dental hygienist resume sample

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.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

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).

Check Out Related Examples

Dental Assistant Resume Examples and Templates

Entry-Level Dental Assistant Resume Examples and Templates

Healthcare Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• Common Healthcare Interview Questions and Answers Learn More
• What’s the Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Letter of Intent? Learn More
• What to Bring to an Interview Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

Resume Builder

• Resume Experts
• Search Jobs
• Search for Talent
• Employer Branding
• Outplacement
• Resume Samples

Dental Hygienist Resume Samples

The guide to resume tailoring.

Guide the recruiter to the conclusion that you are the best candidate for the dental hygienist job. It’s actually very simple. Tailor your resume by picking relevant responsibilities from the examples below and then add your accomplishments. This way, you can position yourself in the best way to get hired.

Craft your perfect resume by picking job responsibilities written by professional recruiters

Pick from the thousands of curated job responsibilities used by the leading companies, tailor your resume & cover letter with wording that best fits for each job you apply.

Create a Resume in Minutes with Professional Resume Templates

• Assists in the oral health management of all clinic patients
• Perform chair-side assists according to protocol
• Assist in designing, developing and presenting literature, information brochures, program materials, presentations on oral health as assigned
• Greets parents and assists patients to operatory, checking with parent and reading armband to identify scheduled patient before beginning any procedure
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients
• Assists in performing of intra-oral and extra-oral x-rays
• Provides nutritional counseling, and self-care programs to prevent disease
• Provides instruction/education to patients in preventive oral/dental health techniques
• Provides other duties as assigned
• Provides dental assessment
• Provides preventive oral care and oral health care education to patients and community partners
• Knowledge of correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage
• Knowledge of dental terminology
• Knowledge of dental hygiene principles, practices & procedures
• Collaborate with community site staff and a Dental Assistant/Navigator to obtain patient consent, make arrangements to provide services on-site and provide those services through a collaborative oral health system
• Participate in initial and on-going training with the University of the Pacific to learn how to use the software, equipment, and the project collaboration system
• Collect electronic dental records, including digital radiographs, photographs, and charting of dental findings
• Collaborate with dentist who will determine a plan for dental care for each patient in the program
• Carry out those aspects of the plan that can be performed in the community setting, including
• Health promotion and prevention education for patients, children, parents, teachers, and caregivers
• Dental disease risk assessments for children under the age of 10
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic
• Attentive to detail
• Ability to supervise people
• Ability to speak effectively and to adopt lecture material for presentation to various types of audiences
• Great interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of dental hygiene

14 Dental Hygienist resume templates

Read our complete resume writing guides

How to tailor your resume, how to make a resume, how to mention achievements, work experience in resume, 50+ skills to put on a resume, how and why put hobbies, top 22 fonts for your resume, 50 best resume tips, 200+ action words to use, internship resume, killer resume summary, write a resume objective, what to put on a resume, how long should a resume be, the best resume format, how to list education, cv vs. resume: the difference, include contact information, resume format pdf vs word, how to write a student resume, dental hygienist resume examples & samples.

• 1+ year as a Dental Hygienist
• Valid license to practice as a Dental Hygienist issued by NYSED
• Malpractice Experience

Bilingual Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Samples

• 1+ year of experience as a Dental Hygienist
• Prior experience with Dentrix system
• BLS and Malpractice certification
• X-ray certification
• 1+ year of experience working as a Dental Hygienist in a fast paced environment
• Valid NYS license to practice as a Dental Hygienist
• Bilingual (English and Spanish or French / Creole)
• X-Ray certification
• Provide oral measurement examinations for research study patients under the general direction of the principal investigator
• Be familiar with periodontal measurements, and DMFS scoring
• Provide information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests related to the research study
• Must be able and willing to comply with procedures, rules, and regulations of clinical research
• Protect patients by adhering to all hospital infection-control policies and protocols
• Must be independent starter and have ability to work independently
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques
• Ability to travel across department sites required
• Provide oral hygiene instruction and education
• One (1) year of clinical experience
• Pit & fissure experience
• Dental Hygienist issued by NYSED
• Working knowledge of the Dentrix system
• Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene
• Unrestricted license to practice Dental Hygiene in Washington State
• 2 years experience in clinical dentistry

Clinical Review Registered Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Samples

• Work as part of an integrated team of dental director dentists, other functional areas, and other members of the appeals staff
• Perform individual case review for appeals and grievances for various healthplan and insurance products, which may include Indemnity, PPO, ASO, and HMO, The appeals are in response to adverse determinations for dental services related to benefit design and coverage, dental necessity, and the application of clinical criteria of dental policies
• Communicate with UnitedHealthcare Clinical Appeals RDH Manager and dental directors regarding appeals recommendation rationales and benefit interpretations
• Participating in organizational committees, projects, and task forces, as appropriate
• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) with an active, unrestricted license
• 5 + years clinical practice experience
• Experience with dental claims coding and review
• Familiarity with current dental issues and practices
• Intermediate level experience in dental managed care
• 2+ years dental Quality Management experience desirable
• Intermediate presentation skills for both clinical and non clinical audiences
• Internet researching skills

