Show your experience working with children

Hiring managers want to see that you have experience working with kids, as it's a key part of being a pediatric dental assistant. Highlight any roles where you worked directly with children, such as:

• Assisted in providing dental care to over 50 children per week, ages 2 to 18
• Volunteered at a children's hospital for 6 months, helping to comfort and distract young patients during procedures
• Worked as a summer camp counselor for 3 seasons, responsible for the well-being of 20+ campers ages 6-12

If you don't have direct paid experience, include relevant volunteer work, internships, or personal experiences like babysitting or tutoring.

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   Highlight your clinical dental skills

While working with children is important, you also need to have strong clinical skills to excel as a pediatric dental assistant. Make sure your resume includes:

• Proficiency in taking dental x-rays, with experience using both traditional and digital x-ray equipment
• Knowledge of proper sterilization techniques and infection control protocols
• Ability to prepare and maintain dental instruments, materials, and equipment
• Experience with chairside assisting, including suctioning, retracting, and providing patient comfort

Be specific about the skills you have and how you've used them in previous roles.

   Showcase your communication and interpersonal skills

Pediatric dental assistants need excellent communication skills to work with both children and their parents. Instead of just listing 'communication skills' on your resume, show how you've used them:

• Developed a strong rapport with young patients and their families, putting them at ease during visits
• Clearly explained treatment plans and post-op care instructions to parents, ensuring they understood and felt comfortable with the care their child was receiving
• Collaborated with a team of 5 dentists, hygienists, and fellow assistants to provide seamless patient care

In addition, highlight any experience you have with non-English-speaking patients and families, as this can be a valuable skill in many dental practices.

   Include relevant certifications and training

Many states require dental assistants to be certified or registered. Even if your state doesn't require it, having relevant certifications can make you a more competitive job candidate. Be sure to include:

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
• State-specific certifications, such as the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification in California
• CPR and First Aid certifications
• Completion of a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)

If you've completed any additional training, such as a course in pediatric dental techniques or behavior management, include that as well.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

One of the biggest mistakes I see on resumes is a lack of customization. Candidates often submit the same generic resume to every job posting, without taking the time to tailor it to the specific role and practice. To stand out, make sure your resume:

• Uses keywords and phrases from the job description, such as 'pediatric experience' or 'behavior management'
• Highlights skills and experiences that are most relevant to that particular position
• Includes any specific technology or equipment mentioned in the posting that you have experience with

For example, if a job posting mentions that the practice uses a certain type of dental software, and you have experience with that software, make sure to include it on your resume.

   Use concrete examples and metrics

When describing your experience and accomplishments, use specific examples and metrics whenever possible. This helps hiring managers understand the scope and impact of your work. For example:

• Assisted with dental procedures

This is too vague and doesn't give a sense of your level of experience or the types of procedures you assisted with. Instead, try:

• Assisted with an average of 15 dental procedures per day, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions

Similarly, instead of saying:

• Helped to calm anxious pediatric patients

Quantify your impact with a statistic:

• Used behavior management techniques to reduce patient anxiety, resulting in a 20% decrease in appointment cancellations

By using concrete examples and metrics, you give hiring managers a clearer picture of your skills and the value you can bring to their practice.