Top Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Skills to Include in Your Resume (With Examples)

Why Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Skills Matter in a Resume

Expanded Functions Dental Assistants (EFDAs) perform specialized duties beyond general dental assistant tasks, such as applying sealants, taking impressions, and performing coronal polishing. Hence, employers seek candidates who showcase a precise set of hard skills for resume strength, alongside soft skills for CV balance, to ensure comprehensive patient care and efficiency. Demonstrating these skills on your resume helps you stand out as a qualified professional who can support dentists effectively while maintaining excellent patient relationships.

1. Hard Skills for Resume

Hard skills are the technical qualifications directly related to dental assisting procedures and expanded functions. These are measurable and specific abilities you gain through training, certification, and hands-on experience.

Essential Hard Skills

• Dental Radiography and X-ray Techniques
• Coronal Polishing and Preventive Procedures
• Application of Topical Fluorides
• Dental Sealant Application
• Taking and Pouring Dental Impressions
• Assisting in Dental Restorations (e.g., fillings, crowns)
• Infection Control and Sterilization Techniques
• Familiarity With Dental Software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft)
• Understanding of Dental Anatomy and Terminology
• Compliance with OSHA and HIPAA Regulations

2. Soft Skills for CV

While technical skills establish your capabilities, soft skills for CV highlight your interpersonal qualities and adaptability—traits equally valued by dental employers.

Key Soft Skills

• Excellent Communication and Patient Interaction
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Time Management and Multitasking
• Empathy and Patient Comfort Management
• Team Collaboration and Support
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Adaptability to New Procedures and Technologies
• Confidentiality and Professionalism

3. List of Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Skills

Having a comprehensive list of Expanded Functions Dental Assistant skills at your disposal helps when tailoring your resume skills to job descriptions or highlighting your most relevant competencies.

Analytical & Strategic

• Assessing patient dental records and identifying treatment needs
• Interpreting dental x-rays under supervision
• Strategizing effective patient care workflow

Technical & Development

• Mastery of radiographic techniques and safety
• Application of sealants and preparation of dental materials
• Knowledge of updated dental software systems

Product Delivery & Process

• Performing expanded procedural duties within legal scope
• Efficient sterilization process management
• Maintaining detailed patient records accurately

Leadership & Communication

• Coordinating between dentists, hygienists, and patients
• Training new dental assistants on expanded functions
• Delivering clear, empathetic patient instructions

Emerging / Modern Skills

• Proficiency with teledentistry platforms
• Understanding digital impression technology
• Applying infection control during pandemics (COVID-19 protocols)

4. How to Showcase Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Skills

a. Integrate Skills

Embed both hard and soft skills naturally within your professional experience to demonstrate application rather than just listing them.

• Example: "Performed coronal polishing and sealant application on over 200 patients monthly, ensuring adherence to hygiene protocols."
• Example: "Communicated effectively with patients to explain treatment plans, resulting in a 95% patient satisfaction rate."

b. Quantify Achievements

Use numbers, percentages, and other measurable data to add credibility to your skills.

c. Tailor Skills

Customize your resume skills according to the job description to match the employer’s specific requirements.

d. Add “Key Skills” Section

e. Include Tools & Certifications

List relevant tools like digital x-ray machines or charting software and certifications such as Expanded Functions Dental Assistant license to strengthen your resume profile.

5. Skills in Resume Sample

6. Best Skills by Industry

• Private Dental Clinics: Emphasis on patient communication, multitasking, and proficiency in dental software.
• Orthodontic Practices: Skills in impression taking and handling orthodontic dental materials.
• Public Health Dentistry: Expertise in preventive care procedures and community engagement.
• Educational Institutions: Training and leadership skills for mentoring students or junior staff.

7. Emerging Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Skills

The dental field continuously evolves with technology and health protocols requiring EFDAs to update their skills. Incorporating emerging skills can set your resume apart.

• Digital Impression Scanning and Modeling
• Telehealth and Virtual Patient Consultations
• Advanced Infection Control Measures for Airborne Diseases
• Familiarity with 3D Printing in Restorative Dentistry
• Data Security Practices in Dental Healthcare

Conclusion

Highlighting the top skills for Expanded Functions Dental Assistant resumes is crucial to demonstrating your readiness for specialized dental roles. Combining both hard skills for resume credibility and soft skills for CV balance ensures you present a well-rounded profile to hiring managers. Tailoring your skills to job descriptions, quantifying your achievements, and including emerging competencies significantly enhance your resume’s impact. Stay updated with the latest dental technologies and professional requirements to keep your skillset competitive.