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7 Dental Hygienist Resume Examples [& Templates]

Dental Hygienist

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Dental Hygienist Resume

• Dental Hygienist Resumes by Experience
• Dental Hygienist Resumes by Role

As a dental hygienist, it can be a challenge to determine what to include in your career docs, from how to highlight your accomplishments within the dental office when creating a cover letter to how to properly format your resume to attract the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager. 

We’ve evaluated hundreds of dental hygienist resumes from all experience levels and responsibilities. We learned what works to help you get more interviews in 2024 and created seven dental hygienist resume samples to help you  build a resume that wows.

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Why this resume works

• Try listing the number of patients you treated on a daily basis; this will inform the hiring manager of the patient volume you’ve managed and will assure them you can handle a fast-paced environment while not compromising the quality of care.
• For example, if you know the job you’re applying to expects expertise in fluoride treatment, then be sure to include that on your dental hygienist resume, demonstrating your skills in your skills section and in your job description bullet points.
• When you’ve finished writing, don’t forget to  check your resume  against our AI-powered tool that will make sure you hit all the important parts. 

Dental Hygiene Student Resume

• Including a detailed list of technical skills in your dental hygiene student resume, coupled with your commitment to patient care, makes you a well-rounded candidate, ready to excel in a clinical environment while serving the community.
• Use your dental hygienist cover letter to demonstrate that even though you lack paid work experience, you’ve been making the most of the time and are coming in with relevant skills.

Entry-level Dental Hygienist Resume

• Your entry-level dental hygienist resume should have  a clear resume objective  that indicates foundational skills and experience in your dental practice training as well as your goals and how you will support the dental office. Hiring managers want to see your enthusiasm through your resume’s objective.
• Go beyond listing your responsibilities; focus on the results you achieved.
• Hiring managers are more interested in your “actions,” so focus your content on what you did and the results of your actions, such as process improvements and patient satisfaction.
• Sometimes when you don’t have much experience, you may want to be choosy when it comes to your  resume template . There are tons of options out there, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to find an editable template that will help you fill the space on your resume. 

Dental Hygiene Instructor Resume

• Moreover, mentioning achievements in improving patient understanding of oral health and other result-driven outcomes will give you an edge over other applicants.

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Resume

• Providing age-appropriate dental care while simultaneously having the ability to communicate with adults is important to get across in your pediatric dental hygienist resume .
• If applicable, list any patient populations that require specialized or unique training (i.e. autistic children with sensory issues) as unique specializations like this increase your work value to an employer. 

Dental Hygienist Assistant Resume

• Dental hygienist assistants play a very important role in the dental office, and since there are only a few key differences between an assistant and a hygienist, strive for specificity when discussing your responsibilities, especially how your work helped patient care, grew the practice, or improved processes, etc.
• Dental hygienist assistants wear many hats, so be sure to include patient care and front office responsibilities where applicable in your dental hygienist assistant resume.
• A vitally important part of a dental hygienist assistant’s job is keeping patient records up to date and accurate. Demonstrating how you did this in past roles is a quick, surefire way to demonstrate your competency.

Registered Dental Hygienist Resume

• Highlight any leadership or training roles in your registered dental hygienist resume. Recruiters will take notice of your collaboration and leadership skills, making your resume stand out from the crowd. 
• Answering questions, comforting patients, and talking to loved ones are the hard-to-quantify parts of the job that make you truly exceptional.
• Be sure to list any  specific skills on your resume  (i.e. patient populations, specialized dental services/technologies) that you possess that match the job description.

Related resume guides

• Dental Assistant
• Medical Receptionist

Dental Hygienist Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Dental Hygienist Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Dental Hygienist Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Detroit, MI 12345

A dental hygienist with three years of experience delivering oral health care services to patients, including cleanings, dental radiology exams, and oral cancer screenings. Adept at educating patients on oral care techniques and communicating effectively to reduce anxiety during procedures.