Clinical Appeals Registered Dental Hygienist Manager Resume Examples & Samples

• Drives the team direction, resolves problems and provides guidance to members of own team
• Perform individual case review for appeals and grievances for various healthplan and insurance products, which may include Indemnity, PPO, ASO, and HMO, The appeals are in response to adverse determinations for dental services related to benefit design and coverage, medical necessity, and the application of clinical criteria of dental policies
• Identify Clinical Appeal trends within appeals data and drive opportunities for increased alignment with vendor’s initial determinations by active feedback and collaboration
• Actively participate in manager and other team meetings focused on communication, feedback, problem solving, process improvement, staff training and evaluation, and the sharing of program results
• Provide clinical and strategic input when participating in organizational committees, projects, and task forces
• 5-10 + years clinical practice experience
• High level of proficiency with managed care
• High level of Experience with claims coding and review a definite plus
• Extensive knowledge with current dental issues and practices
• Obtains baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care
• Records patient-hygienist interactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient and the care or treatment provided
• Provides oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all dental patients
• Provides clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, sealant application and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable state law and QuadMed clinical protocols
• Integration of appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management
• Organizes and performs preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law as well as QuadMed protocol and directive
• Assists in the maintenance of all department areas in compliance with QuadMed directive and policies as well as clinic policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the clinic as appropriate and time permits
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with QuadMed directive and clinic policy as well as state and federal regulations
• Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality
• Minimum of three (3) years experience as a licensed hygienist
• Dentrix software knowledge, and/or bilingual skills are a plus but not a requirement
• Considerable knowledge of equipment and procedures used in dental prophylactic treatments
• Considerable knowledge of dental terminology and equipment
• Considerable knowledge of techniques of chair side assistance
• Excellent interpersonal and written communications skills required
• Adheres to the principles of asepsis as mandated by MCH infection control, clinic policies and procedures, and OSHA regulations in all aspects of work
• Applies knowledge of growth & development in customer interactions & treatment. Applies expertise approach to small children, children with autism, children confined to wheelchairs, etc
• Ensures safety for all patients including the patient unable to sit for procedures un-assisted
• Ensures the clinic operatory supply levels are par and staff is notified when master inventory levels drop to re-order status
• Checks all equipment for proper function and cleanliness. Notifies Leader of any equipment not operating properly and needing repair
• Executes clear and concise education information for parents/patients in understandable terms
• Keeps all dental hygiene instruments properly sharpened and sterilized
• Performs all dental hygiene tasks in accordance with Florida Statue 44.024. Provides prophylactic care to all eligible patients including oral hygiene instructions
• Takes x-rays to assure the highest degree of diagnostic information with the least amount of exposure
• Reviews, maintains and documents patient information in the computer accurately. Obtains consent from parents when indicated
• Able to demonstrate evidence of clinical expertise
• Ability to problem solves to adapt standard clinical procedures to the individual client's need
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, or arrange for the provision of appropriate care, for adult and geriatric population of patients. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of dental growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient�s status. Interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient�s requirements and ensure and document that age specific needs are being met
• Directly provide these functions which include but are not limited to: complete oral prophylaxis, application of preventive agents to oral structures, administration of medicaments prescribed by a licensed dentist, preparation of diagnostic aids, and written records of oral conditions for the interpretation by the dentist, intra and extra oral exams for patients, including oral cancer screenings, periodontal screening and probing, exploration and or removal of subgingival hard or soft deposits, remove sutures, remove periodontal dressings, apply topical anesthetics and apply topical fluoride
• Document assessment, clinical findings and treatment appropriately
• Expose, develop and scan dental radiographs using proper techniques guidelines
• Conducts patient education (Oral hygiene and preventive care)
• Assess on a continual basis the performance of clinical and clinical support equipment
• Maintain effectiveness and integrity of equipment and supplies through proper cleaning and preventative maintenance in accordance with recommended guidelines
• Travel may be required for field clinic coverage, training, and/or other work related duties
• Licensure - Copy of current license to practice as a dental hygienist in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. Must show expiration date
• Transcripts - Transcripts must be provided. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable but official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty
• Noncompetitive eligibles – submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy
• Thorough knowledge of dental terminology
• Thorough knowledge of dental equipment and instruments
• Thorough knowledge of dental materials
• Thorough knowledge of dental procedures
• Ability to communicate orally, by phone and in writing with faculty members, staff members, and patients
• Ability to prioritize and work independently
• Exceptional compassion
• Cleans calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums
• Feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer
• Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease
• Examines gums to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease
• Applies fluorides and other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay
• Charts conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist
• Exposes and develops x-ray film
• Administers local anesthetic agents
• Removes excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth
• Provides clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health of school children
• Follows all guidelines, policies, and procedures set forth by the Department of Labor/Job Corps and Res-Care, Inc
• Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school. Must be State board certified
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
• 1711 Andrews Avenue , Bronx, NY 10453 USA

On-call Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Samples

• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives
• Performs intra-oral examinations of needed dental work
• Performs examinations for visual and radiographic indications of needed dental work, referring some patients to dentists and retaining others according to type of work required
• Indications noted in patient's progress note on a consistent basis
• Administers dental prophylaxes and fluoride treatments
• Provides instruction in proper nutrition and oral hygiene
• Instructs and demonstrates for patients and parents such things as proper oral hygiene, including brushing technique, flossing, massage, plaque control and proper nutritional habits
• Maintains dental operating equipment in a clean and appropriate manner
• Graduate of a dental hygiene program
• Valid NJ Licensure as a Dental Hygienist
• Experience with pediatric patients preferred
• Setting up operatory for planned dental procedure and clean dental unit for timely turnover
• Handling instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently
• Providing routine oral prophylactic care to include application of Fluoride solutions
• Providing gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures
• Cleaning dental prostheses, fixed and removable
• Managing dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed
• Applying desensitizing and sealant materials
• Making impressions for Fluoride carrier trays
• Providing patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition
• Accomplishing all procedures within standard infection control protocols
• Assisting patients in scheduling appointments
• Assisting in filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments
• Chart findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records
• Maintaining patient confidentiality per HIPPA with written and verbal information
• Participating in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements and monitor patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress
• Demonstrating proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatory, properly prepare and sterilize by SPD standards
• The Dental Hygienist will service the Lafayette and Lake Charles Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC)
• Education: Associate Degree or higher in an accredited dental hygiene program. This program must be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
• Licensure: Applicants must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist with full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia
• Certification: Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field. Accredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures which will meet the requirement for certification as dental radiographers
• Provides routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions
• Provides gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures
• Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed
• Applies desensitizing and sealant materials
• Makes impressions for fluoride carrier trays
• Administers topical and local anesthetic agents
• Provides patient education appropriate to the veteran’s needs and oral condition
• Prepares and provides individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory
• Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards
• Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care
• Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images
• Modifies care as appropriate for patient’s age and abilities (patient transfer and position)
• Provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients
• Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements
• Monitors patient condition during treatment, being alert for signs of physical distress
• Ability to assess the patient’s medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities for safe patient care
• Ability to assess the impact of patient’s medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health, recognize age-related changes in individual patients, adapt patient environment, and maximize patient’s physical comfort
• Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure
• Knowledge of hygiene procedures in order to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each
• Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films; and
• Skill in educating patients and caregivers on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and effects of illness, addictions, medications and tobacco on the oral cavity
• Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Dental Hygiene or equivalent is required
• Proficient working with electronic health records
• Periodontal dental hygiene experience
• Experience educating pre-doctoral and post-doctoral dental students regarding the dental hygienist’s role in the dental healthcare team
• Perform scaling, cleaning and polishing of teeth
• Render Treatment to gums and tissue surrounding teeth
• Develop and conduct a dental health education program, instruct inmates/residents in preventive dental techniques
• Take and develop dental x-rays as directed
• Take impressions for study Casts
• Spend a minimum of 75% of time performing duties which involve direct contract with inmates/residents
• Through the delivery of periodontal therapies and other hygiene-related services, Dental Hygienists are committed to improving the oral health of patients. Candidates must be enthusiastic about their dental work, and willing to provide the highest level of care at all times
• Under limited supervision, the Dental Hygienist provides oral hygiene dental treatment and oral hygiene care and education in accordance with guidelines approved, issued, and regulated by the state in which they work
• Patient screening, medical history and dental charting
• Application of fluoride and protective sealants. Removal of calculus, stain and plaque from above and below the gum line
• Hands on experience as a Hygienist
• Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene school. Current state license
• 1+ years' experience as a Hygienist
• X-ray license in the state of CT is a must
• Local Anesthesia is preferred
• 3+ years of Dental Hygiene experience required
• Local Anesthesia license preferred
• Saturday's are required for this position

Registered Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Samples

• Associate or Bachelors Degree in Dental Hygiene
• Two years experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist
• Dental Hygiene License by the Oregon Board of Dentistry
• CPR Certification - AHA approved
• 1-2 years hands on experience as a Hygienist
• X-Ray Certified in the state in which you work is required
• Local Anesthesia certified is a plus

Dental Hygienist Ses Resume Examples & Samples

• Skill in using dental instrument and equipment
• Skill in performing prophylaxis
• Ability to instruct patient in preventive dental techniques
• Ability to operate general office equipment
• Ability to follow office procedures & practices
• Ability to organize & maintain filing systems
• Ability to plan, organize & coordinate work assignments & communicate effectively verbally & in writing
• Ability to understand, interpret & apply applicable rules, regulations, policies & procedures
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to frequently use telephone, computer, copier and small hand tools, i.e.; stapler, scissors, etc
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
• NOTE: All responses provided to the qualifying questions for this vacancy advertisement must be verifiable on your State of Florida, Employment Application or resume **

