free dental hygiene resume templates

Dental Hygienist Resume: Sample and Free Template [2020]

Use these dental hygienist resume sample bullets to create your resume and land your dream job. all of these can be accessed for free in our in-product dental hygienist resume templates. explore them below., search dental hygienist resume bullets for your resume:.

• Applied and implemented a new system for the office to be more efficient and accurate
• Applied proper dental cleaning techniques to clean and sanitized teeth, remove contaminated materials from the mouth and restock dental equipment
• Applied and implemented a variety of procedures to improve dental care
• Applied the principles of oral surgery to assist with patient dental care
• Applied all necessary skills to assist patients with their treatment
• Assisted with the care of residents in a long- term care facility, including but not limited to; bathing and grooming
• Assisted in the care of children with special medical conditions, including dental hygiene and oral health
• Assisted patients with daily hygiene and oral care, assisted with daily activities and provided personal care
• Assisted dentist with procedures, prepared and cleaned instruments
• Assisted residents with ADLs and daily activities, assisted residents with ADL's, and provided transportation to appointments
• Assisted dentist with oral surgery and extractive dentures
• Assisted and educated clients with their oral health needs, and provided excellent patient care
• Assisted with patient's treatment
• Assisted in the treatment of orthodendies
• Assisted the Dentrix in preparing and maintaining a patient history, including the preparation of dental treatment rooms
• Assisted residents with oral health and dental procedures; performed general dentistry duties including, but not restricted to; amalgams and crown impressions
• Assisted physicians with procedures and exams, including Oral Surgery (including, but only limited to Pap smear), Endometrocytosis, Breast Cancer screening and treatment
• Assisted with patient's needs and provided care to patient's in a timely fashion
• Assisted in the care of children with developmental delays andor physical ailments
• Assisted in the preparation of patients for surgery
• Assisted clients with dental care and oral surgery, prepared patients for procedures and dental exams, performed oral surgery procedures and dental hygiene
• Assisted patient with ADls, feeding and elimination
• Assisted and provided patient with dental care, including cleaning and restorative denture
• Assisted students with their dentures, crown and root canal
• Assisted in the management of oral diseases, and provided education to patients on disease prevention and treatment
• Assisted office staff with daily tasks, such answering telephones and taking messages; scheduled appointments for patients, and prepared dental materials
• Assist in the treatment of dental patients by performing oral andor topical fluoride treatments
• Assist clients with oral care needs
• Assist physicians with dental examinations
• Assist customers with their questions and concerns regarding dental care
• Completed and maintained accurate documentation of all dental records and reports
• Completed and maintained a comprehensive knowledge of the oral surgery and dental hygiene field
• Completed patient's insurance and preauthorizations for services rendered
• Completed the required paperwork and forms for patients to obtain a dental hygenist
• Completed multiple tasks, and provided exceptional patient services in a fast- paced environment
• Provided patient education and support to ensure the highest quality of care
• Provided direct care to patients with a wide range of medical conditions
• Provided a variety of dental care to the elderly and developmentally disabled patients
• Provided medical and surgical care to a wide range of clients
• Provided patient education and care to the patients in a professional manner
• Provided oral health services to children and adolescents with a history of dental conditions
• Provided direct care to children and adolescents with a range of developmental disabilities in the school setting
• Provided assistance to dentist during oral procedures
• Provided general dentures to the patient
• Provided exceptional patient and office services to a wide array of patients
• Provided quality patient service in a busy practice, which consisted of Assisted in the preparation of patient for procedures; prepared and sterilization of instruments, equipment; sterilization
• Provided basic care to residents in a nursing facility setting
• Provided administrative support to the office manager and other employees
• Provided education and training to staff on the importance of proper oral health care
• Provided basic patient education in the areas of dental treatment, plaque management and fluoride
• Provided general office duties including filing, answering telephone calls and assisting patients with dental procedures
• Provided education to patient and families regarding disease processes
• Displayed excellent customer care skills, and maintained a professional demeanor
• Displayed exceptional customer care and problem resolution abilities in a high volume dental office
• Displayed strong knowledge of dental products and procedures, while adhering to all state and federal guidelines
• Displayed thorough understanding of oral surgery, dental implants and other medical equipment, including the use of braces and artificial teeth
• Displayed excellence in patient care and follow up, including greeting patients as well
• Displayed proper care and use of dental instruments, including crowns and bridge
• Displayed proper oral health care and dental procedures to promote healthy oral health and dental care
• Displayed knowledge of oral health and disease management procedures, techniques
• Displayed proficiency in performing basic patient assessments and providing education to patients
• Displayed strong knowledge of the principles and practices associated with dentistry
• Displayed exceptional oral health skills and knowledge of the medical process
• Displayed ability to multitask effectively and accurately in a busy environment
• Displayed proficiency in the operation and care of medical surgical instrumentation
• Displayed excellent oral health and dental hygiene
• Displayed and maintained a high standard of customer care and professionalism at every interaction
• Displayed and demonstrated excellent patient-centered nursing skills, including assessing and treating patient's needs
• Displayed exceptional oral and dental health care to all patient
• Displayed the ability to provide exceptional patient and staff education
• Displayed expertise in the treatment of patients with various types and conditions including ortho-pulmonary disease
• Displayed expert knowledge of the medical industry and its associated products, while providing superior patient care
• Assisting dentist with procedures, cleaning and maintaining dental instruments
• Assisting in the treatment of orthodendomias and other dental diseases
• Assisting in the treatment of dental diseases, such as tooth whitening
• Assisting dentist with various tasks
• Assisting customers with dental needs, taking and filling orders

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3 Entry-Level Dental Hygienist Resume Examples for 2024

Entry-Level Dental Hygienist Resume

Clean entry-level dental hygienist resume, modern entry-level dental hygienist resume.