• Dental hygiene
• Dental radiology exams
• Nitrous oxide monitoring
• Patient care
• Patient relations

Professional Experience

Dental Hygienist, Bright Smiles Dental Clinic, Detroit, MI October 2021 – present

• Performed hygienic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures on clinic patients, including cleaning teeth and gums using dental tools and equipment
• Provide educational services for patients on oral health and preventative techniques
• Assisted dentist during examinations, communicating findings from initial examination, including potential symptoms of periodontal disease
• Conducted minor oral health treatments, including taking x-rays, applying protective sealants, dental charting, stain removal, and taking impressions

Dental Hygienist, Allure Dental Practice, Detroit, MI June 2020 – October 2021

• Delivered high-quality patient care and provided prophylaxis treatment, including teeth cleaning, flossing, gum massage, education, and scaling
• Performed dental exams and interpreted diagnostic and panoramic x-rays and digital imaging to identify signs of cavities and decay

Associate of Science (A.S.) Dental Hygiene Wayne County Community College, Detroit, MI – June 2020

Certifications

• Dental Hygienist, State of Michigan, License #12345

Sarah Johnson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Boston, MA 12345

A dental hygienist with six years of experience delivering high-quality patient care to diverse populations, specializing in soft tissue management, whitening procedures, and dental radiography. A proven track record of collaborating with dentists and assistants to improve clinical operations and ensure patient satisfaction.

Dental Hygienist, Bismarck Dental Services, Boston, MA May 2020 – present

• Educate patients on the importance of at-home care, flossing, and electric toothbrushes to prevent cavities, loss of enamel, and decay
• Review patients’ health and oral health history prior to dental hygiene procedures, remove plaque and calculus, and perform debridement and root planing
• Manage patient anxiety through pleasant demeanor, education, and empathy and introduce an innovative cleaning approach to reduce patient discomfort

Dental Hygienist, Hayden Dental Practitioners, Boston, MA June 2017 – May 2020

• Provided quality dental care services to patients across all ages, counseled patients on at-home care and dental hygiene, and performed teeth whitening and cleaning procedures
• Operated digital x-ray machine to provide intraoral radiographs, prepared digital models for 3D printing, and scanned existing plaster models into digital files
• Dental Hygienist, State of Massachusetts, License #12345
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring, Michigan Dental Assistants Association, 2016
• Dental care
• Dental radiography
• Patient education
• Soft tissue management
• X-ray examinations

Associate of Science (A.S.) Dental Hygiene Boston Community College, Boston, MA – June 2017

Anthony Gentile (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio Philadelphia, PA 12345

A dental hygienist with over 10 years of experience performing oral care procedures in a high-volume clinical environment. A strong history of educating patients on oral care techniques to promote long-term health. Adept at communicating effectively with a wide range of patients to reduce anxiety and discomfort.

Dental Hygienist, Smile Makers Dental Services, Philadelphia, PA November 2016 – present

• Build positive relationships with patients, communicate empathetically to reduce anxiety during procedures, and achieve a 90% patient satisfaction rating
• Perform oral cancer screenings, administer dental radiographic studies, and conduct routine cleanings for a diverse range of patients
• Conduct teeth cleanings for patients ranging in ages 2 to 18, remove plaque and hard deposits, conduct flossing, and apply fluoride treatments or sealants as needed

Dental Hygienist, Smile Right Dentistry, Philadelphia, PA June 2013 – November 2016

• Delivered compassionate, high-quality dental care to a broad range of patients, provided education on dental hygiene, and communicated with patience and understanding
• Recorded and assessed patient dental health and status, including number of teeth, changes in dental health, and areas of concern
• Cleaned deposits and stains from patients’ teeth and beneath gum margins, conducted oral cancer screenings, and administered dental radiographic studies
• Dental Hygienist, State of Pennsylvania, License #12345
• Communication
• Oral care techniques

Associate of Science (A.S.) Dental Hygiene Delaware County Community College, Media, PA – June 2013

Whether you’re a seasoned medical professional looking to advance your career or a newly licensed hygienist seeking your first position, your resume should showcase your understanding of dental procedures, patient care, and preventive oral health practices. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to create a compelling resume that stands out in the dental industry. We’ll provide real dental hygienist resume examples and delve into the key elements that make a standout resume, focusing on dental hygienists’ unique needs and expectations.

1. Create a profile by summarizing your dental hygienist qualifications

An engaging resume profile should highlight your expertise and commitment to supporting dental patients’ overall health and well-being. You can create a strong impression in two to three sentences by incorporating relevant keywords and emphasizing your years of experience. To make your profile even more impactful, consider including an impressive statistic or achievement that showcases your skills and sets you apart.

Your resume profile should focus on demonstrating your dedication to providing exceptional patient care, your proficiency in dental procedures and technologies, and your ability to educate and empower patients to maintain optimal oral hygiene.

Professional Profile Example #1

Professional profile example #2.

A dental hygienist with over 10 years of experience performing oral care procedures in a high-volume clinical environment. A strong history of educating patients on oral care techniques to promote long-term health. Adept at communicating effectively with many patients to reduce anxiety and discomfort.