Registed Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Samples

• Develop relationships with educational, social, and general health systems such as Head Start preschools, schools, long term care facilities and the like
• Preventive procedures such as application of fluoride varnish and other “medical model” prevention activities, dental prophylaxis, and periodontal scaling
• Placing Interim Therapeutic Restorations
• Tracking the individual’s need for and compliance with recommendations for additional and follow-up dental services
• Oversee the Dental Assistant/Navigator and others collaborating with site staff to refer and facilitate appointments in dental office for those procedures that cannot be completed in the community setting and require the skills of a dentist
• Supervise the Dental Assistant/Navigator in maintaining portable equipment and complying OSHA and infection control standards
• Work with site staff and patients to schedule, identify, and obtain consent for patients who may be candidates for Virtual Dental Home project
• Integrate support and education strategies to improve the oral health of patients and knowledge of prevention practices of patients, families, and caregivers
• Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols
• Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping patient
• Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse
• Provide diagnostic, preventive, periodontal, restorative, and early intervention treatments allowable under RDH license as specified by the Dental Board of California
• Maintains instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting instruments
• Manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply, and directory of emergency numbers
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions and postoperative instructions; providing reminders of time of next dental hygiene visit
• Documents dental hygiene services by recording vital signs and medical and dental histories; charting in patient records
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and other staff events
• Participates in other activities as required by the Dental Director
• Provides leadership as a dental professional in a community setting
• Current California dental hygienist license
• Current CPR certified
• Bilingual in English/Spanish desired but not required
• Demonstrates effective communication and problem solving skills
• Available to work in a fast paced environment and maintain profession composure and demeanor
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Ability to complete work assigned with limited supervision
• Computer literacy in word processing and spreadsheet programs
• Work requires periods of standing, sitting, lifting, turning, twisting, walking, pushing, pulling, reaching, speaking, hearing, seeing and ability to articulate clearly, use of hands to finger, reaching with hands and arms
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, mouse, and telephone
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include, vision to drive, vision to walk, close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Position requires driving to and from community partner sites
• Position requires lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds
• Disclaimer: This position description indicates in general terms the type and level of work performed and responsibilities held by the employee(s) occupying this position. Duties described are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws
• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures
• Skills in effective verbal and written communication
• Skills in problem solving
• Skills in computer software application
• Skills in coordination
• Ability to perform clinical hygiene procedures
• Ability to prepare and maintain dental records
• Ability to provide chair-side assistance, including prepare, clean, and maintain dental equipment and instruments
• Ability to provide counsel and instruction to patient and family on dental care and treatments
• Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days
• Current State Employees - Salary for current employees is based on employee’s current payband/ paygrade
• Only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers will be hired
• If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending on the date of your retirement
• Perform SRPs (scaling/root planing)
• Prepare patients for oral examination and assist other dental professionals in providing treatment
• MS in Hygiene/degree or certification for Hygiene from an accredited college or technical school or equivalent
• Recent Grads welcome to apply
• Local Anesthesia certification preferred
• X-Ray Certification is required

Dental Hygienist On-call Float Resume Examples & Samples

• Must be a licensed dental hygienist in the state of Minnesota
• Must be able to perform all duties within the scope of practice established by regulations and rules of the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Board of Dentistry that the dentist(s) delegates. For newly established functions, must complete applicable credentialing or certification requirements in a reasonable period of time after appropriate training is available
• Proven ability to perform as a part of a team composed of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and clerical staff
• Able to perform all duties in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry
• Responsible for knowledge and performance of clinical emergency procedures
• Responsible for implementing policies, procedures and treatment guidelines
• Responsible for schedule management and schedule flow of one’s patient schedules to assure efficient clinic schedules
• Responsible for the maintenance of patient-care-related equipment, supplies and processes
• Responsible for maintenance of a recall process. Able to work in conjunction with clerical staff to maintain a recall system

Dental Hygienist Supervisor Resume Examples & Samples

• Completion of four-year dental hygiene program or degree completion program resulting in a bachelor's degree
• Washington State Dental Hygiene license
• Washington State "School Sealant and Fluoride Varnish" endorsement
• Washington State Driver's License or the ability to provide transportation to remote work locations with limited or no public transportation
• Working knowledge of methods and techniques used in dental hygiene
• Working knowledge of the terminology, materials, equipment and instruments used in public health dentistry
• Functional knowledge of the Washington State Dental Practice Act regarding duties that may be performed by dental hygienists and dental assistants
• Knowledge of Seattle/King County Department of Public Health principles and practices in community oral health care settings
• Effective communication skills (oral and written)
• Knowledge of supervisory techniques and principles
• Knowledge of program administration including budgeting techniques and principles
• Knowledge of research techniques and methods
• Demonstrated ability to establish working relationships in a team setting involving oral health care providers, staff, clients, parents, school officials and community leaders
• Skill in public speaking and presentation techniques
• Skill in establishing working relationships in a team setting involving oral care providers, clients, parents, school officials, and community leaders
• Skill in working as a team leader in both clinical and community settings in the performance of oral health
• Skill in managing fiscal and human resources
• Skill in working with diverse populations, ages and cultures
• Work as a team and utilizes expertise as a dental hygienist providing preventive dental services, preparing and teaching dental presentations in schools
• Scheduling teams in the selected schools during the school year
• Implementing and completing SEALS data entry for reporting to funders and the school district
• Case management of children with urgent needs in the school based sealant program and increase referrals to dental homes for children in need of services
• Preparing orders and inventory control for School Based Sealant Program
• Coordinate with SBSP Supervisor and Dental Services Program Manager according to need
• Maintaining records and entering clinical services into Eaglesoft and HMS
• At least two years of experience working on a school based mobile or portable sealant program
• A basic understanding of SEALS
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish highly desired
• Performs other job related job duties as assigned
• Graduation from an accredited Dental Hygiene Program
• One year of chair-side hygiene experience
• Texas State Board License
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required; may be obtained subsequent to hire

