Whether you’ve been in the dental assisting field for decades or you’re just starting out, you want to make yourself the strongest candidate you can be. However, that’s easier said than done. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dental assisting field is projected to grow by 19% by 2026, but with more opportunity comes more competition. How do you stand out from the crowd?
Sunrise School of Dental Assisting is here to help. Besides offering top-tier dental assistant education, we’ve also put together this list of five tips to help you become a star candidate. Check them out below!
1. Get your education. This is the first and most important step. Getting the right education will open up all kinds of doors for you. Here at Sunrise School of Dental Assisting, our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to thrive in private practice. In fact, if you take advantage of our dental radiology course, you’ll be able to graduate with all of the educational credentials of a DAII, the highest certification of dental assistant in North Carolina.
2. Keep learning. Dental assistant education is not a one-and-done deal. Even after you complete your initial education, you’ll want to regularly take continuing education courses to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge on the cutting edge. Not only will this help you in your day-to-day duties, but it can also position you well as you search for your next opportunity.
3. Volunteer. Not all on-the-job experience has to be paid! Volunteering your dental assisting skills for community organizations can help you gain valuable experience and build your professional network. Plus, you’ll feel good, knowing that you’ve helped others in need.
4. Polish your resume. Gaining the experience and education you’ll put on your resume is only half of the equation. Now you need to lay it all out in an easy-to-understand document that will show your best professional self to employers. Highlight your triumphs and accomplishments in every role; don’t just list job duties. Make sure the writing is clear and free from grammatical errors. If you need assistance, keep in mind that Sunrise School of Dental Assisting offers help composing resumes to current students.
5. Avoid gimmicks. If you’ve been scouring the internet for job-seeking advice, you’ve probably come across articles advising you to show “gumption” in your job search. These articles will often share the story of a “creative” job applicant who baked a cake or sent a singing telegram to separate herself from the pack. This is exactly the sort of thing you shouldn’t be doing. A key part of being a dental assistant is being able to understand procedures and follow directions. You can show you’re up for the job by following the practice’s standard procedures for applications. There’ll be plenty of time to bake a cake for the office after you’ve proven yourself on the job.
Let Us Help You with the Next Step These tips are just to get you started. If you’re breaking into the field of dental assisting or looking for continuing education opportunities, be sure to contact us today. We’d be happy to help you sharpen your skills and get ready for a rewarding career in dental assisting! |
Jayna Jones April 28, 2022just now I went to Sunrise School of Dental Assisting winter of 2021! I absolutely love the school and the staff. I was even offered a job in one of the offices. (which is now the wonderful place I work!!) I will be forever grateful for the opportunity Sunrise has given me.
Hannah Cellitti December 23, 2021I heard about this school when I started searching for a program to become a DA. I came a cross this schooling program and saw nothing but good reviews! The experience I had with this program was a great blessing, I couldn’t have had a greater experience. Once I finished the program I was offered a position as a clinical assistant and have had nothing but fun and great experiences with other students! I highly suggest this school program.
Juan Arcia – Greensboro location November 11, 2021First I want to start with a thank you. As I finished this program I realized that you were the first person that help me make that first step to become a dental assistant by replying to me and accepting my application. I appreciate all you did and all the help you gave me, its been a long roller coaster. hope that you keep helping future dental assistant.
I’m really thankful to sunrise, it has employee wonderful people that I had met and they have change my life, from Mrs. McKinley to our instructors in Greensboro. I hope it always stays like that and I thank you one last time from my heart.
Jani F. Brown August 18, 2021I was told about this program from a girl I met while driving Uber. She commended this school and was very passionate about the material she learned and her instructor. I attended the May 6th – August 12th class and it has been very insightful. My courses took place on Tuesday and Thursday’s from 6pm to 9pm. My instructor was Ms. Jennifer. Ms. Jennifer has been extremely helpful in regards to explaining the information, providing examples that were easy to remember by using a sound or maybe even making it a little funny which has helped me tremendously when all the information is presented. This class also provides you with hands on experience which was a lot of fun. I do not recommend missing a class because it can mess up your pace and falling behind is not recommended. At the end of the course they provide you with cover letters and resume assistance to help when applying to position during/after completion of the course. This program has helped me gain knowledge in an ever lasting and growing field that now enables me to help make customers everyday regain confidence, one day at a time, one smile at a time. Highly recommend.