2. Create a powerful list of your dental hygienist experiences

Showcase your practical skills, clinical expertise, and the positive impact you’ve made in your role by creating an accomplishment-driven professional experience section. To make this section impactful, focus on quantifying your experience by including specific achievements and outcomes.

For example, highlight the number of patients you treated daily or the success rate of preventive procedures you performed. Utilize action verbs as you write to add a dynamic element to your bullet points, emphasizing your active role in patient care. This strategy conveys your ability and creates a sense of professionalism and efficiency. Use this section to demonstrate how you execute your skills and to show employers the value you can bring to their dental health facility.

Professional Experience Example #1

Dental Hygienist Bright Smiles Dental Clinic, Detroit, MI | October 2021 – present

Professional Experience Example #2

Dental Hygienist Smile Makers Dental Services, Philadelphia, PA | November 2016 – present

3. List any education and certifications relevant to dental hygienists

Your academic background serves as concrete evidence of your qualifications and expertise in your field. Employers want to see that you have received proper education and training to perform the responsibilities of a dental hygienist safely and effectively. Outside of the mandatory licensing for your state, include all relevant educational information. Starting with your highest level of education, provide the degree name, institution, location, and completion date.

Also, showcase any technical dental hygiene certifications or training you’ve obtained. Whether in periodontics, pediatric dentistry, or nitrous oxide monitoring, these certifications demonstrate your dedication to professional growth and your ability to provide specialized patient care. Create a separate certifications section and format it similarly, listing the certificate title, issuing organization, and date received.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
• Associate of Science (A.S.) in Dental Hygiene
• Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH – May 2017
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] – [Completion Year]
• Dental Hygienist, State of Michigan – 2016, License #12345
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring, Michigan Dental Assistants Association – 2016

4. Make a list of your dental hygienist-related skills and proficiencies

A skills section demonstrates your ability to perform dental hygiene duties and highlights your qualifications as a dental professional. Include these skills to showcase your ability to provide comprehensive dental care, educate patients on oral hygiene practices, and ensure a safe and sterile clinical environment. Be sure to match your skills with those required for the job you’re applying for.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of skills you could use on your dental hygienist resume:

How To Pick the Best Dental Hygienist Resume Template

The best resume template for a dental hygienist has a clean and organized design, maintaining a professional appearance. Look for a template that allows you to highlight your most relevant professional accomplishments and key skills prominently. Avoid flashy graphics and overly decorative designs that could distract readers from the content of your resume. It should capture the attention of hiring managers and allow them to navigate your qualifications easily.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for dental hygienist resumes -.

Action verbs create a vivid and engaging narrative that captures the attention of hiring managers, allowing them to envision your capabilities and the value you can bring to their dental practice. But finding the right words to describe your work can be a struggle. To overcome this block, we've curated a comprehensive list of common action verbs for dental hygienists.

Consider using some of these words in your dental hygienist resume:

How do you align your resume with a dental hygienist job description? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for dental hygienists will increase at a faster-than-average rate of 9% between 2021 and 2031. It expects to see 19,000 new jobs created over the decade. Even though new opportunities will be abundant, applicants still need to make an effort on their resumes to stand out. The best way to position yourself as an ideal candidate is to customize your resume for the position you're interested in.

If you have a specific dental hygienist job opening in mind, it's crucial to tailor your resume to that particular role. Begin by studying the job description to identify the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities the employer seeks. Then, incorporate relevant keywords and phrases into your resume. Adjust your professional summary, skills section, and work experience bullet points to emphasize the most relevant aspects of your dental hygienist background.

What is the best dental hygienist resume format? -

Typically, the reverse chronological format for dental hygienists is the best resume format. This format highlights your professional experience, showcasing your employment timeline and development in the field. It lets you emphasize your relevant clinical skills, patient interactions, and specialized knowledge. The chronological format works well for experienced dental hygienists with a consistent work history and notable achievements.