Ops Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Samples

• Knowledge and understanding of Florida Statutes governing dentistry (Ch. 466 F.S.)
• Knowledge of dental hygiene principles and practices
• Knowledge of terminology and techniques of preventive dentistry. This includes symptoms, treatment alternative, drug properties and interactions and preventive health-care measures
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Knowledge and structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of works, rules of composition, and grammar
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests
• Knowledge of teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, persuading others to change behavior, and the measurement of training/instruction effects
• Skilled in the use of technology including software used for dental charting, calendars and scheduling, electronic mail, internet browser, copiers, and Microsoft Office
• Skilled in conveying information to others effectively either in person or in writing. Includes appropriate writing for the needs of the audience
• Skilled in active listening, giving full attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
• Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Skilled in weighing costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
• Skilled in using dental instruments to provide preventive services
• Skilled in the use of equipment and exposing/developing dental radiographs
• Ability to listen and understand, and communicate information and ideas so others will understand either through speaking or writing
• Ability to see details at a close range, within a few feet of the observer
• Ability to make precise coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects
• Ability to control precision and complete repetitive actions
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work activities and assignments
• Ability to keep accurate and timely records
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed
• Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Dental Hygienist as determined by the California Board of Dental Examiners - Registered Dental Hygienist License
• Passing accredited Dental Hygiene Program
• Familiarity with dental terminology and dental experience
• Technical skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and abide by HIPAA and other federal and University Policies
• Demonstrate excellence in reliability and attendance
• One year of dental hygiene experience
• Experience with Axium Practice Management Software
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Dental Hygienist
• Assesses dental condition and needs of patient, uses patient screening procedures, to include medical history review, dental charting, and perio charting; takes patient vital signs as required
• Delivers direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants and fluorides; and related procedures
• Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate
• Ability to perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocol and procedures
• Develops and mounts x-ray films as needed
• Maintains x-ray unit, processor, autoclave and dental unit(s) according to specifications
• If daily instruments count is incorrect, they complete reports to Security and H.S.A
• Completes weekly: Cleans developer, Cleans autoclave, Prepares weekly report
• Completes monthly: Cleans x-ray unit and film processor, Submits monthly statistics report to H.S.A
• Assess patient medical condition and current medical status
• Assess patient oral conditions relative to the medical condition and status
• Perform limited head and neck examination
• Provide patient and family education, motivationi and support
• Maximize patient ability to perform oral hygiene
• Review and assemble all information necessary for the determination of th eOral medicine Treatment plan
• Perfom local anesthesia,
• Performe dental prophylaxis, scaling, root planing and curettage
• Expose and process digital radiographs,
• Clean equipment if necessary
• Electronic chart documentation
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as required
• Maintain current WA State Dental hygiene license
• Participate in Annual renewal , review and compliance with all SCCA rules, regulation and educations requirements including but not limited to all of the SCCA Learning as described annually
• High School graduation or GED
• Graduate from an accredited school of Dental hygiene, National Board Registered
• Current WA State RDH license
• Hospital experience suggested
• Performs dental hygiene procedures
• Performs administrative or clerical duties as assigned, including filing, reception, scheduling, data entry, and patient registration
• Maintains equipment and medical supplies in clean working order. Maintains examination areas in a clean, adequately stocked, and organized condition
• Provides community oral health services in a variety of settings
• Formulates a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan in collaboration with the client and other health professionals. Evaluates the effectiveness of implemented care plans
• Provides preventative and therapeutic services that promote oral health according to the needs of the patient/client. Counsels patients/clients to reduce health risks
• Manages infection and hazard control

Dental Hygienist PRN Resume Examples & Samples

• Completion of an accredited Dental Hygienist program
• At least one (1) year experience as a Dental Hygienist
• Must receive a satisfactory background investigation report
• Completes and maintains patients’ medical records
• Performs dental hygiene related work (per Florida statutes) as required
• Provides dental sealant as required in outreach programs
• Participates in set up and break down of school based outreach programs
• Knowledge of dental hygiene principles, practices & procedures
• Knowledge of correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage
• Knowledge of standard business formats & styles for letters & business forms
• Skill in operating a personal computer
• Ability to handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner
• Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationship with others
• Ability to prioritize individual workload
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs. with ergonomic awareness, using standard safety measures
• Ability to Assemble, disassembles, and transport portable dental equipment to and from school settings with time proficiency, based on distance, in county designated vehicle
• Ability to work with occasional loud noises
• Ability to locate information that is listed alphabetically & numerically
• Ability to review data for accuracy & completeness
• Licensed as a dental hygienist in accordance with Chapter 466, Florida Statutes
• Two (2) or more years of experience working with pediatric dental patients
• Experience with placing dental sealants
• Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Creole
• NOTE: Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process. This language simply takes the place of previous language used that referenced the “State of Florida” application**

TAR Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Samples

• New York State Dental License
• Graduate of an accredited program in Dental Hygiene
• Minimum of two years’ experience in clinical dentistry preferred
• CPR training

Phdhp Dental Hygienist Resume Examples & Samples

• Applies protective topical agents, sealants and fluoride and related procedures within the scope of practice for a PHDHP
• Assesses dental condition and needs of member using patient screening procedures including medical history and medications
• Contacts parents/guardians via telephonic outreach to provide oral health educational and counseling
• Develops dental health program and strategy within the various areas identified as having gaps in coverage
• Maintain records of all outreach and communications (internally and externally)
• Provide education material and effective outreach to identify eligible members as well as work with private practice pediatricians, Federally Qualified Health Centers(FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), or schools to promote oral health care and overall wellness
• Refers members for follow up with a dentist for an annual dental exam and assists member to obtain an appointment with a local dentist
• Work with local agencies such as WIC, head start, nurseries, pre-schools, and child care programs and other agencies in the target areas to identify parents and programs for offering education, enrollment and treatment opportunities; provide comprehensive age appropriate education programs related to all aspects of good dental care; work with the community navigators to identify schools and agencies to recruit for our education and enrollment treatment programs
• High school diploma is required. Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Board of Dentistry as a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner Bachelor of Science Degree in dental hygiene, health science or allied health from an accredited college or university, preferred
• Five (5) years of dental hygiene experience in a dental practice, school or clinic, required. Technical skills to perform dental assessments, fluoride application, and all dental hygiene duties, required
• Ability to interact with doctors, dentists, patient/families, and Health Plan clinical staff to obtain and relay information on oral hygiene status, required
• Dental Hygienist
• Knowledge of dental hygiene science such as oral anatomy, oral physiology and histology, the principles and techniques of preventive dentistry, and dental instruments and materials
• Knowledge of oral pathology and periodontology sufficient to recognize a variety of abnormal conditions such as acute gingivitis, periodontitis, and deep periodontal pockets
• Knowledge of medical diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease as they relate to the care and treatment of the teeth
• Skill and dexterity in manipulating a variety of instruments while performing specialized dental hygiene procedures
• Ability to expose develops, and process radiographs including bite wing, periapical, and panoramic X-rays

Dental Hygienist / Coordinator Resume Examples & Samples

• Extreme attention to detail
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with internal staff and external customers
• Strong work ethic and ability to demonstrate self-motivation, initiative and resourcefulness
• A proven track record in maintaining discretion and confidential information. *Ability to independently prioritize, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to function independently and efficiently without direct supervision. *Solid time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Ability to obtain Child Abuse Clearances

Related Job Titles

• • 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

Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.

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.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

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?

• Resume Examples

How to write about your career for an effective resume

How to answer "why should we hire you", how to write a career change resume summary with examples, how to write a military to civilian resume, resume order of jobs – does it matter, how to answer "what is your management style" in a job interview.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Resume Templates

Resume samples

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our AI resume builder and secure employment quickly.

Write a cover letter

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Samples

Create and edit your cover letter

Use our user-friendly tool to create the perfect cover letter.

Featured articles

• How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples
• How to Write a Resume in 2024 That Gets Results
• Teamwork Skills on Your Resume: List and Examples
• What Are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

Latests articles

• How To Add a Promotion on LinkedIn: Steps and Example
• The Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs Offer Stability, While Nearly 300,000 Layoffs Are Blamed on AI
• How To Prepare Your Resume for a Promotion in 2024
• The Essential Guide To Giving Two Weeks’ Notice in 2024

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Write a Standout Dental Hygienist Resume: Guide and Examples

Find out how to create a job winning dental hygienist resume

Are you a Dental Hygienist more adept at navigating gum lines than the nuances of resume crafting? You’re not alone. In the fast-evolving dental care sector, having a polished resume is as crucial as your clinical skills.

