attitude and great work ethic

8. BS in Nursing with 5 years of Experience

  • Valid member of the Florida Dental Assistants Association
  • Experience as a dental assistant with X-ray certification
  • Certified in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to listen and converse with patients, using tact and discretion, and the ability to educate, build rapport, and trust with patients.
  • Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to make notes in the patient chart, ensuring the information is correct and accurate
  • Strong computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office suite, email, spreadsheets, and Open Dental software (this is a MUST)
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with patients and the team
  • Ability to calm and reassure patients facing uncomfortable or painful procedures
  • Ability to quickly write detailed information in a readable, condensed form
  • Ability to be consistently punctual and reliable in attendance
  • Ability to work safely and follow established safety and office procedures
  • Able to juggle multiple tasks, change priorities, and be interrupted to deal with the demands of the clinic and maintain patient care

9. BS in Biochemistry with 4 years of Experience

  • DANB - certified dental assistant
  • Active member of professional organizations (ADAA, RIDAA, etc.)
  • Be bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Must be able to take on responsibilities and be able to function effectively with little or no supervision.
  • Ability to effectively engage with patients, their families, and personnel in a professional manner.
  • Able to effectively communicate patients’ needs to other members of the health care team.
  • Must be computer and laptop literate and competent in the use of Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Excel)
  • Knowledge of dental software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft), remote dental devices, and communicating through email.
  • Must be current on new dental technologies and willing to learn new skills.
  • Capable of performing basic administrative duties (e.g., use of MFD, copy machine, scanner, fax, and computer).
  • Must be open and flexible to new ideas and constructive feedback.

10. BS in Medical Sciences with 1 year of Experience

  • High standards for integrity, honesty, professionalism, and work ethic.
  • Commitment to service excellence.
  • Ability to work independently while demonstrating excellent organization and follow-through.
  • Flexible and efficient time management and the ability to prioritize workload.
  • Ability and willingness to move with purpose and a strong sense of urgency.
  • Self-motivated, positive, and enthusiastic.
  • Self-starter with a strong desire to exceed expectations and capable of supporting a team to achieve successful results.
  • Must maintain confidentiality and discretion.
  • Ability to effectively work in collaboration with others to achieve business objectives.

11. BS in Health Sciences with 2 years of Experience

  • Must hold X-ray certification
  • Working experience as a dental assistant 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proven ability to follow outlined policies and guidelines
  • A professional, positive attitude, and willingness to work together as a team
  • Working knowledge of Dentrix software
  • An ability to provide patients with excellent care and service

12. BS in Life Sciences with 5 years of Experience

  • Previous dental working experience
  • Retain license (Registered, CDA, or EFDA)
  • Proficiency to perform expanded dental assistant functions according to state guidelines and limitations.
  • Active Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification.
  • A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license or a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate
  • Hold a radiography licensure.
  • Excellent customer service skills and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent multitasking and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a high-volume environment.

13. BS in Healthcare Administration with 4 years of Experience

  • Previous experience as a Dental Assistant
  • Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting
  • Experience assisting in CEREC, ceramic dentistry
  • Experience working with Dentrix Ascend
  • High-quality professional communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proven ability to build rapport with patients and staff, as well as the ability to work in a close-knit team
  • Previous experience in a fast-paced, busy dental practice
  • Current Police Clearance and Working with Children

14. BS in Microbiology with 3 years of Experience

  • Working experience as an assistant with a Certified Dental Assistant
  • Must complete an accredited course in dental assisting
  • An ability to be cross-trained
  • Ability to effectively communicate with the underserved people.
  • Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and to prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills in English
  • Effective oral communication skills in Spanish

15. BS in Nutrition with 2 years of Experience

  • Must be a registered dental assistant. 
  • Experience as a dental assistant
  • Experience working with Eaglesoft
  • Experience within a community healthcare setting
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and good judgment in establishing priorities and problem solving. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office. 
  • Must be bilingual
  • A team player who works well with staff, volunteers, and patients. 
  • An individual with a work history of completing tasks on time, while displaying an ability to be creative and proactive. 
  • Must maintain up-to-date immunizations and CPR/First Aid training.