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Writing a complementary cover letter is a great way to increase your chances of securing an interview in your job search. Personalizing your cover letter for the specific organization you're applying to is essential. Learn how by exploring our cover letter guide for dental hygienists. Check out our dental assistant and entry-level dental assistant cover letter guides for writing examples in related occupations.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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• • Implemented a new patient education program that increased patient compliance with oral hygiene practices by 40%.
• • Collaborated with dentists to develop personalized treatment plans, reducing patient recovery time by 30%.
• • Led the integration of digital radiography, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient throughput by 20%.
• • Managed inventory and procurement of dental hygiene supplies, cutting costs by 15% while ensuring quality.
• • Spearheaded a community outreach program to promote oral health, reaching over 500 community members.
• • Performed dental cleanings and examinations for an average of 30 patients per week, maintaining a 99% patient satisfaction rate.
• • Introduced a new sterilization technique that increased equipment lifespan by 20%, saving the clinic significant expenses.
• • Participated in the development of an oral health awareness campaign, which led to a 10% increase in annual patient visits.
• • Provided training to new hires on best practices in dental hygiene, ensuring high standards of care.
• • Delivered comprehensive dental hygiene care to 20-25 patients daily, focusing on preventive care and patient education.
• • Contributed to a 15% increase in patient retention through effective communication and follow-up care strategies.
• • Played a key role in a project to redesign the patient waiting area, improving patient comfort and clinic aesthetics.

5 Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Dental Hygienists play a crucial role in promoting oral health by performing cleanings, educating patients on proper dental care, and assisting dentists during procedures. When crafting your resume, focus on highlighting your experience with patient assessments, familiarity with dental software, and your ability to work effectively in a team. Consider adding skills such as excellent communication, attention to detail, and proficiency in using dental tools and technologies. Including examples of how you improved patient satisfaction or contributed to a reduction in appointment times can effectively illustrate your impact in previous roles.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Resume Format

Resume Experience

Hard & Soft Skills

Certifications & Education

Resume Summary/Objective Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

Dental hygienists are masters at crafting the perfect dental impression, but when it comes to their resumes, even the most skilled can sometimes falter in making themselves shine on paper.

With more than 200,000 dental hygienists working to brighten smiles across the U.S., having a resume that sparkles is more crucial than ever to stand out from the crowd.

Are you ready to give your dental hygienist resume a glow-up that’s as brilliant as a freshly polished set of pearly whites? Let’s dive into how you can dazzle hiring managers and really sink your teeth into your next career opportunity:

• Balance hard and soft skills. Combining your clinical prowess with your top-notch patient rapport and teamwork abilities. Show employers you're as good with people as you are with a scaler!
• Targeting your resume to the particular job offer by highlighting your most valuable and relevant qualifications. Highlight the skills and experiences that align directly with what they're looking for.
• Improving work experience entries beyond simply describing job duties to enhance their effectiveness.
• Employing quantitative data as evidence of stated skills.
• Utilizing keywords and formatting to improve recognition of well-aligned skills and qualifications.

This resume writing guide, including examples and pro tips, will help you overcome these challenges and ensure that your dental hygienist resume gains attention and makes a flawless impression on prospective employers.

For additional related dental positions, check out the following resume-writing guides:

• Pediatric dental assistant resume
• Orthodontic dental assistant resume
• Certified dental assistant resume
• Dental nurse resume
• Dental hygienist cover letter

How to format a dental hygienist resume

You need more than a bright smile to stand out among the competition for dental hygienist jobs. To get noticed, you’ll need to utilize every possible element of your resume to grab the attention of hiring managers, including your resume's formatting.

Besides ensuring your resume appears polished and professional, it can help or hinder your ability to get noticed by employers.

Dental offices increasingly use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to find qualified hygienists.

ATS analyzes resume text, looking for exact keywords or phrases corresponding to those in a job description. Employers use these systems to quickly sort and prioritize resumes to consider the most qualified candidates.

Review these best practices for ATS-optimized formatting on your dental assistant resume:

• Document type: Doc or PDF files  are typical for resumes and most easily analyzed by ATS. PDF files, like those produced using the Enhancv resume builder, are an excellent option for maintaining consistent formatting.
• Creative elements in text:  Avoid using nonessential stylistic features within text. Elements such as emojis and non-standard date formats can impede ATS' ability to recognize information in these sections.

Additionally, you’ll want to ensure your resume is well-organized, professional, and memorable by following these formatting best practices:

• Creative elements:  Include creative elements , such as colors and decorative designs, to make your resume unique and memorable.
• Header content:  A prominent header  featuring your name, desired job title, and contact information  lets employers view them at a glance.  
• Ordering:  List all section examples in reverse chronological order  to ensure your most recent and relevant appear first.
• Fonts:  Select ATS-friendly fonts matching the overall style of your resume, such as Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman, or for more creative ATS-friendly font options, try Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, Raleway, Exo 2, and Volkhov, which are all available on the Enhancv Resume Builder.
• Headings and subheadings:  Ensure resume sections are organized and include simple, precise headings. Standard section titles ensure ATS accurately recognizes and extracts information from these sections.

