Dental Hygienist Resume Writing Guide & Examples

A dental hygienist plays a crucial role in maintaining the oral health of patients. They work alongside dentists to provide preventive and therapeutic care to patients, such as cleaning teeth, examining gums for signs of disease, and providing education on proper dental hygiene practices. As a dental hygienist, having a well-crafted resume is crucial to landing a job in this competitive field.

A dental hygienist resume should highlight your skills, experience, and education in the field. It should showcase your ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team of dental professionals. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to writing a dental hygienist resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers. We will also provide examples of effective dental hygienist resumes to give you a better understanding of what employers are looking for.

How to Write a Dental Hygienist Resume That Stands Out?

Are you a dental hygienist looking to land your dream job? Crafting a standout resume is the first step to getting noticed by potential employers. In this guide, we’ll provide you with actionable insights and practical advice on how to create a dental hygienist resume that stands out from the crowd.

  • Start with a strong summary statement: Your summary statement should be a brief introduction that highlights your skills, experience, and qualifications. Make sure to tailor your summary statement to the specific job you’re applying for.
  • Highlight your education and certifications: As a dental hygienist, your education and certifications are crucial to your success. Make sure to include all relevant degrees, licenses, and certifications in your resume.
  • Showcase your technical skills: Dental hygienists need to be proficient in a variety of technical skills, including digital radiography, charting software, and patient management systems. Make sure to highlight your technical skills in your resume.
  • Emphasize your soft skills: In addition to technical skills, dental hygienists also need to have strong soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and attention to detail. Make sure to showcase your soft skills in your resume.
  • Include relevant work experience: Your work experience is a crucial part of your resume. Make sure to include all relevant work experience, including internships and volunteer work.
  • Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your resume to increase your chances of getting past the ATS.
  • Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than two pages long. Make sure to keep it concise and to the point.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a dental hygienist resume that stands out from the crowd. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, and to highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications. Good luck!

Related Article: Dental Hygienist Job Description, Average Salary & Career Path

What Recruiters Consider in Dental Hygienist Resume?

When reviewing resumes for Dental Hygienist positions, recruiters look for several key factors. Firstly, they want to see that the candidate has the necessary education and certification to practice as a Dental Hygienist. This includes a degree in Dental Hygiene and a license to practice in the state where the job is located.

Secondly, recruiters look for relevant work experience. They want to see that the candidate has worked in a dental office or clinic before and has experience performing dental cleanings, taking X-rays, and educating patients on oral hygiene.

Finally, recruiters look for soft skills such as communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team. Dental Hygienists work closely with dentists and other dental professionals, so it’s important that they have strong interpersonal skills and can communicate effectively with patients.

Key Elements to Include in Your Dental Hygienist Resume

When creating a Dental Hygienist resume, it’s important to include key elements that will help you stand out to recruiters. These elements include:

  • Objective: A brief statement that summarizes your career goals and what you hope to achieve as a Dental Hygienist.
  • Education and Certification: List your degree in Dental Hygiene and any relevant certifications or licenses you hold.
  • Work Experience: Detail your work experience in dental offices or clinics, including the procedures you performed and the types of patients you worked with.
  • Skills: List your technical skills, such as proficiency in taking X-rays or using dental software, as well as your soft skills, such as communication and teamwork.
  • Achievements: Highlight any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work as a Dental Hygienist.

By including these key elements in your Dental Hygienist resume, you can demonstrate to recruiters that you have the necessary education, experience, and skills to excel in the role.

Dental Hygienist Resume Examples

In this article, we will provide you with four dental hygienist resume examples to help you create a winning resume. Each example will showcase a different resume template to give you an idea of what works best for your experience and skills.


Dental Hygienist Chronological Resume Example – 1

CV Ello

123 Main Street

CVello Town, USA

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]

 

Objective:

To obtain a dental hygienist position in a reputable dental office where I can utilize my skills and experience to provide quality dental care to patients.

 

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, XYZ University, CVello Town, USA, May 2015

 

Experience:

Dental Hygienist, ABC Dental, CVello Town, USA, June 2015 – Present

  • Perform dental cleanings, scaling, and root planing procedures
  • Administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation
  • Take and develop dental x-rays
  • Provide patient education on oral hygiene and disease prevention

Dental Assistant, DEF Dental, CVello Town, USA, May 2014 – May 2015

  • Assisted the dentist during dental procedures
  • Prepared and sterilized dental instruments and equipment
  • Assisted with patient care and education

 

Skills:

  • Proficient in Eaglesoft and Dentrix software
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask

The chronological resume template is a great option for dental hygienists with a solid work history. This template highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. It’s a great way to showcase your career progression and demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. Use bullet points to list your job duties and responsibilities, and include any relevant skills and certifications.


Dental Hygienist Chronological Resume Example – 2

CV Ello

123 Main St. | CVello Town, USA 12345 | (555) 555-5555 | [email protected]

Professional Summary

Dedicated and detail-oriented dental hygienist with 5+ years of experience providing exceptional patient care. Skilled in oral health assessments, prophylaxis, and patient education. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to build rapport with patients and work collaboratively with dental team members. Seeking a challenging position in a dynamic dental office.