This guide is your blueprint to a resume that not only passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS ) but also grabs the attention of hiring managers.

Leverage our online resume builder to craft an impeccable application efficiently. However, understanding the art of highlighting your skills and experiences is paramount. This Dental Higenist resume guide, features:

• Resume samples for Dental Hygienists across experience levels
• Essential keywords for beating the ATS
• Certifications and courses that elevate your resume
• Salary insights for Dental Hygienists to set realistic expectations

Experienced Dental Hygienist Resume Example

If you’re a Dental Hygienist with years of experience, you have an advantage, but how do you differentiate yourself when competing with others who are equally qualified?

The dental hygiene field is expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, indicating steady job opportunities. However, a generic resume won’t cut it. You need to showcase your past successes and comprehensive skill set in a structured way, as shown below.

Alex B. Doe Dental Hygienist

123 Oral Care Road, Smile City, TX 12345 Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexbdoe

Personal Statement

Dedicated Dental Hygienist with over 5 years of experience, having performed over 3,000 dental cleanings, leading to a 25% reduction in patient cavities. Expertise in sterilization protocols, resulting in 30% decrease in equipment contamination. Committed to enhancing patient satisfaction and contributing to team success.

• Patient Education: Expert in teaching patients about oral hygiene strategies.
• Dental Health Maintenance: Proficient in scaling, root planing, and sealant application.
• Tools Proficiency: Skilled in using ultrasonic devices, hand instruments, and radiographic equipment.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, empathy, and teamwork abilities.

Senior Dental Hygienist, Bright Smile Clinic

Smile City, TX | June 2019 – Present

• Led oral health education workshops, increasing patient compliance with home care by 40%.
• Implemented a new sterilization protocol that reduced equipment contamination by 30%.

Dental Hygienist, Happy Teeth Dental Office

Smile City, TX | July 2015 – June 2019

• Conducted over 3,000 dental cleanings, contributing to a 25% decrease in patient cavities.
• Collaborated with dentists to develop personalized care plans, enhancing patient outcomes.

A.S. in Dental Hygiene | Texas State College 

Smile City, TX | 2015

Certifications

• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
• CPR Certified

Honors & Awards

• Bright Smile Clinic’s “Hygienist of the Year” – 2021
• Happy Teeth Dental Office’s “Most Valuable Player” – 2018

Entry-Level Dental Hygienist Resume Example

Wondering how to write a Dental Hygienist resume when you’re entry-level or a recent graduate? Try emphasizing your educational background, relevant coursework, and clinical experience. Take a look at how it’s done:

Jordan L. Smith Dental Hygienist

456 Healthy Gums Ln., Fresh Breath, FL 67890 Phone: (987) 654-3210 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jordanlsmith

Newly licensed Dental Hygienist with a robust foundation in preventive dental care, patient education, and clinical skills, complemented by over 500 hours of hands-on clinical practice. Demonstrated success in enhancing oral health awareness through the development and implementation of an oral health education program for local schools. Eager to leverage academic knowledge and a proactive approach to oral health to contribute to the success of a dynamic dental team.

• Preventive Care: Knowledgeable in applying fluoride treatments and sealants.
• Clinical Skills: Competent in dental charting, x-rays, and basic periodontal care.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication, patient management, and empathy.

A.S. in Dental Hygiene, Fresh Breath Community College – Fresh Breath, FL | 2022

Relevant Coursework: Oral Anatomy, Pharmacology, Periodontology, Community Dental Health

Clinical Experience

Participated in 500+ hours of clinical practice, focusing on preventive care and patient education.

• Local Anesthesia Certification for Dental Hygienists
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification
• Oral Health Education Program: Developed and implemented a program for local schools to promote dental hygiene among children.

Professional Memberships

• American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), 2022 

Dental Hygienist Resume Tips

If you want to know how to make your Dental Hygienist resume stand out, enriching it with additional information will enhance your appeal to potential employers.

Add Courses and Certifications

Staying current in dental hygiene practices is crucial. Highlighting your commitment to ongoing education and any advanced certifications can set you apart.

Certifications and Courses

• Local Anesthesia Certification for Dental Hygienists, 2023
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification, 2022
• Advanced Periodontal Therapy Workshop, American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 2021

Mention Professional Memberships

Membership in professional organizations not only shows your commitment to your career but also indicates your involvement in the broader dental community.

• National Dental Hygiene Honor Society (Sigma Phi Alpha) – Since 2021

Include Volunteer Experience

Volunteer work, especially in underserved communities or in dental health outreach programs, demonstrates your dedication to improving oral health beyond the clinic setting.

Volunteer Experience

• Oral Health Educator, Smile Bright Initiative – Conducted monthly oral health workshops for children in underserved communities, 2019-2021.
• Dental Hygienist Volunteer, Global Dental Relief – Provided dental hygiene services and education in rural areas of Nepal, 2020.

Select the sections that best represent your strengths, achievements, and the value you bring to a potential employer. 

However, be mindful of the length of your resume and prioritize the most relevant and impressive information to ensure your application remains concise and impactful.

Crucial Keywords to Boost Your Dental Hygienist Resume

Standing out to potential employers is key, especially when they often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through the high volume of resumes they receive. 

Including the right keywords in your resume can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.

With the right keywords, your qualifications are more likely to catch the eye of the hiring manager or stand out to the ATS, ensuring your resume makes it to the next stage of the hiring process.

Dental Hygienist Keyword Categories

Make your resume more effective by using the following keywords to make sure it passes the Application Tracking Systems and appeals to hiring managers.

Clinical Skills and Techniques

• Periodontal Therapy
• Prophylaxis
• Dental Scaling and Root Planing
• Fluoride Treatments
• Dental Radiographs (X-rays)
• Sealants Application

Tools and Equipment Proficiency

• Ultrasonic Scaler
• Hand Scalers and Curettes
• Digital X-ray Equipment
• Intraoral Camera
• Dental Software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft)

Patient Care and Education

• Oral Hygiene Instruction
• Nutritional Counseling
• Patient Comfort
• Dental Health Promotion
• Risk Assessment for Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease

Professional Skills and Attributes

• Empathy and Compassion
• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Team Collaboration

Certifications and Licenses

• CPR Certification
• Local Anesthesia Certification
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation Certification

Regulatory Compliance

• Infection Control
• OSHA Compliance
• HIPAA Regulations

Software and Technology

• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems
• Dental Practice Management Software
• Digital Charting

Be sure to use these keywords in the context of your achievements and responsibilities to demonstrate how you’ve applied your skills in practical settings. 

Must-Take Courses to Showcase Your Mastery in Dental Hygiene

Featuring your educational background is crucial in the field of dental hygiene. While your resume should highlight your practical experience and certifications, including relevant coursework can further underline your qualifications and specialized knowledge.

Anatomy and Physiology

Understanding the structure and function of the human body, especially the head, neck, and oral cavity, is fundamental for Dental Hygienists. Listing this course demonstrates your grasp of the basics that are crucial for effective patient care.

Oral Pathology

This course provides knowledge about diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. Including it on your resume shows that you can identify signs of oral diseases, a key skill for early detection and referral.