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To construct a well-organized, professional resume that's optimized for ATS and captures the attention of employers, include the following top-recommended sections:

The top sections on a dental hygienist resume:

• Professional summary: This section should be included to give a brief and engaging overview of your skills and experience tailored towards dental hygiene.
• Education and certifications:  It's key for recruiters to verify your qualifications—the completion of an accredited dental hygienist program and required licensure are typically required for these roles.
• Clinical skills and expertise: Include this section to specify your hands-on abilities pertinent to a dental hygienist, such as patient care, equipment sterilization, or dental procedure assistance.
• Work experience:  This section establishes your previous experience in dental hygiene or related fields, demonstrating your practical application of skills and knowledge over time.
• References:  If appropriate, you can list professional references, ideally from the dental field, who can vouch for your qualifications, work ethic, and suitability for the role.

Additionally, include the following essential information for dental hygienist resumes to ensure your most valuable skills and qualifications are covered.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Licensure:  The recruiter will prioritize candidates who are licensed as dental hygienists as regulations mandate this requirement, ensuring they can perform the role legally and safely.
• Experience:  Recruiters will consider years and breadth of experience in the field, looking for individuals who have a proven track record in dental hygiene, reducing training time.
• Technical skills:  Familiarity with common dental tools and techniques is a priority, ensuring that the candidate can deliver high-quality dental care from day one.
• Patient care skills: Recruiters prioritize hygienists who have excellent patient care skills including empathy, communication, and comfort management because dental visits can potentially cause anxiety among patients.
• Knowledge of dental health and hygiene: They look for candidates with a strong understanding of dental health issues and prevention, ensuring that dental hygiene education can be provided effectively to patients.

How to write your dental hygienist resume experience

Many dental hygienist duties are pretty standard across dental offices—cleaning, screening, and educating. The experience section transforms these routine tasks into vibrant colors of exceptional achievements that leap off the canvas, capturing the attention and admiration of employers.

Education and certifications verify the ability to complete these essential dental hygienist responsibilities. Therefore, to take full advantage of the potential of the experience section , your descriptions should highlight exceptional achievements you’ve made.

Additionally, the experience section should highlight specialized skills developed in past roles that fall outside the standard responsibilities of a dental hygienist—for example, billing experience, appointment scheduling, or specialized certifications.

Look at how the following experience example is improved by focusing on exceptional instead of standard descriptions of duties.

• • Perform thorough dental cleanings, including scaling, root planning, and polishing, for patients of all ages.
• • Conduct comprehensive oral examinations, assess patients' oral health, and identify and document any abnormalities or concerns.
• • Administer fluoride treatments and apply dental sealants to prevent cavities and protect patients' teeth.
• • Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, and dietary recommendations for optimal oral health.

This example describes many procedures and duties that are integral to dental hygienists. However, while the applicant clearly understands and can perform the duties of a dental hygienist, it's unclear how effective they have been in the job. To stand out among applicants with the same abilities and experience, they'll need to include specifics clarifying how well they performed these tasks.

Here’s how it should look:

• • Implemented teledentistry initiatives, conducting virtual consultations and follow-ups to enhance access to care and patient outcomes.
• • Mentored and trained new dental hygienists, providing guidance on clinical skills, patient communication, and professional development.
• • Achieved a 95% patient satisfaction rating based on surveys and feedback, demonstrating exceptional communication skills and patient care.
• • Managed a caseload of 500+ patients annually, providing comprehensive dental hygiene services, including cleanings, periodontal treatments, and preventive care.
• • Utilized advanced periodontal therapy techniques, such as laser-assisted scaling and root planing, to effectively treat periodontal disease.

Through the use of  action verbs , this applicant not only showcases their initiative but also takes ownership of their accomplishments. Additionally,  the quantitative data they provide is a testament to their effectiveness. Similarly, they highlight their specialized skills, particularly in advanced periodontal therapy techniques, developed in their previous work.

The shift in focus, describing exceptional achievements and knowledge, communicates the applicant's capabilities and is likely to stand out to employers.

How to quantify impact on your resume

An excellent way to stand out amongst applicants and boost your resume impact  is to include quantifiable data to prove your stated skills and abilities. These are tangible, measurable, or verifiable details that highlight your accomplishments  in past jobs.

This excerpt from the experience section above provides an excellent example of incorporating quantifiable evidence.

This candidate not only presents their patient care skills but also provides compelling data demonstrating the significant impact of their skills.