Professional Experience

Dental Hygienist
ABC Dental Clinic – CVello Town, USA

June 2018 – Present

  • Perform comprehensive oral health assessments and screenings.
  • Provide prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, and fluoride treatments.
  • Educate patients on oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning.
  • Assist dentists with restorative and surgical procedures.
  • Maintain accurate patient records and treatment plans.
Dental Hygienist
DEF Dental Group – CVello City, USA

July 2016 – May 2018

  • Provided prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, and fluoride treatments.
  • Assisted dentists with restorative and surgical procedures.
  • Educated patients on oral hygiene techniques, including brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning.
  • Maintained accurate patient records and treatment plans.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, XYZ University – CVello City, USA

May 2016

The chronological resume template is an excellent choice for dental hygienists who have a solid work history and want to showcase their professional experience. This format emphasizes the candidate’s career progression, beginning with their most recent job and moving backward in time. It highlights the candidate’s skills, achievements, and responsibilities in each role, providing a comprehensive overview of their career. The chronological resume is also useful for dental hygienists who have worked for several employers or in different locations, as it shows how their experience has grown and developed over time. Overall, the chronological resume is a highly effective format for dental hygienists who want to make a strong impression on prospective employers.


Dental Hygienist Functional Resume Example – 1

CV Ello

Dental Hygienist

CVello Town, USA

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]

Summary

Experienced and dedicated dental hygienist with over 5 years of experience in providing quality dental care. Skilled in performing dental cleanings, taking X-rays, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Seeking a position in a reputable dental clinic where I can utilize my skills and knowledge to provide exceptional dental care.

Professional Experience
Dental Hygienist

ABC Dental Clinic, CVello Town, USA

January 2018 – Present

  • Perform dental cleanings and oral exams on patients of all ages
  • Take and develop X-rays
  • Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide recommendations for at-home care
  • Assist dentists with procedures such as fillings and extractions
  • Maintain patient records and ensure confidentiality
Dental Assistant

XYZ Dental Clinic, CVello Town, USA

June 2015 – December 2017

  • Assisted dentists with procedures such as fillings and extractions
  • Prepared treatment rooms and sterilized equipment
  • Managed patient records and scheduled appointments
  • Provided patient education on oral hygiene and post-treatment care
Education
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

CVello Community College, CVello Town, USA

Graduated May 2015

Skills
  • Proficient in performing dental cleanings and oral exams
  • Skilled in taking and developing X-rays
  • Excellent patient education and communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate patient records
  • Knowledgeable in infection control and sterilization procedures

This functional resume example for a dental hygienist showcases the candidate’s experience and skills in a clear and concise manner. The summary section highlights the candidate’s dedication to providing quality dental care, while the professional experience section details their specific duties and accomplishments in previous roles. The education and skills sections provide additional information on the candidate’s qualifications and abilities. By using a functional resume format, the candidate is able to emphasize their relevant skills and experience, making them a strong candidate for dental hygienist positions.


Dental Hygienist Functional Resume Example – 2

CV Ello

Dental Hygienist

CVello Town, USA

(123) 456-7890

[email protected]

Summary

Experienced and dedicated dental hygienist with over 5 years of experience in providing quality dental care. Skilled in performing dental cleanings, taking X-rays, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Seeking a position in a reputable dental clinic where I can utilize my skills and knowledge to provide exceptional dental care to patients.

Professional Experience
Dental Hygienist

ABC Dental Clinic, CVello Town, USA

January 2018 – Present

  • Perform dental cleanings, scaling, and root planing procedures
  • Take and develop dental X-rays
  • Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide recommendations for at-home care
  • Assist dentists in various procedures, including fillings and extractions
  • Maintain patient records and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations
Dental Hygienist

XYZ Dental Clinic, CVello Town, USA

June 2015 – December 2017

  • Performed dental cleanings and assisted dentists in various procedures
  • Developed and implemented patient education programs on oral hygiene and disease prevention
  • Managed patient records and ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations
Education
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

CVello University, CVello Town, USA

Graduated May 2015

Skills
  • Proficient in performing dental cleanings, scaling, and root planing procedures
  • Skilled in taking and developing dental X-rays
  • Excellent communication and patient education skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate patient records
  • Knowledgeable in HIPAA regulations and compliance

This functional resume example for a dental hygienist showcases the candidate’s experience and skills in a clear and concise manner. The summary section highlights the candidate’s dedication to providing quality dental care, while the professional experience section details their specific duties and accomplishments in previous roles. The education and skills sections provide additional information on the candidate’s qualifications and abilities. By using the location of CVello Town, USA, this resume example incorporates the name of the website, CVello, in a creative and memorable way.