• Entry-Level Dental Hygienist Resume Writing 101

You have a sharp eye for signs of oral irritation and opportunities for better oral hygiene, and a great bedside manner to go with it while you educate patients! You also assist the dentist with X-rays and bigger oral procedures to keep everything running smoothly.

But what resume template should you use to demonstrate a similar level of efficiency and polish in your resume while you lay out your ability to sterilize and organize?

Don’t worry: We’ve helped plenty of professionals in dentistry settle into their dream jobs, and we’ve created three entry-level dental hygienist resume examples and cover letter writing tips to help you, too!

or download as PDF

Related resume examples

• Pediatric dental hygienist
• Dental hygienist

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Experience Sections

At an entry level, your skills are critically important for showing recruiters that you have what it takes to send each patient home with their best smile! You’ll need to quickly demonstrate your familiarity with job-related stuff like dental tool sterilization and soft tissue management.

Make sure each ability you list is as closely related to dentistry as possible! If you’re tempted to say “communication,” think “patient education” instead.

The same goes for how specific you get while you list your skills ! Avoid generic skills that could apply to just any profession when you can, like “teamwork,” and go for specifics like “oral surgery assistance” or “crown molds” instead.

9 best entry-level dental hygienist skills

• Patient Records
• Appointment Schedules
• Tool Sterilization
• Tooth Cleaning
• Crown Molds
• Attention to Detail
• Patient Education

Sample entry-level dental hygienist work experience bullet points

It’s time to build your work experience section, which tends to freak out some entry-level applicants—even though there’s really no need for concern! You’ll find a surprising number of crossover opportunities where experiences from unrelated jobs can bolster your credibility as an entry-level dental hygienist.

Fill each bullet point with a concisely explained experience or accomplishment that supports your qualifications within the dental field. If you worked in retail, working on a staff calendar isn’t that different from booking new dental patients!

And always provide metrics for your success, especially when you’re pulling in experiences from unrelated job roles or internships. Quantifiable data like customer satisfaction percentages and personal ratings measuring your hygienic finesse are great things to look for.

Here are a few examples:

• Investigated issues with past due invoices, using proven service strategies to reduce unpaid accounts by 23%
• Implemented new filing system to streamline front office operations, saving 6 weekly hours of manual work and improving productivity by 17%
• Monitored customer flow to decrease wait times by more than 5 hours during peak business hours
• Managed appointments, calling to confirm appointments 24-48 hours prior to scheduled arrival, reducing the frequency of missed appointments by 12%

Top 5 Tips for Your Entry-Level Dental Hygienist Resume

• Our three entry-level dental hygienist resume templates are all ready to make your information look awesome . . . But when you proofread your resume, make sure your greatest achievements are what grab the reader’s attention first.
• One highly transferable qualification point for your experience examples is adaptability, especially under a deadline. Your ability to reduce wait times in a restaurant can easily be adapted into methods for reducing downtime between dental appointments!
• Sometimes entry-level applicants struggle to articulate how a “patchwork” professional background qualifies them for a role in dental hygiene, but you can use a cover letter to handle this! Just make sure you aren’t repeating any resume points.
• Don’t forget to mention your degree in Dental Hygiene, and include any other certifications that will enhance your impressiveness. Think of stuff like a Dental Assistant (RDA).
• If you feel like you’re better off introducing yourself, you might benefit from including a resume objective statement. Just as with your cover letter , avoid repeating resume points: Keep it fresh!

Avoid metrics that don’t reinforce a final, impressive indicator of your success, such as free-floating headcounts that don’t end with a punchy bit of data telling how you’ve made a difference for dental patients.

Avoid the temptation to use over-the-top colors or funky fonts to make your resume stand out! Stick with clean, modern fonts and minimal color usage so that recruiters can skim over your resume with ease.

Professional references are a great choice for any entry-level applicant. If you know anyone who can vouch for your determination and skill from college, previous jobs, or dentistry-related internships, include two or three!

Dental Hygienist Resume Examples

Writing a great dental hygienist resume is important because it is one of the first things a potential employer will see when they are considering you for a position. It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Create your resume Select from 7 professional resume templates

If you're looking for inspiration when it comes to drafting your own dental hygienist resume, look no further than the samples below. These resumes will help you highlight your experience and qualifications in the most effective way possible, giving you the best chance of landing the dental hygienist job you're after.

or download as PDF

Essential Components of a Dental Hygienist Resume

A compelling dental hygienist resume is a pivotal tool for securing your ideal position in the dental hygiene field. This document serves as your initial introduction to prospective employers, showcasing your skills, experience, and qualifications succinctly. A well-structured resume for a dental hygienist should encompass sections such as contact information, a professional summary or objective, educational background, licensure, work experience, skills, and references. Each section is integral to presenting a holistic view of your professional capabilities and suitability for the role. In this guide, we delve into the specifics of each section, discuss their importance, and offer tips to enhance their impact, ensuring you capture the attention of hiring managers.