16. BS in Medical Sciences with 1 year of Experience

  • Current Certification in Dental Assisting and experience in the field
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Experience in a blended teaching environment
  • Current CPR and Radiology certifications
  • Be familiar with basic computer operations and EDR software.
  • Strong attention to detail and communication skills

17. BS in Dental Assisting with 4 years of Experience

  • Full command, verbal and written, of the English language.
  • Current Dental Assistant License/Certificate within the state of practice
  • Current PPD or Chest X-Ray per Company Policy or Dental Assistants contract
  • Current BLS card per Company Policy
  • Current Health Certificate
  • Able to apply principles of critical thinking to a variety of practical and emergent situations and accurately follow standardized procedures that may call for deviations.
  • Able to apply sound judgment beyond a specific set of instructions and apply knowledge to different factual situations.
  • Must be alert at all times and pay close attention to details.
  • Must be able to work under stress on a regular or continuous basis.

18. BS in Dental Technology with 3 years of Experience

  • Previous dental assisting experience
  • Able to meet state requirements for Dental Assistant duties, continuing education, or license
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate, and radiography certificate.
  • Excellent customer/patient service and verbal communication skills.
  • Basic computer knowledge and experience with dental management software. 
  • EagleSoft working experience
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment.
  • Must be aware of and follow state-specific rules and protocols.
  • Interpersonal and organizational skills with a detail-oriented approach. 

19. BS in Biomedical Science with 1 year of Experience

  • Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with the State of Washington
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers.
  • Prior dental assisting experience
  • Dental assisting experience with children
  • Dental assisting experience with patients with special health care needs.
  • Good communication skills and a positive working attitude
  • Able to work as a team
  • Basic data entry and computer skills

20. BS in Dental Hygiene with 5 years of Experience

  • Dental Assisting work experience
  • Expanded Duties Certified (EDC) or Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
  • Experience working with Dentrix
  • Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential communications and documents
  • Teachable and friendly team player with a sincere quality for patient care
  • Four-handed dentistry experience
  • Must be able to make temporaries, take impressions, and X-rays
  • Ability to polish, run diagnostics, and run assisted hygiene from time to time for the Dentist.
  • Ability to give post-operative instructions after procedures
  • Knowledge of processing lab cases, inbound, and outbound

21. BS in Dental Science with 2 years of Experience

  • Previous dental assisting experience
  • Radiography/X-rays certification for the respective state
  • Current BLS and CPR certification
  • Excellent understanding of dental hygiene procedures
  • Knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Extreme attention to detail with strong patient focus
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite
  • Must commit to providing exceptional service, support, and education to patients

22. BS in Dental Technology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience working in a professional, medical, or dental environment with direct customer service
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
  • Can-do attitude, a proactive nature, a strong sense of ownership and integrity, and a desire to continue to learn and grow.
  • Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, and equipment
  • Customer service oriented and able to communicate with a pleasant demeanor at all times.
  • Effective written and verbal communication with all staff and management.
  • Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to multitask and perform job duties on time.

23. BS in Nursing with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience with removable prosthodontics, such as dentures and partials
  • Experience in taking impressions for dentures
  • Experience working with oral surgery
  • X-ray certification where state regulations apply
  • Hold a Dental Assistant certification and/or license
  • Good working attitude.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Engaging personality with high EQ and ability to easily learn new ideas and concepts, and apply them to the role of the Dental Assistant in the practice

24. BS in Public Health with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience as a chairside dental assistant (photos/x-rays, impressions, temporaries, assisting with procedures including fillings, crowns, Invisalign impressions, simple extractions, and all things that fall under the umbrella of basic and restorative dental treatment)
  • Knowledge of dental insurance, treatment planning, collecting payment, and scheduling
  • Proficiency in Eaglesoft or similar dental software
  • Hold a CPR Certification
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Able to work independently and as a team.