Daniel J February 6, 2020I was told about this school from a close friend before I started and she loved every single bit of the program, help and motivation she got from her teachers. I decided to better myself by going here as well and giving it a shot. This course proved to be nothing more than one of the best programs I’ve been able to get into and graduate from. Every single class we were helped as much as possible and always went back over things if we didn’t understand. This program not only help me gain a certificate of Dental Assisting for my career, but also helped me find my first job as a dental assistant while I was still in the program and I couldn’t be happier with how much my life has progressed in just 13 weeks. I will always speak the best about this school and I know whoever takes it will do the same!
Sydney Sparks July 22, 201910/10 I recommend this school. Time and frequency of the class is great for people working full time as well as people with children. Jennifer is a lot of fun to learn from as well. I was able to get a job right out of school, so I can’t complain!!!
Michelle H. January 29, 2019I attended Sunrise School of Dental Assisting in 2016. It was a very convenient program with it only being two days a week (at night) it’s the perfect career opportunity especially for someone who needs to work while going to school. Since graduating, I have had many opportunities open up one of which is working at Sunrise itself. I had an excellent instructor who helped as much as she could to prepare us for a job in the dental field. I would highly recommend signing up, you won’t regret it!
Kourie U. January 29, 2019I attended Sunrise Dental Assisting School in 2008 and still today am so grateful I did. My experience in the school was awesome. The instructors were very attentive and always available. Since the school is based in a dental office you are able to have endless opportunities for hands on learning. In addition the schedule is very accommodating for all lifestyles. The last thing I would like to note about SDAS is that once you have completed the program Sunrise still advocates for you. Paulette Jolly is a tremendous help with job placement and helping you along your way. Now that Sunrise Dental has allowed me the entrance into the dental field I know dentistry is my passion. Sunrise Dental has been a great blessing to my life.
Victoria R January 29, 2019Enjoyed the hands on and guided learning experience the instructors provided. Had the opportunity to shadow and assist for an oral surgeon set up by instructor Tammy. SSDA Fayetteville was a laid back environment which made attending class enjoyable. I feel confident using what I learned in the course for future careers.
Rhonish W January 29, 2019Attending SSDA was the best thing I could have ever done ! My instructor Tammy was beyond amazing she made sure we understood everything taught and even gave us multiple opportunities to gain experience shadowing In her office ! Sunrise is the best !
Jaylyn Miller September 5, 2017Prior to attending Sunrise School of Dental Assisting I had zero knowledge of the dentistry field and what this career choice would have in store for me. I had an awesome instructor, as well as current Dental Assistants at Sunrise, to help guide me and continue to be successful in my career. Everyone has been extremely helpful and I have had nothing less than a great experience. After graduation, I was hired on by Sunrise and couldn’t be more happy with my job and the decision to attend Sunrise School of Dental Assisting! Thank you all!!
Katie Panchak February 17, 2017If you’re looking into a promising career as a dental assistant, look no further! I recently graduated from Sunrise School of Dental Assisting and couldn’t be happier with the program! This course provided me with all the knowledge and tools that I needed to become successful in my field. Now I am proud to say that after graduation I have been hired on by Sunrise Dental and LOVE my job! Thanks guys!
Madison McCullock January 12, 2017Sunrise School of Dental Assisting provided me with the knowledge and skills I needed to begin my career in the Dental field. The instructors were very helpful and thorough in explaining the lessons and procedures to the class, and also made it a point to provide any additional help/tutoring before/after lessons for students. I enjoyed my experience at Sunrise School of Dental Assisting. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to receive the proper education necessary in order to excel in their Dental Assisting career
Ashley Hicks June 15, 2016At Sunrise they give you the tools you need to become successful as a Dental Assistant. You have smaller numbers in the class, so you are able to have more one on one time with an instructor if needed. It is a fast paced class, but the instructor is willing to meet with you before class time if you need help. It is a good balance between lectures and actual lab time. You have great hands on experience and work with live “patients” (class members) in order to get an actual feel of what it would be like. The team at Sunrise Dental are very encouraging and push you to strive for your best. They also help with shadowing at different offices and even inform you if there are job openings at other offices. I would recommend this program to anyone and know that they would also get the great training that I have received!