Contact Information

At the forefront of your resume should be your contact information, clearly displayed for easy access by potential employers. This includes:

• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• Social Media Profiles (if relevant to your professional persona)
• City and State (full address is optional)

Ensure your email address reflects professionalism, typically incorporating your first and last name. If applicable, include professional social media accounts, such as LinkedIn, which can provide additional insight into your qualifications. Always verify the accuracy of your contact details to avoid missing potential interview opportunities.

Professional Summary or Objective Statement

Positioned just below your contact information, the professional summary or objective statement serves as an introduction to your professional persona. This concise section should highlight your key skills, experiences, and career goals related to dental hygiene. Tailor this statement for each job application to address the specific requirements outlined in the job posting.

For a professional summary, emphasize your experience and notable achievements in the field. Conversely, an objective statement is suitable for newcomers or career changers, focusing on transferable skills and aspirations.

Example Summary: "Experienced Dental Hygienist with over 5 years of providing exceptional dental care. Adept at managing patient flow while maintaining high standards of care."

Example Objective: "Recent XYZ Dental School graduate eager to apply comprehensive education in periodontal therapy and preventive patient care in a Dental Hygienist role."

This section is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so craft it with care and ensure it aligns with the role you're pursuing.

Related: Top Dental Hygienist Resume Objective Examples

Education and Certifications

Your educational background and certifications are testament to your expertise and commitment to professional development. Include:

• Degree(s): List your highest degree first, followed by subsequent degrees. Mention the institution, location, graduation year, and degree earned. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects.
• Certifications: Detail any required certifications, such as Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), including the certifying body and date of certification.
• Continuing Education: Mention any ongoing education courses or workshops that keep you abreast of the latest dental practices and technologies.
• Licenses: List any relevant licenses, including their issuing body and validity period.
• Internships/Residencies: If applicable, include internships or residencies that have provided valuable practical experience.

Concisely present this information to allow hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications.

Related: Dental Hygienist Certifications

Relevant Work Experience

The work experience section is a snapshot of your professional journey, highlighting your skills and expertise. List your roles in reverse chronological order, detailing your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on experiences that demonstrate skills pertinent to dental hygiene, such as patient care, oral assessments, teeth cleaning, radiography, and patient education.

Employ action verbs to convey your responsibilities dynamically and quantify achievements where possible to provide concrete evidence of your impact. For those with extensive experience, prioritize roles most relevant to the position you're seeking. New graduates can include internships or cooperative education experiences.

Accuracy and honesty are paramount; never falsify information on your resume.

Skills and Competencies

This section should showcase your technical abilities, personal attributes, and overall strengths that qualify you for the dental hygienist role.

Technical Skills

Include proficiency with dental instruments, knowledge of dental procedures, and familiarity with dental software.

Personal Skills

Highlight interpersonal skills such as communication, attention to detail, patience, problem-solving, manual dexterity, and strong people skills.

Competencies

Detail your understanding of oral health concepts, patient education abilities, adherence to safety protocols, and capacity to work under pressure.

Providing specific examples of how you've applied these skills can further validate your qualifications.

Note: Tailor the skills listed to match the requirements of the job you're applying for.

Related: Dental Hygienist Skills: Definition and Examples

Professional Affiliations or Memberships

Membership in professional organizations such as the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) or the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) demonstrates your commitment to the field. Detail any active participation or contributions you've made within these organizations to illustrate your engagement with the professional community.

This section can distinguish you from other candidates by highlighting your dedication to the profession beyond your daily responsibilities.

References provide potential employers with third-party validation of your professional capabilities. Select individuals who can confidently speak to your dental hygienist competencies. Always obtain their consent before listing them and inform them about the job you're applying for.

It's common to note "References available upon request" at the end of your resume, providing them when prompted by the employer.

Remember, while strong references are important, they should complement the qualifications and experience detailed elsewhere in your resume.

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Home » Career Advice » Resume Tips » Dental Hygienist Resume Example & Writing Guide

Dental Hygienist Resume Example & Writing Guide

A carefully crafted resume plays a vital role in shaping your dental hygiene career. As a dental hygienist , your resume acts as a powerful tool to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications in a competitive job market. In this article, we provide tips and guidance on how to create an outstanding dental hygienist resume that sets you apart from other candidates. Discover valuable insights to optimize your resume and increase your chances of securing your dream job in the field of dental hygiene.

You might also be interested to read  How to Make a Resume »

Example of a dental hygienist resume (Word version)

Tailor the dental hygienist resume example to your own experiences, skills, and qualifications. Make sure to include any additional relevant sections or information specific to your own background.

Download resume example (.docx)

Sample dental hygienist resume (text version)

A highly skilled and compassionate dental hygienist with [number of years] of experience in providing exceptional oral healthcare services. Dedicated to improving patients’ oral health through comprehensive assessments, preventive care, and patient education. Seeking a rewarding position as a dental hygienist in a reputable dental practice.

