10 Orthodontic Dental Assistant Resume Examples for 2025

Creating a resume for an orthodontic dental assistant role requires precision. We'll share examples and advice to help you highlight your skills, experience, and knowledge in orthodontics. Understand what hiring managers look for in resumes and how to structure yours for better results. Learn key terms and actions to include that show your proficiency and readiness for the role.

  Compiled and approved by Steve Grafton
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best resumes for orthodontic dental assistants:

  • Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes show results, like 30% increase in patient satisfaction, 50% reduction in wait times, 20+ handled patients per day, or handling 4+ orthodontic procedures daily.

  • Include Skills Mentioned In The JD: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are x-ray technology, impression taking, sterilization, patient records, and bracing systems. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Highlight Certifications: Include certifications like CDA or RDA on your resume. These show your qualifications more clearly.

Get your resume scored

Want to know if your orthodontic dental assistant resume stands out? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of how your application looks to employers. It checks for key skills and experiences that orthodontic practices look for when hiring assistants.

Upload your resume now. You'll get a score and helpful tips to make your resume stronger. This free tool helps you understand what hiring managers see when they review your application.

...
Clear
Drop your resume here or choose a file.
English resumes in PDF or DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
   100% privacyWe're committed to your privacy. Your resume will be scanned securely to give you confidential feedback instantly. Your resume is completely private to you and can be deleted at any time.

Positioning your education

Place your education near the top of your resume if you recently finished a dental assisting program or are new to the field of orthodontic assistance. This shows employers your relevant training right away. For those who have been working in orthodontic clinics or related areas, your work experience should be listed first.

Your education section should highlight credentials important for an orthodontic dental assistant, like a certificate in dental assisting or x-ray certification. Include details of any hands-on training or externships, as these are vital experiences that employers look for. Make it easy for hiring managers to find this information quickly.

Show technical skills

Include technical skills specific to orthodontics, such as knowledge of orthodontic appliances and familiarity with dental software programs like Dentrix or Orthotrac.

Mention your ability to take and develop dental X-rays. This is a crucial skill for orthodontic dental assistants and will make your resume stand out.

Ideal resume length

Wrap up your resume in one page if you are starting out or have been assisting orthodontic dentists for less than ten years. Keep your content lean and focused on your most relevant experiences, such as hands-on skills and certifications you hold. This ensures you spotlight your qualifications and keep the hiring manager's attention.

If you have a longer career history, you may stretch to two pages, but prioritize recent roles that showcase your capacity to handle dental equipment and provide excellent patient care. Remember, your resume is a quick look at why you're right for the job, not your life story, so include only what really counts for the role.

Highlight certifications

For an orthodontic dental assistant position, include your certifications such as CPR or specialized dental assisting certifications. This adds value to your resume.

List any continuing education courses related to orthodontics. Employers look for candidates committed to staying updated with the latest practices.

Optimize for applicant tracking systems

When you apply for a job as an orthodontic dental assistant, your resume might first be read by a computer program. This is called an applicant tracking system (ATS). To help your resume get seen by a person, you need to make it easy for the ATS to read.

  • Use simple, clear job titles like 'dental assistant' and include specific skills like 'orthodontic patient care' and 'dental equipment sterilization'.
  • Make sure you list your certifications like 'Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)' or 'Radiology Certified' if you have them. Put them in a clear section for education and certifications.

Format your resume with simple layouts and standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. This makes it easier for the ATS to find the important parts of your resume.

Customize your resume

You need to make sure your resume speaks directly to the job you want. It should show that you have the right skills and experience. Read the job post carefully, and match your resume to it. This makes it clear you're a good fit for the role of an orthodontic assistant.

  • Highlight any experience you have with dental office practices and orthodontic procedures; use phrases like managed patient records and assisted with brace fittings.
  • Show your knowledge of dental health software or equipment by including specific tools you've used, like Digital X-ray Imaging or Invisalign system.
  • For a career change, link past jobs to this field. If you've worked in customer service, add provided top care to clients to show your people skills.

Key skills for orthodontic assistants

When crafting your resume as an orthodontic assistant, it's crucial to highlight specific skills that show you're well-suited for the job. Here's a list of skills you might include, depending on your experience and the role you're aiming for:

  • Radiography proficiency
  • Orthodontic appliance maintenance
  • Infection control techniques
  • Dental software knowledge
  • Impression taking
  • Bracket placement assistance
  • Wire bending skills
  • Patient record management
  • Equipment sterilization
  • Dental anatomy understanding

You don't need to list every skill, just those you're good at and fit the job you want. Place these skills in a dedicated section on your resume. This helps your resume pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which look for specific keywords related to the job.

Remember, while you may have many skills, focus on including those most relevant to the role of an orthodontic assistant. This might include tasks you've performed, tools you've used, or specific techniques you're familiar with. For instance, if you've worked with certain dental software or have experience with specific orthodontic procedures, make sure to include these details.

Show impact with numbers

Using numbers on your resume can help show the real impact of your work as an orthodontic dental assistant. These figures make your achievements clear and easy to understand.

Think about the tasks you do every day and how you can measure them. For example:

  • How many patients do you assist in a typical day or week? This number can show your ability to handle a busy workload.
  • Did you help reduce appointment wait times? Mention the percentage of time saved.

Even if you're not sure of exact figures, you can estimate. Think about:

  • The number of orthodontic procedures you've been involved in, which shows your experience.
  • Any improvements in patient satisfaction scores at your clinic. Even a small increase is worth mentioning.
  • If you helped to decrease supply costs, estimate the percentage of cost savings.
  • The number of new tools or technologies you've mastered, indicating your commitment to staying current in your field.

Remember, these numbers prove your effectiveness and can set you apart from other applicants.

Showcase leadership roles

When you're updating your resume, it's essential to highlight your growth in the dental field. This means you should show any leadership roles or promotions you've had. This tells employers that you are someone who takes charge and can be trusted with more responsibilities.

Think about your time as an orthodontic assistant and include any roles where you led a team, trained new staff, or took on extra duties. Here are some examples to get you started:

  • "Promoted to lead dental assistant after demonstrating strong ability to manage orthodontic procedures and patient care."
  • "Oversaw a team of 3 dental assistants, scheduling and leading weekly training sessions to improve clinic efficiency."

Even if you're unsure, consider times you might have helped your team in a leading role. Did you ever step in to guide or teach others? Make sure you include these moments on your resume. They show you're ready to take on more and succeed in a higher role.

Need more resume templates?

Quick links

Samples


Insights