Pharmacology

Knowledge of pharmacology is important for understanding how different medications can affect dental treatment and patient health. This course proves your ability to manage patients with complex medical histories safely.

Periodontology

Specializing in the study of the supporting structures of teeth and diseases that affect them, this course highlights your capability in managing and treating gum diseases and in performing preventive dental care.

Proficiency in dental radiography is essential for diagnosing and planning treatment. A course in radiology indicates your skill in safely capturing and interpreting dental X-rays.

Dental Materials

Understanding the properties and manipulation of dental materials used in restorative dentistry shows that you are well-versed in the tools and techniques for patient treatment.

Community Dental Health

This course emphasizes the role of Dental Hygienists in promoting oral health within the community. It showcases your commitment to public health and your ability to design and implement oral health promotion programs.

Local Anesthesia

For Dental Hygienists, being certified to administer local anesthesia can greatly enhance your resume. This course demonstrates your ability to perform more complex dental hygiene procedures with increased patient comfort.

Nutrition and Oral Health

This course explores the relationship between diet and oral health. Including it on your resume highlights your ability to provide comprehensive dietary counseling to improve patient oral and overall health.

Incorporating these courses into your resume, especially as an entry-level candidate, can significantly boost your profile. It not only reflects a well-rounded education but also showcases your readiness to tackle the responsibilities of a Dental Hygienist. 

Remember, the goal is to select courses that align with the job requirements and your career objectives, thereby making your application as relevant and compelling as possible.

Best Certifications for Dental Hygienist Resumes

Adding relevant certifications to your resume is a powerful way to emphasize your specialized knowledge and skills in dental hygiene. 

These certifications can set you apart, demonstrating your commitment to professional development and excellence in your field. Consider obtaining one or more of the following:

• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH): This is the foundational certification for Dental Hygienists , indicating that you have met the national and state requirements to practice dental hygiene. It’s essential for employment in most settings.
• Certified Dental Hygienist (CDH): While not as universally recognized as the RDH, the CDH certification can still demonstrate specialized competency in dental hygiene practices.
• Local Anesthesia Certification for Dental Hygienists : This certification allows you to administer local anesthesia, expanding the scope of procedures you can perform and enhancing patient comfort during treatment.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation Certification : With this certification, you can administer nitrous oxide to patients, a valuable skill for practices that offer sedation dentistry to help manage patient anxiety.
• Dental Hygiene Laser Certification : This certification demonstrates your proficiency in using dental lasers for various treatments, a cutting-edge technology that’s becoming increasingly popular in dental practices.
• Tobacco Cessation Program Certification : Specializing in helping patients quit tobacco use, this certification showcases your commitment to oral and overall health promotion.
• Oral Cancer Screening Certification : Given the importance of early detection in oral cancer outcomes, this certification emphasizes your ability to perform thorough screenings and recognize potential signs of oral cancer.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced Dental Hygienist, these certifications can help boost your career prospects and potentially lead to higher salaries and more rewarding job opportunities.

Dental Hygienist Salary Expectations

Salaries for Dental Hygienists vary based on experience, location, and the type of practice. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists was $81,400 in May 2022. However, salaries can vary widely based on factors such as:

• Geographic Location : Some states and metropolitan areas offer higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for dental hygienists.
• Experience Level : Entry-level dental hygienists might start at lower salaries, but there is significant potential for salary growth with experience and additional certifications.
• Type of Practice : Private dental offices, public health clinics, and specialty dental practices may offer different salary scales.
• Part-Time vs. Full-Time : Many dental hygienists work part-time, which can affect annual salary figures, though hourly rates are competitive.

Staying informed about industry standards and continuously enhancing your qualifications can help you negotiate better compensation and advance in your career.

To make your Dental Hygienist resume stand out:

• Use relevant keywords and phrases to pass the applicant tracking system.
• If you’re entry level , highlight your education. Include all relevant certifications.
• For experienced hygienists , focus on your achievements and how you’ve contributed to patient care and clinic success.

Start today. Take advantage of our AI-powered online resume builder and make sure your resume leads you to your next career milestone.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

Related Professions

Dentist Use our dentist resume writing guides, templates, and professional resume samples to craft a resume that will make your employer smile. Reviewed Updated on December 27, 2023 Dentist

Medical Assistant The critical role of a medical assistant requires a highly skilled and capable professional. Hence, your resume should reflect that. Create your resume now! Updated on December 21, 2023 Medical Assistant

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume Examples
• Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist resume examples & templates

If you have a dazzling smile, a cavity-free mouth and a head full of teeth that will last forever, you may have a dental hygienist to thank for that. And if you’re one of the health-care professionals who provides the services that make this happen, then you’ll need a standout dental hygienist resume to land the perfect role for you.

In this writing guide, along with our adaptable dental hygienist resume example, we will cover everything you need to know about preparing this crucial document. Here’s what we’ll discuss:

What does a dental hygienist do?

• How to prepare a dental hygienist resume

Choosing the best resume format for a dental hygienist

• The five components of a job-winning resume

Resume.io is a top global provider of job-search resources for people in all occupations. Take a moment to look at some of our 300+ resume examples for even more tips and guidance.

Dental hygienists are best known for cleaning teeth to remove tartar, plaque and stains. They also take dental X-rays, provide fluoride treatments, screen patients for tooth decay or other problems, and in many other vital ways assist dentists in providing all-around oral care.

Dental hygienists review patients’ medical history, identify oral health risks and counsel patients on how to maintain clean, strong teeth. They communicate any concerns to dentists and keep detailed records of patients’ dental treatments.

How to write a dental hygienist resume

A dental hygienist resume should be one page only, broken down into five essential components:

• Summary/profile
• Employment history

The header is an attractively designed section at the top of the resume that contains your name, occupation, address, phone number and email. It may also contain your LinkedIn profile or a link to any other website that showcases your professional achievements. 

Good resume format means good structure, layout and design – everything in its place in the proper order, easy to scan and easy on the eye. 

Like those teeth you work on, you want your resume to look great. This requires choosing the right font and font sizes, using adequate margins and including an appropriate amount of white space that contains nothing at all.

Another consideration is whether to use the reverse chronological or functional format in listing your work history. For most dental hygienists, the reverse chronological format is the best bet, listing your last or current job first and your first job last. 

Find more writing inspiration in these related medical resume examples, including our dentist resume sample, dental receptionist resume example, dental assistant resume sample, physician assistant resume example and endodontist resume sample. 

Resume summary example

The resume summary, also known as a profile, personal statement or job objective, is an “elevator pitch” that describes the key skills you bring to your role. In your own carefully chosen words, create a professional self-portrait with an overview of your experience, education, certifications, skills and other vital qualifications. 

In preparing your resume, always be mindful of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) – software programs that employers use to search resumes for keywords that describe critical job qualifications. Employers use these systems by inputting the skills that they’re seeking in a new employee, and then the ATS filters resumes according to how many of these a resume mentions.

If your resume contains none of the keywords that the employer expects, it’s likely to be rejected before any human being even looks at it. For this reason, it’s very important to study job listings closely and match their language on your resume as much as possible. 

Check out the summary from our adaptable resume sample below.

Attentive and compassionate dental hygienist committed to applying my extensive skills in established oral care procedures to enhance dental experiences for patients. Dedicated to maintaining a positive attitude while supporting the clinical needs of a practice's patients and doctors. Licensed in the state of Oregon.