Professional Experience

Dental Hygienist, [Dental Practice Name], [City, State] | [Dates]

• Performed thorough dental cleanings, oral prophylaxis, and periodontal assessments for a diverse patient population, ensuring optimal oral health.
• Administered local anesthesia for pain control during dental procedures, ensuring patient comfort and a positive experience.
• Captured and interpreted dental X-rays to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Conducted oral health education sessions, providing patients with personalized oral hygiene instructions and preventive care strategies.
• Collaborated closely with dentists, dental assistants, and other team members to develop comprehensive treatment plans and provide exceptional patient care.
• Documented dental conditions, treatments, and patient progress accurately in electronic dental records using dental software systems.
• Ensured strict adherence to infection control protocols, maintaining a safe and sanitary dental environment.
• Assisted dentists in dental emergencies, effectively managing and addressing sudden complications during procedures.
• Delivered exceptional patient care by providing thorough dental cleanings, oral prophylaxis, and periodontal assessments to patients of all ages.
• Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
• Captured high-quality dental X-rays and conducted dental charting to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Implemented preventive measures such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants to promote optimal oral health.
• Assisted the dentist during dental procedures by managing suction, retracting soft tissues, and ensuring patient comfort.
• Implemented and maintained strict infection control protocols, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for patients and staff.
• Managed dental emergencies efficiently, providing immediate care and appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Utilized dental software systems to document patient records, treatment plans, and progress notes accurately.
• Received positive feedback from patients for creating a comfortable and welcoming environment, reducing dental anxiety, and providing personalized care.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Name of University, City, State Year of Graduation

License and Certifications

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), State Licensing Board, Year CPR Certification, Certifying Organization, Year

• Patient Care
• Dental Hygiene Procedures
• Dental Radiography
• Dental Software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft)
• Oral Health Education
• Periodontal Disease Management
• Dental Charting
• Local Anesthesia Administration
• Infection Control
• Dental Instruments and Equipment
• Patient Communication
• Team Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Attention to Detail
• Dental Emergencies
• Continuous Learning
• Ethical Standards
• Bilingual Skills (English and Spanish)

Professional Affiliations

American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Local Dental Hygiene Association

1. Showcase professional experience

Highlight your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, provide a concise description of your roles and responsibilities, focusing on accomplishments rather than just job duties. Use action verbs such as “managed,” “implemented,” and “developed” to demonstrate your contributions and impact in previous roles.

2. Quantify achievements

Quantifying your achievements adds credibility to your resume. Whenever possible, use numbers, percentages, or metrics to highlight the positive outcomes you achieved in your previous roles. For example, mention the number of patients treated per day, percentage increase in patient satisfaction, or successful completion of continuing education courses.

3. Highlight relevant skills and qualifications

Dental hygiene requires a unique set of skills and qualifications. Create a dedicated skills section that includes both technical and soft skills relevant to the field. Technical skills may include periodontal assessment, radiography, and knowledge of dental software, while soft skills may encompass excellent communication, attention to detail, and patient education abilities.

4. Use targeted keywords

Keywords play a vital role in optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many employers. Research industry-specific keywords such as “dental hygienist,” “oral health,” “patient care,” and incorporate them naturally throughout your resume. However, avoid keyword stuffing, as it may harm your chances of getting shortlisted.

Examples of dental hygienist resume keywords

• Oral Health
• Periodontal Assessment
• Radiography
• Dental Software
• Oral Prophylaxis
• Dental Cleanings
• Dental Examinations
• Preventive Dentistry
• Teeth Whitening
• Dental Anatomy
• Periodontal Disease
• Scaling and Root Planing
• Dental Sealants
• Fluoride Treatments
• Dental X-Rays
• Patient Education
• Oral Hygiene Instructions
• Nitrous Oxide Administration
• Sterilization Procedures
• Dental Instruments
• Soft Tissue Management
• Continuing Education

5. Emphasize education and certifications

A strong educational background is crucial in the dental hygiene field. Include your degree, diploma, or certification details, mentioning the name of the institution, graduation year, and any honors achieved. If you have completed additional certifications or attended relevant workshops, list them to showcase your commitment to ongoing professional development.

6. Include continuing education and professional memberships

Dental hygiene is a dynamic field that requires professionals to stay updated with the latest industry trends and techniques. Mention any continuing education courses, workshops, or conferences you have attended. Additionally, include memberships in professional organizations such as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) or local dental hygiene associations to showcase your commitment to professional growth.

7. Customize each job application

Tailor your dental hygienist resume to match the specific requirements of each job you apply for. Study the job description carefully and align your skills and qualifications with the employer’s needs. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the position.

8. Proofread and edit

Before submitting your resume, ensure it is error-free and well-polished. Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Read it aloud or ask someone else to review it for clarity and coherence. A well-edited resume reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

9. Optimize the length and format

Aim for a one to two-page resume to maintain a concise and focused document. Use a clean and professional font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document. Avoid excessive use of bold or italics, and use bullet points to improve readability.

10. Selecting an appropriate format

The first step towards creating an effective dental hygienist resume is to choose a suitable format. Opt for a chronological or combination resume format, as it emphasizes your work experience and skills. Start with a professional summary or objective statement that highlights your career goals and expertise.