Determining what numbers and statistics may be available and most impactful in the dental field can be challenging. However, there are numerous ways to incorporate it. These are a few additional possibilities for using numbers and data  to prove your dental hygienist skills:

• The number of patients you typically treat per day or week  shows your ability to manage workload, maintain efficiency, and facilitate effective patient turnover.
• The percentage of patients experiencing improved oral health under your care  highlights your efficacy in treating and educating patients.
• The size of a dental care team you have managed or led in a large office  demonstrates teamwork and management skills, showing that you can handle administrative responsibilities.
• The number of different types of dental equipment and software you’re proficient in  indicates your versatility and competence in handling diverse dental procedures and technologies.
• An account of how many continuous education units or courses you've completed  highlights a dedication to the field and continuous improvement.
• T he number of oral health conditions you've treated  will demonstrate your breadth of knowledge and experience.
• Patient demographic information , such as the age range of patients you've treated, indicates your skills in managing diverse patient populations.

A targeted resume is most effective for dental hygienists, so remember to be selective when incorporating numbers and statistics, only mentioning those relevant to the position you're applying for.

For example, a small dental practice focused on positive patient experience will be more impressed by how your efforts resulted in an increased percentage of patient satisfaction than how many patients you treated daily in a large, fast-paced dental office.

How to write a dental hygienist resume with no work experience

First-time dental hygienists may feel disadvantaged when applying for work among candidates with more extensive work experience. It’s a hands-on profession that requires experience using instruments, performing procedures, and identifying potential concerns. Thankfully, the training and certifications required for the career ensure you have the hands-on experience critical for employers.

When writing your dental hygienist experience section without prior employment  in the field, it’s most effective to focus on a practical work history that demonstrates the same keyword skills found in the job description. For example, you can use internships, practical hours, or temp work  to demonstrate the hard and soft skills necessary for the job.

Follow these steps to write an experience section highlighting transferable skills:

• Compile a list of keywords from the job description.
• Brainstorm previous employment, educational, or volunteer experiences that showcase the same keyword skills and knowledge from the job description.
• To add credibility, include tangible evidence of these skills, such as certifications, achievements, and quantifiable data.
• Avoid including irrelevant work experiences  or outdated experiences .
• List experiences in reverse chronological order to ensure your most recent and relevant examples appear first.

Don’t worry about explaining or giving details about how your transferable skills align with the job you are applying for in your resume. Your  dental hygienist cover letter  is an excellent opportunity to detail further how your background makes you the ideal candidate.

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Crafting a standout dental hygienist's resume involves a delicate dance, seamlessly blending technical prowess with the artistry of patient care and communication.

A skills section  allows employers to easily identify what you view as your capabilities. Many applicants focus on technical or hard skills  that are critical for the job. However, the soft skills related to patient care, communication, and work ethic set candidates apart.

Soft skills can generally be incorporated into various sections of your resume such as in experience descriptions and and personal statements.

Hard skills

Hard skills  are the skills necessary to perform a particular job. They require study, training, and practice. In the dental field, hard skills often require certification and reflect technical abilities, like using office software and dental equipment or performing dental procedures.

When crafting your dental hygienist resume, it's crucial to include the hard skills that employers in the field are actively seeking. To ensure you're on the right track, consult this comprehensive list of top sought-after hard skills:

Best hard skills for your dental hygienist resume

• Dental X-ray technology
• Patient education
• Periodontal therapy
• Local anesthesia administration
• Ultrasonic instrumentation
• Hand scaling technique
• Dental mold taking
• Teeth cleaning and polishing
• Hand-eye coordination
• Dental charting skills
• Caries prevention techniques
• Sealant application
• Fluoride application
• Expertise in dental software ( Dentrix  or Eaglesoft )
• Knowledge of sterile techniques
• Infection control
• Dental health assessment
• Oral cancer screening
• Periodontal disease management
• Radiographic interpretation
• Prophylactic treatment application

Soft skills

Soft skills  are intrinsic, personal skills demonstrating the kind of employee you'll be. In a dental office, these skills enable you to provide excellent patient care and satisfaction, for example, compassion, empathy, and active listening are highly valued in any dental office.

While many applicants will have similar technical skills, their soft skills differentiate them and make them stand out to employers. For example, a dental office specializing in pediatric dentistry will value an applicant who mentions soft skills such as patience, compassion, and dedication to patient education in their soft skills section.