Employment history sample

You should include up to 10 years of relevant employment history in this section. Don’t just list the places you’ve worked in the past but provide bullet points that describe what you accomplished at these jobs. Be specific, using facts and figures where possible. 

See the employment history section of the dental hygienist resume sample below.

Dental Hygienist at Rosebush Dental, Portland Jul 2018 - Oct 2021 

• Evaluated the overall oral health of patients and examined the oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or possible cancers.
• Answered patient questions and/or concerns and acted accordingly to ensure optimal health and comfort for the patient.
• Documented the dental history or chief complaint of a patient.
• Performed routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays and application of sealants and fluorides on 40+ patients daily.
• Worked collaboratively with dentists, dental assistants and office staff to deliver the best care possible.

Dental Assistant at Absolute Dental, Portland Sep 2016 - May 2018

• Delivered quality and compassionate care to every patient under the supervision of the dentist.
• Set up trays according to the day's charts.
• Reviewed schedules and completed duties to ensure smooth office workflow.
• Assisted chairside using four-handed dentistry.
• Exposed radiographs and intra-oral images.
• Provided patient instructions and education on appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, including instructions for post-treatment care.

Dental hygienist resume education example

Education is an important component of any complete dental hygienist resume as these professionals need at least an associate’s degree in dental hygiene or a certificate program from an accredited institution. Dental hygienists are also required to be licensed. List your educational achievements in reverse chronological order, including certification and licensure. See the education section from our dental hygienist resume sample below.

Sep 2014 - May 2018  Pacific University, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, Forest Grove

CV skills example

Provide a list of both your “hard” and “soft” job-related skills on your CV. Hard skills are technical capabilities like knowledge of teeth-cleaning and X-ray procedures, while soft skills are “people skills” like your friendliness and ability to make patients feel comfortable. See the skills list from our dental hygienist resume example below.

• Knowledge of Dental Instruments and Sterilization Methods
• Health & Safety Regulations
• Patient Care Procedures
• Attention to Detail
• Knowledge of Dental Software
• Interpersonal Communication Skills

Resume layout and design

Just as a patient would have a hard time trusting a dental office full of broken furniture and dying plants, a hiring manager or dentist is concerned with the visual impression of your resume when they review your application. 

Make sure your font styles, color choices and header are appropriate for the medical industry. If you’d like some help getting started, you may consider using a professionally-designed resume template.

Key takeaways

• Hold your resume to one page and make sure it contains the five essential elements – no more and no less.
• Optimize for ATS software by listing the qualifications that employers are seeking.
• Check out our adaptable dental hygienist resume sample for more ideas on how to create an attractive and functional page layout.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

Resume Templates

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our user-friendly tool and secure employment quickly.

Resume examples for 217 jobs

Writing the perfect resume with our help just got easier. Check our resume guides for the job you desire.

Most Popular Resume Examples

Featured articles

• Free Online Certifications to Add to Your Resume
• Make Shadowing Hours a Part of Your Resume
• How to Decline a Job Offer but Keep the Door Open

Latests articles

• The Definitive Guide to Resume Review With AI
• How to Write a Resume for Skills-Based Hiring
• How to Show Your Achievements on a Resume: STAR & CAR Methods
• Improve Your LinkedIn Profile Using ChatGPT
• 5 Tips for Using ChatGPT in Your Interview Prep

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Make use of expert tips & tricks to to help you build the perfect resume

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

Using resume templates that are proven to work will help you to move your career search forward. Start and customize as many resumes as you need with our free resume builder , available for a 14-day trial.

Thanks for using our free templates!

Enjoy ResumeGiants? We’d love it if you’d leave a review – it’d help others!

We hope we’ve helped you to move closer to your dream job.  Have you found our resources helpful? If so, share your experiences with others – leave a review! (10 seconds max)

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

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

Copy this text for your entry-level dental hygienist resume!

Cesar Cabal, RDH Entry-Level Dental Hygienist [email protected] (123) 456-7890 Denver, CO

CAREER OBJECTIVE Dynamic and results-driven dental hygienist graduate with a strong foundation in dental office best practices and providing superior customer service. Consistently exceed practice goals and patient satisfaction, always providing creative solutions to improve the patient experience. Ambitious and excited to embrace new challenges at Light Dental Studios, contributing to the practice’s overall success of building patient relationships that foster preventative care and lifelong dental health.

WORK EXPERIENCE Dental Office Receptionist Slimdental 2020 – current Denver, CO -Manage the front office of practice, greeting 50+ patients per day and responding to information requests. -Implement a new filing system to streamline front office operations that is saving 6 hours per week of manual work and is improving productivity by 17%. -Verify insurance information, collect co-pays, and inform patients of financial obligations. -Review provider charges including dates of service, procedures, and accurately enter information in the billing software program. -Investigate issues with past due invoices, and use proven service strategies to reduce unpaid accounts by 23%. -Enhance professional growth by participating in 30+ hours of educational programs, in-service, and workshops a year.

Hostess Grimaldi’s 2019 – 2020 Denver, CO -Welcomed and led diners to tables in a friendly manner -Managed reservations, calling guests for confirmation 24-48 hours prior to scheduled arrival. -Maintained a clean and tidy lobby and hostess stand. -Monitored restaurant flow to decrease wait times for customers by more than 5 minutes during peak hours. -Assisted servers in busy hours by carrying drinks, clearing tables, and communicating new tables. -Cleaned menus, wrapped silverware, answered phones, paid out to-go orders, and restocked coloring sheets, crayons, napkins, toothpicks, and mints at hostess stand.

SKILLS – Organized – Critical Thinking – Teeth Cleaning – Teamwork – Soft Tissue Management – Multi-tasking

EDUCATION Associate of Arts, Dental Hygiene Community College of Denver 2019 – 2021 Denver, CO

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 Sample

Creating a standout resume is crucial for advancing in the dental hygiene field.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just entering the field, a well-crafted resume highlights your qualifications, experience, and skills, setting you apart from other candidates.

Below, you’ll find an excellent example of a dental hygienist resume, showcasing an effective layout and essential content needed to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Use this sample as a guide to structure your own resume and emphasize your unique strengths in the dental care industry.

Clara Smith, RDH

1234 South Ave, City, CA 12345 Phone: (000) 456-7890 Email: [email protected]

Licensed Dental Hygienist with over 5 years of experience in providing comprehensive dental hygiene care. Expertise in patient education, oral health assessments, and preventive care, consistently achieving high patient satisfaction scores and improving office-wide patient wellness programs.

Professional Experience

Sunshine Dental Clinic , City, CA Senior Dental Hygienist June 2018 – Present

• Conducted over 1,200 oral health assessments annually, including dental charting and management of patient records.
• Developed and implemented personalized home care programs for over 500 patients.
• Performed approximately 1,500 prophylactic cleanings, fluoride applications, and sealant placements per year.
• Trained and supervised a team of 5 junior hygienists and dental assistants.
• Collaborated with dentists to create treatment plans for over 600 patients with a focus on preventive care.
• Ensured 100% compliance with health and safety regulations, resulting in zero safety violations during tenure.