Here are a few free Word resume templates for dental hygienists that you can use for inspiration:

Crafting a great dental hygienist resume requires a strategic approach, incorporating industry-specific keywords, highlighting relevant skills and qualifications, and emphasizing your achievements. By utilizing the tips presented in this guide, you will be well-prepared to develop an exceptional resume that grabs the attention of employers in the competitive dental hygiene field. Keep in mind that your resume serves as your initial impression, so dedicate the necessary time and effort to ensure it stands out, thereby maximizing your prospects of securing your desired dental hygienist position.

We help job seekers to better their career by offering career advice & free resources. Download free Word resume templates and resume templates for Google Docs .

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Dental Hygienist Resume Example (+Bonus Writing Tips)

Dental hygienists can work full-time with one office or be an independent contractor who travels from one office to another. They provide essential care for patients that include deep cleaning, gingivitis treatment, examination for gum disease, and other ailments. Many also educate patients about proper dental hygiene and offer advice on better products.  

Dental hygienists earn a median hourly rate of $40 across the country , which rounds up to $78K annually. You can also enter this profession straight after trade school, which is another major con.

That said: landing new positions can be tough in the current volatile market. To improve the odds of getting an interview callback, we’ve prepared a detailed dental hygienist resume example and some helpful writing tips.

Dental Hygienist Resume Sample (Word version)

Download example (.docx)

Dental Hygienist Resume Example (text version)

Professional summary.

An experienced and compassionate dental hygienist and community educator. Seven years in direct patient care providing a range of hygienist services to patients in underserved communities. Interested in continuing to serve the needs of patients on a full-time basis at a public health center or community dental provider.

• Dental office administration and patient tracking software
• Health regulations familiarity, HIPPA knowledge 
• Professional plaque and calculus removal
• Pain and anxiety management among patients 
• Equipment safety and sterilization protocols
• Dental health education – curriculum design and delivery

Work History

St. Louis County Health Center Dental Hygienist/Public Educator August 2016 – Present

As a dental hygienist I am responsible for:

• Providing regular dental exams for patients aged 3 and up
• Oral assessments, deep teeth cleaning, plaque and calculus removal
• Patient charting, X-rays, and radiographs 
• Providing support and education to patients and caregivers about dental care

St. Louis Community Center Community Educator  April 2018-present 

In this role, I provide:

• Dental hygiene education: distributed dental care kits at the county health center, local schools, and other locations. 
• Administer the mobile dental outreach program that provided care to families in rural and inner-city neighborhoods, nursing facilities, and care homes.
• Work in cooperation with other healthcare educators to meet the needs of local communities.

Bryant College School of Dental Hygiene – Student Clinic Assistant Staff Hygienist May 2015 – August 2016

Worked as an intern and then as a full-time employee at the school’s dental hygiene clinic. Duties included:

• Assisting with teeth cleaning
• Preparing patients for exams
• Mentoring dental hygiene students

Education and Certifications

American Dental Association June 2015 – Present Dental Hygienist License – Active and in good standing 2021 – 2022 200 Continuing Education Units

Bryant College Dental Hygienist  –  AAS May 2015 Dean’s List

Bryant College  Public Health Educator – Certificate of Completion May 2015 Association of Health Professionals Graduate of The Year

Davis Technical High School H.S. Diploma Dental Assistant – Certificate of Completion June 2013

Memberships and Awards

St. Louis County Dental Health Association Gold Member 2015 – Present

Missouri Community Health Educator of The Year 2019 Girl Scout Leader 2015 – Present

Resume Writing Tips for Dental Hygienists 

Dental hygienists are essential helpers to the doctors. They also often interact more with patients, meaning strong interpersonal skills are a must-have, as do some top-notch customer service skills. To show you are a well-rounded candidate, apply the following tips when writing your resume. 

Choose The Right Resume Format

Resumes can be designed to show your skills first or your work experience first. You may also choose to include an objective statement or professional summary . Think about what would best represent you to prospective employers, then use that format.

Pro tip: Objective statements are better suited for entry-level candidates and interns. Go with a summary if you have several years of experience down your sleeve. 

Emphasize a Variety of Experience

The office you work with may need someone who can perform patient exams and cleanings, keep records up to date, educate patients, and communicate with other healthcare providers. You may need computer skills, an understanding of dental health insurance, and applicable regulations. Ensure that your resume covers a spectrum of hard and soft skills. 

Use Keywords to Stand Out

The dental office you apply to may use ATS (applicant tracking software) . The tool scans incoming resumes and excludes “unqualified candidates”. You might be filtered out based on factors like “years of experience”, “knowledge of specific software”, or “mentions of industry regulations”. 

The best way to pass a resume scan is to include important keywords that you mine from the job listing. Look for anything listed as a “must-have” then add that keyword to your resume.

Show an Emphasis on Delivery of Care

In many cases, dental patients spend more time with their dental hygienist than with their dentist. Because of this, your resume should show that you are compassionate and competent at delivering appropriate patient care and education.

