Dental Assistants are an important part of a dental team, and due to recent staffing shortages, employers are eager to find great candidates. If you are just starting out in your career as a Dental Assistant and looking for a position, it’s important to put your best foot forward and show that you are the best person for the job. A recent article from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) lays out some guidelines for how to get hired as a Dental Assistant.
Get Certified
Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) Certification from the DANB shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge to successfully take x-rays.
Additionally, RHS certification can get a new Dental Assistant more job opportunities, as most employers prefer or require this certification for Dental Assistant candidates.
Start With A Great Resume
A strong Dental Assistant resume doesn’t just list your education and job history; it shows employers that you’re prepared, professional, and ready to contribute to a dental practice from day one.
- Start With a Clear, Professional Summary. This should be two to three sentences that highlight your training or certification status, key skills (clinical or patient care), and the type of position you’re seeking.
- Highlight Your Dental Assistant Training. Include info about the Dental Assistant program you attended, expected completion date, coursework or clinical training, and internships.
- Showcase Relevant Skills (Both Clinical and Soft Skills). Clinical skills include chairside assisting, instrument sterilization, and dental radiology. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, detail orientation, and time management.
- Tailor Your Resume to the Job You’re Applying For. Instead of sending the same resume out to every dentist’s office, take some time to research the company first and try to include some specific information.
- Keep It Clean, Simple, and Error-Free. Double check your resume for any format or spelling errors, and try to keep it to one page.
- Include Certifications and Credentials. As mentioned before, certification can make a big difference when you are looking for a Dental Assistant job, so be sure to include it.
Brush Up On NJ Regulations
Every state has different rules about what a Dental Assistant can and cannot legally do. For example, New Jersey Dental Assistants must have a Radiology license in order to operate dental x-ray machines.
Understanding your state’s rules about allowed and prohibited duties is an important part of working as a Dental Assistant. These may come up during the interview process, so you should know what’s within your scope of practice.
During your interview, you can discuss your experience performing these duties during your internship.
Research The Company
Before going on an interview, take the time to research the practice and prepare a few questions for the interviewer to show that you are genuinely interested. Show them how you can bring your experience to their practice to help their team.
Browse the practice’s website to learn more about their team, the services they offer, and their values. Read their social media pages, doctor bios, and Google reviews to get a sense of the practice and the work they do. This can set you up for success during the interview, and can be the difference that gets you hired as a Dental Assistant.
Prepare For The Interview
You’ve gotten your certification, researched offices, sent out a resume, and gotten the interview. The next step to get hired as a Dental Assistant is to prepare to make a good first impression.
- Practice interview questions. Look up frequently asked questions for Dental Assistant roles and think through your answers.
- Make a checklist of what to bring, including copies of your resume, a list of references, and proof of certification if necessary.
- Dress Professionally. Your appearance makes a strong first impression, so choose clean, neat, and professional clothing.
- Be Aware of Body Language. Nonverbal communication matters just as much as what you say, so smile, make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight.
- Ask Smart Questions. Most interviews end with the opportunity for you to ask questions, so use this to your advantage and think of some good ones.
- Follow Up After the Interview. A simple follow-up can leave a lasting impression. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
At ACI Medical & Dental School, we’re proud to support students as they prepare for successful careers in Dental Assisting. With the right training and the help of our staff, you’ll be well on your way. Contact us today to learn more!