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Dental Hygienist Combination Resume Example – 1

CV Ello Dental Care

CVello Town, USA
  • Dedicated and experienced Dental Hygienist with 7 years of experience providing patient care and dental education
  • Proficient in dental cleaning, periodontal therapy, and oral cancer screenings
  • Skilled in taking dental radiographs and maintaining dental equipment
  • Strong knowledge of dental anatomy, physiology, and pathology
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively educate and communicate with patients and colleagues

Professional Experience

Dental Hygienist, ABC Dental Clinic

June 2018 – Present

  • Provide comprehensive dental hygiene care, including prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, and oral cancer screenings
  • Take and develop dental radiographs to assist in patient diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide recommendations for home care
  • Maintain dental equipment and supplies, ensuring compliance with infection control protocols
  • Collaborate with dentists and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care
Dental Hygienist, XYZ Dental Clinic

January 2014 – May 2018

  • Provided preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene services, including prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, and sealants
  • Educated patients on the importance of oral health and provided recommendations for home care
  • Assisted dentists in restorative procedures, including placement of temporary restorations
  • Maintained accurate and complete patient records, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations
  • Managed and maintained dental equipment and supplies, ensuring compliance with infection control protocols

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

XYZ Community College, May 2013

This dental hygienist combination resume example highlights the candidate’s skills and experience in providing comprehensive dental hygiene care to patients. The candidate emphasizes their proficiency in dental cleaning, periodontal therapy, and oral cancer screenings, as well as their knowledge of dental anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The professional experience section includes details on the candidate’s roles as a dental hygienist at two different clinics, highlighting their responsibilities and achievements in those roles. The education section highlights the candidate’s Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, demonstrating their education and commitment to the field of dental hygiene. This resume template would be a strong choice for a dental hygienist who wants to showcase their expertise in patient care and education.


Dental Hygienist Combination Resume Example – 2

CV Ello
123 Main Street
CVello Town, USA
(555) 555-5555
[email protected]

Objective: To obtain a Dental Hygienist position in a reputable dental office where I can utilize my skills and experience to provide exceptional patient care.

Summary: Experienced and compassionate Dental Hygienist with over 5 years of experience providing comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages. Skilled in performing dental cleanings, taking x-rays, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques. Proficient in using dental software and maintaining accurate patient records. Dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and building strong relationships with patients.

Education:
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
ABC College, CVello Town, USA
Graduated May 2015

Professional Experience:
Dental Hygienist
XYZ Dental, CVello Town, USA
June 2015 – Present
– Perform dental cleanings and oral exams on patients of all ages
– Take and develop dental x-rays
– Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and provide recommendations for at-home care
– Maintain accurate patient records using dental software
– Assist dentists with procedures as needed

Dental Assistant
123 Dental, CVello Town, USA
January 2014 – May 2015
– Assisted dentists with procedures including fillings, extractions, and root canals
– Sterilized dental instruments and prepared treatment rooms
– Educated patients on post-treatment care
– Maintained accurate patient records

Certifications:
– Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
– Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Skills:
– Proficient in using dental software
– Skilled in performing dental cleanings and taking x-rays
– Excellent communication and patient education skills
– Strong attention to detail and accuracy
– Ability to work well in a team environment

References: Available upon request

This combination resume example for a Dental Hygienist showcases the candidate’s education, professional experience, certifications, and skills. The resume begins with a strong objective statement and summary that highlights the candidate’s experience and dedication to providing exceptional patient care. The education section includes the candidate’s degree and graduation date, while the professional experience section details the candidate’s responsibilities and accomplishments in previous dental offices. The certifications and skills sections demonstrate the candidate’s proficiency in using dental software, performing dental cleanings and taking x-rays, and excellent communication and patient education skills. The resume ends with a statement that references are available upon request.

Read Also: Dental Hygienist Job Posting Template: Tips & Examples

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Dental Hygienist Resume

As a dental hygienist, your resume is your first impression to potential employers. It is essential to make sure that your resume stands out from the rest. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your dental hygienist resume.

Do’s:

  • Use bullet points: Bullet points make your resume easy to read and help to highlight your skills and experience.
  • Include relevant experience: Make sure to include all relevant experience, including internships, volunteer work, and continuing education courses.
  • Highlight your skills: Dental hygienists require a unique set of skills, including communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. Make sure to highlight these skills in your resume.
  • Quantify your achievements: Use numbers to quantify your achievements, such as the number of patients you see in a day or the percentage of patients who return for regular check-ups.
  • Proofread: Make sure to proofread your resume for any errors or typos. A well-written and error-free resume will make a great first impression.

Don’ts:

  • Include irrelevant information: Only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Avoid including personal information such as your age, marital status, or hobbies.
  • Use a generic resume: Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. A generic resume will not stand out from the rest.
  • Use a fancy font: Stick to a simple and easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid using fancy fonts that may be difficult to read.
  • Include salary information: Avoid including salary information in your resume. This information can be discussed during the interview process.
  • Exaggerate your experience: Be honest about your experience and skills. Exaggerating your experience can lead to disappointment during the interview process.

Conclusion

Your dental hygienist resume is your first impression to potential employers. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that stands out from the rest and highlights your skills and experience. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for and proofread for any errors or typos. Good luck with your job search!

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