Be sure to highlight several soft skills such as:

• Active listening
• Empathy 
• Teamwork 
• Patient pain control 
• Customer reception 
• Treatment plan coordination 

Final Tip: Address Your Licensing

You need a current license to work as a dental hygienist. Be sure to mention that your license is up-to-date or when you intend to complete your education. If you hold other certifications or awards, bring them up at the end of your resume. Popular certifications for dental hygienists include RDA license and Certified Dental Technicians (CDT ) program.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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Dental Hygienist Resume: Examples, Free Templates & Skills Tips

As a Dental Hygienist, you know what it takes for your patients to maintain good oral health. However, are you having trouble making your resume look clean and fresh? If so, use our expert resume templates to give your resume the repair that it needs.

Dental Hygienest Resume Example MSWord® Give a recruiter a nice smile by using our Dental Hygienist Resume template in Word to freshen up your resume.

Table of content:

Helping people smile is important work. You’ll know that already as a dental hygiene professional .

However, to get hired for a job, you’re going to need to show you’ve got the stuff to help patients maintain the best oral health possible.

You also will want a dental hygienist resume that stands out.

But what do dental hygienist resume templates require succeeding in a job hunt?

If you’ve never written a resume before or your current template is falling flat, we’ve got the answers for you.

In our guide on how to write a dental hygienist resume we can tell you all the key points that will make your next application the one that lands you the job .

Our expert dental hygienist resume writing guide explains:

• How to pick the best dental hygienist resume template
• The ways to perfect a dental hygienist resume objective
• The key points to add to your work experience section
• The skills expected on a dental hygienist resume in 2022
• How to tweak your education for the job at hand
• Other sections that can add extra power to your hygienist resume

Not only that, once you know how to fill your registered dental hygienist resume sample in like a pro, we can help you make it look great !

With our expert resume builder you can create an easy-to-edit, optimized template in just a few minutes.

Dental Hygienist Resume Sample

Before you start a resume for real, let’s get visual.

Looking over completed dental hygienist resume samples is the best jumping-off point to help you on the path to success.

Use our dental hygienist resume example below to get a clearer view of what you’ll need.

[Lauren Sandler]

[Dental Hygienist]

[45 Jonas Drive, Oakland, CA, 687030 | 782-332-2214 | [email protected]]

Compassionate, California licensed dental hygienist with 6+ years of experience in assessing oral health, educating patients in good dental management, and providing oral hygiene procedures. Possess exemplary skills in patient care, managing anxiety and pain relief, and currently hold a 95.7% customer satisfaction rating.

Dental Hygienist

Smiles Dentistry | Oakland, CA 2019 – 2021

• Managed workloads in busy dental practice with 800-1000 patients
• Assessed patients to understand oral hygiene methods and necessities
• Removed plaque and tartar buildup using the proper tools and accessories
• Provided essential advice on how to maintain good oral health
• Achieved a patient satisfaction rating of 95.7%

Junior Dental Hygienist

Ackerman and Johnson Dental Services | San Francisco, CA 2016 – 2018

• Provided support to more than 500 patients over 2 years
• Performed x-rays and other screening tests
• Administered pain relief and fluoride treatments for patients
• Prepared patients for dental surgery procedures

B.S. Dental Hygiene

Laney College | Oakland, CA 2013 – 2016

• Achieved a 3.5 GPA
• Major: Dentistry and Oral Science
• Relevant coursework: dental assistance, self-care programs, cleaning and stain removals, digital radiography
• Dental surgery preparation
• Plaque and tartar removal
• Pain control and anxiety management
• Advanced patient care
• X-rays and digital radiography
• Dental Hygiene Committee California – License No: GJS439

Certifications

• Red Cross: CPR and First Aid Training
• California Department of Public Health: Radiography and Fluoroscopy

Hobbies and Interests

• Volunteering: Red Cross

What’s the Best Resume Format for a Dental Hygienist?

So now you’ve seen a sample dental hygienist resume, and you’re ready to start your own.

But before you start filling out the page, you’ll need to get the format right first.

This will dictate how you organize all the information on the page.

In most cases, you’ll get the best results from a reverse-chronological template.

This places your work experience history in prime positions and shows your most up-to-date working record.

This is exactly what a hiring manager wants to see first.

Most companies these days use algorithmic filters such as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to save time and cut resumes that are poorly formatted or hard to read.

Therefore, you’re going to need a machine-readable format to submit your final application. In this case your best option is either PDF or TXT .

If you find yourself in a situation where the employer doesn’t accept doc files or docx you could be the one losing out.

If you use our resume builder , you can rest easy knowing ATS won’t come for your application. All our files are prepared in a format that gets through filters easily.

What Including a Resume Summary or Objective?

A dental hygienist resume summary or objective should be carefully crafted to get the best results.

To cut to the chase: it needs to tell the recruiter the things that qualify you most for their specific job opening.

As a dental hygienist, that means talking about your licensing, key skills, and a few achievements from your career.

Always list your skill or achievements that match the specific job description first.

The summary is the first thing a recruiter will see , and can have a big impact on if they keep reading.

You only have a few sentences, so you need to bring your ‘A’ game to this task.

Example Summary

Summing up your career in just a few sentences can be tricky.

Getting the balance right between length and depth is the key.