Including some of these top soft skills for dental hygienists will help your resume get noticed:

Best soft skills for your dental hygienist resume

• Verbal communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Listening skills
• Detail-oriented
• Work under pressure
• Time management
• Responsibility
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving skills
• Critical thinking
• Responsiveness
• Team player
• Professional demeanor
• Comforting attitude
• Good hand-eye coordination

The skills an employer values most will depend on many factors, such as the size of the office, patient demographics, number of employees, and dental specialty. Therefore, targeting your skills to the desired position is more effective.

Follow these steps to write your dental hygienist resume's skills sections:

• Format your skills section as a simple list without elaboration or examples.
• Target your skills section using keyword skills directly from the job description.
• Write these keyword skills precisely as they appear in the job description to enhance ATS analysis.
• Never lie about or exaggerate your skills on your resume.

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Highlighting your dental hygienist licensing and education is not just crucial—it's your chance to unveil a treasure trove of expertise. Dive deeper by showcasing additional relevant knowledge and specialized certifications, like a Local Anesthesia Certification, turning your resume into a gold mine of qualifications.

The education section of your resume  should feature your completed accredited dental hygiene program. You can also include any applicable university degree programs.

Your certifications section  should feature state licensure and additional relevant certifications, including continuing education courses required to maintain licensing.

As in other sections of your dental hygienist resume, best practice is to target these sections by limiting entries to those directly related to the position or explicitly requested in the job description.

To write your dental hygienist certification section and education section, follow these steps:

• Create separate sections titled “Education” and “Certifications” to allow ATS to parse information from your resume accurately.
• List all degrees and certifications in reverse chronological order, putting your most recent and relevant entries at the top.
• Keep it organized and straightforward to ensure employers can breeze through your credentials and recognize your value at a glance.

Education-specific best practices:

• For each education item, include the name of the accredited institution, its location, the dates you attended, and the program or degree title.
• Relevant continuing education courses , like those required for state licensing, may be listed in the education section.
• Including your GPA is optional unless the job description requires it.
• In descriptions, brief statements about relevant exceptional coursework achievements  such as those achieved in dental anatomy, radiography, pharmacology, periodontology, oral pathology courses, and during clinical practice.

Here’s an example of an excellent education example:

• • Relevant coursework: Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Periodontology, Pharmacology, Dental Radiography
• • Clinical Experience: Completed 500+ hours of supervised clinical training, providing comprehensive dental hygiene services under the guidance of licensed dental professionals.
• • Professional Development: Participated in 15 seminars and workshops on advanced dental hygiene techniques, infection control, and patient communication.

This applicant does an excellent job including all vital education information. Additionally, they include quantitative data and keyword terms to highlight their top qualifications.

Certification-specific  best practices:

• Include the name of the certification, the certifying institution, and the year obtained.
• Limit certifications to current, unexpired credentials.
• For certifications requiring renewal, include the date first acquired as well as the most recent renewal or a "valid through" date. For certifications you have held long-term, this demonstrates soft skills such as organization and responsibility.
• Limit your certifications to only those specifically named or directly related to the required skills mentioned in the job description.

The following are a few of the top certifications that stand out to employers hiring dental hygienists:

Best certifications for your dental hygienist resume

• Certified Clinical Dental Hygienist (CCDH)
• Certified Oral Health Educator (COHE)
• Certified Preventive Dental Therapist (CPDT)
• National Board of Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)

How to write your dental hygienist resume summary or objective

Many aspects of a dental hygienist resume are prescribed or standard among applicants. However, a well-written summary or objective statement lets you personalize your resume by highlighting personal achievements and career goals that appeal to employers.

These Personal statements  are crucial in garnering the attention of potential employers.

Regardless of which personal statement you select, it should clarify how your experiences and qualifications make you the most suitable candidate for the job.

Rephrasing specifics from the “Qualifications” or “Ideal Candidate” sections of a job description is a great way to guarantee you mention the skills and qualifications most valued by the employer.

A summary statement  focuses on your past work experience and how it aligns with the current job offering. On the other hand, an objective statement  focuses on your future career goals to illustrate how they correspond with the position.

Follow these best practices when writing either a summary or an objective:

• Customize the statement to match the specific job you're applying for, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
• Start sentences with action verbs to make your summary dynamic and impactful.
• Be brief. A summary should only be 3-5 sentences.

Resume summary

A summary is preferable for most dental hygienists since they’ll have at least some clinical experience. It should highlight how your past success indicates your potential to succeed in the available position.

