What the letter should include
A dental practice is small, and the assistant is part of the team that patients remember. A good letter says three things clearly: what you do chairside, how careful you are with sterilization and records, and how you are with anxious patients. Name the practice and the dentist, and match the letter to the kind of work they do, such as general, pediatric, orthodontic or oral surgery. Add one number, such as patients seen a day or procedures assisted, and name the certification or training you hold.
What a dental assistant may do, such as taking radiographs or coronal polishing, is set by each state, so describe the tasks you are trained and permitted to do and name the certificate, such as a state radiography permit or a national certification (CDA) if you have it. For the resume that goes with the letter, see the guide to dental assistant resume examples. For the standard parts of any letter, see how to write a cover letter.
Cover letter for dental assistant: experienced chairside assistant
Dear Dr. Nakamura:
I am applying for the Dental Assistant position at Brookhaven Family Dentistry. For five years I have worked chairside at a three-dentist general practice, assisting with about 14 patients a day, preparing and sterilizing instruments, taking digital radiographs, and keeping the schedule on time between rooms.
I take sterilization and records seriously: I run our instrument processing log, and our last OSHA compliance review found no deficiencies. Patients, especially children and nervous adults, tell the front desk that I explain each step before it happens. I hold a state radiography permit and a CPR certification, and I am comfortable with Dentrix and digital imaging.
I would like to meet your team and to see how I can help your practice run smoothly. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Marisol Fuentes
Dental assistant cover letter example: new graduate
Dear Dr. Whitaker and Team:
I am writing to apply for the Dental Assistant position at Lakeshore Pediatric Dental. I completed the Dental Assisting program at Lakeview Community College this spring, including a 200-hour externship at a family practice, where I assisted dentists with fillings and cleanings, mixed materials, took impressions and kept instrument trays sterilized and ready.
I enjoy working with children: I have coached youth swim lessons for three summers and I am patient with nervous kids. My externship dentist described me as quick to learn and gentle with anxious patients. I am working toward my state radiography certificate and I will sit for the CDA exam in December. I also hold CPR certification.
I am happy to visit the office and meet the team whenever suits you. Thank you for considering me.
Sincerely,
Tyrone Banks
Tips for a dental assistant letter
- Name the dentist and the practice; a dental office is small enough to notice a form letter.
- State your certifications by name, and the date of any exam you have not yet sat.
- Give one number for volume and one fact about infection control or accuracy.
- Name the practice management and imaging software you use.
- Say something about patient comfort, which is a large part of the job.
- Mention your availability, including early starts and Saturdays if the practice works them.
A career changer coming from another healthcare role can look at the medical assistant cover letter and the healthcare resume examples, and the guide to cover letter length gives the limit to keep to.
Sources
Checked on 13 October 2026.