Don’t ❌

Trained Dental Hygienist with expertise in oral health, dental procedures, and patient care. Seeking to work in a dental clinic with 500-1000 patients.

That’s not going to cut it on a professional dental hygienist resume.

This is way too short and generic . It also focuses too much on you rather than the open job.

So, what is a good summary for a dental assistant resume?

Let’s look at a practical example:

Open wide and say, “ahhh”!

This summary will get people interested in your dental hygienist resume.

It offers clear details about your years of experience, the skills you’ve mastered , and the licensure you’ve earned.

Even better, it goes into a little more detail about some of the KPIs you’ve achieved.

In short, this is going to keep a reader interested much more than the vanilla version we looked at before.

How to Describe Your Experience as a Dental Hygienist

Now we’ve got the recruiter’s interest.

Your next job is to make your experience section shine like freshly whitened teeth.

Always lead with your most recent experience and work backward. Your headline, achievements, and skills in each role should appear as a short bullet point list.

Also remember, the dental hygienist job description for your resume will dictate what you prioritize.

Don’t include jobs that have no relevance to dental hygiene or dentistry. These will just waste valuable space on the document.

Always quantify your achievements using percentages, dollar figures, and other statistics.

This means your achievements and KPIs should always be tweaked for each job you apply for.

But just what are the duties and responsibilities of a dental hygienist that stand out?

Overall, you’ll want to show you know key tasks such as screening patients , performing cleanings and whitening treatment, preparing patients for surgery amongst other things.

You should only mention each key competency once. Otherwise, the section will become repetitive.

Ultimately you want to show a recruiter why you’re a unique opportunity as a candidate, so be sure to introduce duties at the earliest stage.

This should be done in the order they were learned before introducing new, more specialist tasks.

Dental Hygienist Resume Examples: Experience Section

The experience section is usually what recruiters are most interested in .

However, something the example below isn’t quite right.

Dental Hygienist Smiles Dentistry | Oakland, CA 2019 – 2021

• Assisted dentist with patient care
• Took patient X-rays
• Cleaned patient’s teeth
• Provided patient education on oral health
• Prepared patients for treatments and procedures

Nope, this isn’t going to do the trick.

Recruiters will balk when they see a few poorly described dental hygienist tasks listed on the page.

They’ll lump you in with the hundreds of other average candidates out there, junk your application, and move on with their day.

You need to make your profile stand out, and fast!

Instead, try an approach like the sample resume dental hygienist experience section below:

• Removed plaque and adjust based on recommendation above

Here we can see some results of things you actually did.

The reader can tell quickly what you are able to do and how well. This gives them exactly what they need to know.

By optimizing your experience section in this manner, you’ll be well on your way to interview city.

Is Your Education Section in Need of Some Polishing?

Your training and qualifications as a dental hygienist count for a lot.

This is a highly specialized job and hiring managers won’t accept anything below a minimum standard.

You will need a certification or licence in dental hygiene to get picked.

If you’re further into your career, your education section won’t need as much emphasis.

In the case of an entry-level dental hygienist resume, however, your education section can be even more crucial.

If you are writing your dental hygiene resume as a new grad you’ll need to go into extra detail.

Dental Hygienist Resume Education Section

Ok so you’re fresh out of dental school and you need a job.

Getting recruiters looking at your resume is time-critical .

Unfortunately, if you use an example like the one below you could be waiting a while to hear back from prospective employers.

B.S. Dental Hygiene Laney College | Oakland, CA 2013 – 2016

• Completed course
• NCAA Cheerleader – Laney Leaders

Uh oh, the recruiter might need some pain relief after reading that.

The information included here tells us very little about what you learned when you studied beyond the absolute basics.

You should go into a little more depth about the precise elements of dental hygiene and treatment that you studied.

As you can see in our optimized example below:

Education B.S. Dental Hygiene Laney College | Oakland, CA 2013 – 2016

As you can see from this tweaked dental hygienist sample resume the trick to acing your education section is to focus on relevance.

We can see the grade you achieved, your major and some handpicked relevant coursework .

Those are going to get results.

You don’t need to overwork your education section. Especially if you’ve got a well-established career.

The Best Dental Hygienist Skills for your Resume

Ok, let’s get into one of your biggest selling points.

Your skills.

To be blunt, dental hygienists have a lot of them, but knowing what to prioritize is key.

Only use 6 to 8 skills tops. Too many can clutter your design and are more likely to be missed by the reader.

In this section, you should pick around 3 to 4 technical hygienist skills that you excel at.

These should also tie in directly with the open position being advertised.

However, don’t forget dental hygienist resume skills aren’t only technical. You’ll also need some good soft skills too.

Working with patients requires the ability to build rapport, communicate well and interact comfortably with people.

Hiring managers will want to see personal skills that show you work well with people, so be sure to throw 2 to 3 their way too.

Some of the best dental hygienist ski lls to put on your resume include:

Soft Skills

• Friendly persona
• Attention-to-detail
• Customer service
• Communication
• Time management
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Flexibility

Hard Skills

• Dental cleaning
• Oral hygiene assessments
• Pain relief
• Anxiety management
• Oral surgery preparation
• Sealant application
• X-Ray analysis
• Patient care
• Fluoride treatment application
• Whitening application
• Restorative procedures

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

A resume for a dental hygienist can go further than just the basics.