To write a summary for your dental hygienist resume, follow these best practices:    

• Highlight your most relevant skills or experiences that directly overlap with the job description.
• Briefly mention your years of experience to provide context for your level of expertise.
• Write an impactful summary using keywords  directly from the job description, highlighting your well-aligned keyword experiences and skills.
• Use details such as naming specific software, dental equipment, procedures, and certifications to reinforce the relevance of your experiences.  
• Convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue providing high-quality patient care in the dental field.

A common mistake is writing an overly general dental hygienist summary statement. Let me illustrate:

This applicant follows many of the recommended best practices for writing a summary statement. However, they fail to target it to a particular position. This results in an overly generic statement that misses opportunities to include quantitative data and keywords from the job description which decreases its likelihood to impact potential employers.

Here’s the improved version:

The applicant significantly improves their statement by targeting it to a position in a pediatric dental office. They focus on skills and abilities particularly desirable in an office working with children, including patient education and cavity prevention techniques tailored to young patients. By concentrating on specific experiences in the specialty, they’re sure to draw the attention of any pediatric dentistry office.  

Objective statement

An objective section is a better option for dental hygienists with limited experience or who are applying for their first job. It allows you to focus on how you plan to use your background to achieve career goals while contributing to the success of the office.

To write your dental hygienist resume objective, follow these best practices:

• Describe the type of position you’re seeking.
• Share relevant or transferable skills that will help you succeed in the position using keywords  directly from the job description.
• Clearly state your career goals and enthusiasm for working towards them in the role.
• Highlight valuable contributions you can make while learning and gaining experience.
• Avoid generic phrases. Instead, focus on specific skills and goals that set you apart.

Additional sections for a dental hygienist resume

Numerous skills and abilities make your dental hygienist resume unique among candidates with similar licensing and work experience. The key is to personalize your resume and highlight exceptional qualifications that make you well-suited for a specific role.

One way to accomplish this is to include one or more of these optional additions for your application  in addition to the top-resume sections .

Consider adding one or more of these resume sections to highlight specific qualifications or accomplishments:

• Languages: Excellent patient communication is a cornerstone of patient care. Therefore, being multilingual is a valuable asset in patient-centric environments. Including a language section  is an effective way to set yourself apart.
• Achievements and awards:  If you’ve received recognition for your work in the past, consider including an awards and achievements section  as evidence to support your stated soft skills. In addition to individual awards, you can include awards your office received, such as being voted the top dental facility in your community.
• Professional associations:  A professional associations section highlights your dedication to ongoing improvement and staying current in dentistry. Consider joining one of the leading professional associations for dental hygienists below.

Professional associations for dental hygienists

These prominent professional associations for dental hygienists provide resources, support, and opportunities for networking and continuing education:

• American Dental Hygienists' Association ( ADHA
• International Federation of Dental Hygienists ( IFDH )
• American Academy of Dental Hygiene ( AADH )

Individualizing your resume with tailored sections ensures it reflects all your top qualifications and stands out among other applicants. Should you include sections other than those above, be sure they use catchy, ATS-friendly headings .

Including specialization on a dental hygienist resume

If you have extensive experience or certifications in a particular dental specialty, such as orthodontic or geriatric dental hygiene, including a specialization section is an ideal way to highlight these qualifications.

Your dental hygienist specialization section should include the following:

• The title of your dental hygienist specialization
• Relevant training or certifications
• Technical skills  related to using software and equipment
• Skills and expertise in performing specialized dental procedures
• Soft skills like patience and communication are vital when working with children in a pediatric dental specialty

Here’s an example of how your specialization section should appear on your resume:

Only include a specialization section demonstrating extensive knowledge, skills, and qualifications if applicable to the available dental hygienist position. For instance, the example above would be relevant for an orthodontic office.

However, it isn't appropriate as a separate section for work in a general dentistry office. In this case, the qualifications may be mentioned in the other resume sections , such as the experience section, to demonstrate your capacity to learn specialized skills.

Key takeaways

Creating an impactful dental hygienist resume is vital to standing out among many applicants. To ensure your dental hygienist resume captures the interest of potential employers, remember these key takeaways.

• ATS-optimized formatting helps your resume stand out in a sea of qualified applicants.
• Experience descriptions should highlight exceptional achievements in prior jobs.
• Your resume's skills section should include a tailored list of soft skills along with technical, and hard skills.
• Showcase licensing and ongoing education accomplishments in the certifications and education section.
• Additional sections, such as a specialization section, help highlight your suitability for a particular job opening.

Looking to build your own Dental Hygienist resume?

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