25. BS in Dental Science with 2 years of Experience

  • Proven experience as a dental assistant or willingness to train
  • Knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization methods
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations
  • Working knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, technical skills, and equipment
  • Ability to perform regulated non-surgical tasks, like coronal polishing
  • Good computer skills
  • Outstanding time management, communication, and enjoys working in a team environment.
  • Possesses genuine respect for others and acceptance of their individual social and cultural traits.

26. BS in Dental Technology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in a professional environment with direct patient contact
  • Must have current and active CPR certification
  • Working knowledge of Dentrix 
  • Excellent positive attitude and customer service skills
  • Professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the job, including image, and both verbal and written communication skills
  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including conflict resolution skills
  • Strong organization, planning, and analytical skills
  • Ability to multitask and remain calm in a rapidly changing environment
  • Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs

27. BS in Public Health with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience working as a Dental Assistant. 
  • Dental Assistant state certification.
  • Maryland state X-Ray certification.
  • Experience with a digital radiography phosphor plate system
  • Current CPR certification.
  • Experience in an FQHC setting
  • Experience with Enterprise Dentrix software
  • Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing). 
  • Ability to plan and organize work initiatives to accomplish center/organizational goals and objectives.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and delegate. 

28. BS in Pre-Dentistry with 3 years of Experience

  • Certified dental assistant and demonstrated ability to assume dental assistant responsibilities.
  • A current dental assistant license in certain states.
  • An X-ray license or some training for taking digital X-rays. 
  • Working knowledge of dental records and documentation.
  • Ability to perform basic computer functions.
  • Must comply with protocols and standards.
  • Exercise knowledge of dental instruments and terminology.
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Good organizational and time management skills. 

29. BS in Medical Laboratory Technology with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience working in oral surgery
  • Knowledge of modern dental materials, their storage, handling, and applications
  • Dentrix software knowledge
  • Dexis imaging knowledge
  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to deliver quality care to children and adults
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral/written), preferably bilingual 
  • An ability to make a positive contribution to the office/organization

30. BS in Nursing with 2 years of Experience

  • Ohio Radiographer's license
  • On-the-job training or Certification in Dental Assisting
  • Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards
  • Ability to communicate and interact with administrators and staff, patients, other medical staff, students, and anyone from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds
  • Current CPR certification, or the ability to obtain
  • Solid organizational skills
  • Ability to learn and use Electronic Dental Record/Practice Management system or other computer programs used by the dental clinic
  • Ability to accept guidance and supervision

31. BS in Dental Technology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience as a chairside assistant
  • Experience treating and teaching healthy and medically compromised patients
  • Experience with electronic medical records 
  • Experience working with all levels within an organization
  • Working experience in healthcare
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) or similar software
  • Able to read, write, and speak English. 
  • Able to comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos, as well as prepare simple and clear correspondence. 
  • Able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations, e.g., patients, family members, colleagues, others.

32. BS in Dental Assisting with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in a dental setting
  • Experience working with diverse individuals and communities
  • Registered Dental Assistant and CPR
  • Working knowledge of spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing software programs.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to plan and organize effectively.
  • Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in dental care.
  • Knowledge of infectious control policies, aseptic techniques, supplies, and equipment.
  • Knowledge of dental radiographic equipment operation.
  • Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Effective listening and organizational skills.
  • Ability to explain procedures and policies and follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines, and objectives

33. BS in Dental Hygiene with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience with autoclave, suction, hand pieces, panorex, cephalometric, TMJ film, processor, plasma arc light, amalgamator, ultrasonic, vacuum form machine, air compressor, model trimmer, amalgam separator, vacuum pump, hydrim, statmatic.
  • Exceptional human relations skills.
  • Ability to maintain an outgoing, friendly attitude with patients, staff, and doctor, even under pressure.
  • Ability to work with interruptions and to manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work unsupervised.
  • Ability to handle conflicts and get along with people.
  • Working knowledge of Dentistry.
  • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
  • Exceptional verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
  • Computer skills, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Dentrix, and Internet.
  • Must hold a radiology licensure.
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