There are good choices for other sections that you could add to make your individual application look tip-top.

As a licensed and certified professional, make sure to highlight any specific qualifications the recruiter might want to know about.

It can be worth spinning off your training and qualifications into their own unique sections .

You can also use a little detail about any relevant hobbies and interests .

Let’s see how this might work in the examples below.

Dental Hygienist Resume Sample “Other” Sections

Right, so you’ve decided to add some extra sections to your resume.

Nice choice.

But be careful. Adding irrelevant or pointless information for the sake of it could cost you dearly.

As we can see with the example below:

• Bungee jumping
• Skateboarding
• Heavy metal concerts

What is this?

This is just going to confuse the reader. It doesn’t add anything to your dental hygienist application and wastes valuable space and reading time.

Things need to be a little more focused when you add extra sections.

Let’s see how that can be done…

• Dental Hygiene Committee, California – License no: GJS439

This rounds off a dental hygienist resume perfectly.

We’ve got a special section covering your hygienist license.

Another looking at your certifications.

And finally, some extra details about personal interests that would further qualify you as an expert dental assistant.

Everything fits in with the kind of profile a hiring manager for a dental hygienist will normally be looking for and no space is wasted.

The Final Polish

Getting a dental hygienist’s resume cleaned up for an individual job takes a bit of work.

However, by remembering the key points discussed in this article, you’ll save a huge amount of time getting everything in order.

Remember to follow these golden rules to optimize your resume to perfection:

• Organize your resume in a reverse-chronological format.
• Use the resume summary to grab a recruiter’s attention.
• Focus only on experience that will get you hired.
• Add a mix of both hard and soft skills that qualify you for the position.
• Make your education section fit the rest of your profile.
• Add a few extra sections to show off your licenses, certifications, and any other useful personal information.
• Save your file as a PDF.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to tweak your final template to perfection.

We can help make the process even easier, too.

Our online free resume builder can help you create a design and ATS optimized template in just a few minutes.

To create a dental hygienist resume template free online today using our expert tools, simply click below.

Free Resume Templates

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• Sample Resumes

FREE 8+ Sample Dental Hygienist Resume Templates in MS Word | PDF

Dental hygienists are very important people in oral care. They are an integral part of any dental clinic. Employment in the area is expected to grow in the coming years and it is a high-paying job. Hence, more and more people are considering it as a career choice.

Dental Hygienist Resume

Resume for freshers – 7+ free samples , examples , format, mba resume - 9+ free samples, examples, format, chef resume - 8+ free samples, examples, format.

To get the job as a dental hygienist, you need to make your resume stand out from the rest. Studies have shown that it only takes 6 seconds for an employer to look at a resume and decide whether it is the right fit or not. To help you with the task of making one, we have dental hygienist  Sample Resumes  that you can look at and use as a guide.

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Resume in PDF

Size: 20 KB

Dental Hygienist Job Description Resume

Size: 140 KB

Experienced Dental Hygienist Resume

Size: 432 KB

Dental Hygienist Professional Resume

Sample Dental Hygienist Resume in PDF

Size: 12 KB

What to Include in Your Resume

In order to stand out and get that anticipated interview, you need to craft a compelling resume. Resumes often follow the same format and the same elements, with a few variations from job to job. Dental hygienist resumes, however, look much like nurse resumes. You can check our  Nurse CV Samples  if you are interested in that too. Here are some of the things that should be present in your resume.

• Personal Information – Include you full name here, followed by your current address. Make sure you put you current phone number and email address so your potential employers won’t have any trouble contacting you.
• Professional Summary – Keep this one short. Make sure to impress your potential employer by saying how you would do a good job when you get the position.
• Areas of Expertise – Some of the areas of expertise in this field include dental charting, stain removal, surgical assistance, and so on.
• Professional Experience – List here all your work experiences in the dental field. When you have unrelated work experiences, think carefully before ruling them out as they may have taught you skills that are related to your current field.
• Education and Training – You can also add certifications received in addition to educational information and trainings attended.

Dental Hygienist Assistant Resume

Size: 145 KB

Entry Level Dental Hygienist Resume

Dental Hygienist Job Resume Example

Size: 67 KB

New Dental Hygienist Resume Format

Tips in Making a Dental Hygiene Resume

In the competitive world of job application, you need to make a compelling resume that commands attention. Here are some useful tips you can use when you are looking to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

• Start with a strong professional summary. The professional summary needs to be short but contains all the necessary information about you such as your skills, professional achievements, certifications, and years of experience.
• Include understanding of new technology. The dental hygiene industry is a technology-driven industry and so you need to highlight experiences with those if you have. Fresh graduates who have no experience whatsoever can check out  Entry Level Resume Examples  to help them compete with others.
• Use keywords. Keywords are often what potential employers look at in a resume. You need to check job responsibilities and duties in job posts so you can see what words to incorporate into your resume.

When looking for a job as a dental hygienist, you need to craft a resume that compels the hiring manager to take a further look at what you have to offer. Our dental hygienist resumes offer a great guide for new graduates as well as experienced professionals so they can make that resume that gets them the job.

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