Happy Smiles Dental , Wellness City, CA Dental Hygienist January 2015 – May 2018

• Administered routine cleanings, periodontal maintenance, and radiographic procedures for over 1,000 patients.
• Educated more than 800 patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and preventive care methods.
• Assisted in the implementation of office-wide patient wellness programs, leading to a 20% increase in patient participation.
• Maintained meticulous records of patient treatments and progress, resulting in a 98% patient retention rate.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Wellness City University, City, CA Graduated: May 2014

Certifications

• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), State of California
• Certified in CPR and First Aid
• Radiology Certification
• Proficient in electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Excellent patient communication and education skills
• Skilled in periodontal therapy and preventive dental care
• Strong knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization techniques
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

Professional Affiliations

• American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)
• California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA)
• Local Dental Hygiene Study Club

Available upon request

• Dental Hygienist Job Description and Duties for Resume
• Dental Hygienist Qualifications for Resume
• 7 Registered Dental Hygienist Resume Objective Examples
• Dental Hygienist Cover Letter Sample

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

Dental Hygienist Resume (with Samples & Tips)

The dental industry is one of the fastest-growing occupations, which means more opportunities will be available for dental hygienists. One of the main advantages of working as a dental hygienist is having a flexible schedule.

All resume examples in this guide

Dental Hygienist Resume Example

Anna White Dental Hygienist 524-003-325 [email protected] Irvine, CA linkedin.com/in/annawhite

Professional Summary

Registered Dental Hygienist with eight years of experience in oral health care. Expertise in conducting oral screening, periodontal charting, and assisting dentists with teeth cleaning procedures. Proven ability to educate dental patients on disease prevention and proper oral hygiene maintenance.

Work experience

REVO Dental Clinic Dental Hygienist May 2017-June 2020

• Gave patients postoperative care instructions to promote healing and protect the dental work they received, especially for teeth whitening procedures.
• Produced digital and traditional x rays of patients for dentists to identify gum disease, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
• Assisted dentists while completing dental procedures, including minimally invasive and advanced operations.

Arrow Dental Center Dental Hygienist January 2015-April 2017

• Updated patient records and interviewed them to obtain medical information before performing any procedures.
• Prepared dental tools necessary for operations, examined patients' teeth and assisted with applying fluoride treatments.
• Ensured dental tools were laid out correctly and equipment was ready before dental cleaning procedures.

Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene Idaho State University 2014

• Periodontal charting
• Dental Health
• Patient schedule management
• Soft tissue management
• Fluoride application
• Nitrous oxide monitoring
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Basic life support

Additional SectionCertification

Certified Dental Assistant

This allows you to work at multiple offices or even pursue further education, giving you a better chance at advancement.

The perfect dental hygienist resume that describes your skills and experience is key when you want to get your next position. The demand for these services is increasing as preventative care is placed at a higher priority. Therefore, you need a resume that puts you ahead of your competitors when a job opportunity presents itself.

In this article, we'll give you tips to help you create your professional resume. Some of the topics we'll cover include:

• How to add your professional experience to the resume.
• The relevant skills for every dental hygienist.
• The correct format and layout for your resume.
• A dental hygienist resume sample to help structure your resume.

Job Market and Salary rates for Dental Hygienists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics , the employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031.

The industries with the highest levels of employment in Dental Hygienists include the following:

• Dental Offices
• Employment Services
• Offices of Physicians
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Federal Executive Branch(OEWS Designation)

The average salary for a dental hygienist is $79,000. The typical range is between $68,000 and $90,000, depending on the level of education, skills and experience.

How to Create a Resume for Dental Hygienists

Creating a resume that sets you apart can be challenging, but that doesn't have to be the case. With the right tips, you can write a great dental hygienist resume that helps you get the job you want.

Start by checking the job description to find out what the hiring manager is looking for. Use the keywords and action verbs highlighted to optimize your resume and ensure it gets past the ATS system.

Let's look at the resume format, layout and structure in detail.

Resume Format, Layout, and Structure

There are three common formats you can choose from. They include:

• Reverse-chronological format - This format focuses on your experience and is perfect if you've worked as a dental hygienist before. It's also the most preferred format by hiring managers.
• Functional resume format - This format is perfect for recent graduates and career changers. It highlights your skills/unique abilities.
• Hybrid/Combination resume - This is the ideal format for you if you have the perfect blend of skills and experience. It combines the best features of the functional and reverse-chronological format.

The layout should be simple to make it easy to read through your resume. Use fonts such as Times New Roman, Cambria, Calibri, Georgia and Helvetica . The font size should be 10-12pt.

The structure of your dental hygiene resume should have the following sections:

• The professional summary/ objective
• Work experience section
• Education section
• Skills section
• An additional section(computer skills and certifications, languages, awards/honors, and interests)

Start with the Header Section

The header section contains your contact and personal information , which must be accurate. Hiring managers use these details to reach out to you, and incorrect information will cause you to miss out on an opportunity. These details include:

• Your full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• A link to your LinkedIn profile

Correct example

Dental Hygienist

386-924-008

linkedin.com/in/karenmiller

Incorrect example

2442 Newton Street

House number 22

Date of birth 01/05/1977

How to Showcase Your Experience in Your Resume

Your work history in dental hygiene will go to this section of your resume . It's advisable to start with it, especially if you have relevant experience.

Detail your experience working at a dental office and highlight your job duties. As you add your responsibilities, quantify your achievements with figures and facts. This allows the recruiter to see what you can do for the company.

As you list your previous jobs, start with the name of the company, job title and the period you worked at each place . If you have little experience, add your internship or volunteer experience and highlight any transferable skills.

Example for an entry-level dental hygienist

Assistant Dental Hygienist

May 2015-May 2017

• Scheduled new appointments depending on the dentist's availability by maintaining a master calendar.
• Sterilized instruments and equipment after dental hygiene procedures to protect patients from bacteria and viruses.
• Used Calendly to schedule deep cleaning appointments for clients.

Example for an experienced dental hygienist

Lead Dental Hygienist

June 2016-August 2020

• Applied sealants and protective coatings to teeth to help clients protect their gum health and prevent periodontal disease.
• Produced bitewing, panoramic, and periapical x-ray images to help the dentist determine the procedure the patient needs.
• Provided chairside assistance to the dentist when attending to pediatric patients.

Include Your Educational Background

Every dental hygienist position differs, but most jobs require an associate degree . If you're applying for an advanced position, you'll need a bachelor's or Master's degree.

Always use the job description to determine the education requirements. The details in this section include the name of the degree/diploma, the name of the school and the year of graduation.

Highlight any relevant coursework, especially if you don't have much experience.

University of Maine

Dental Hygienist Skills for Your Resume

Every job seeker should have a detailed skills section. Usually, the recruiter will have a list of skills in the job description, which is why you should review it. Adding the right skills to your resume increases your chances of landing an interview.

Your resume should have a list of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical skills that help you get around the dental office. You can learn them on the job or in school. Soft skills allow you to interact and relate well with colleagues and clients. Dental hygienists may need several soft skills since they interact with many people.

If you don't have relevant experience, this section allows you to list your transferable skills from other jobs. Check out our resume templates which have great designs to choose from.

Hard Skills

• Plaque removal
• Topical fluoride (TF)
• Teeth whitening
• Root planing
• Periodontics
• Dental radiography
• Dental records management
• Pedo and prophylaxis expertise

Soft skills

• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Excellent customer service
• Creative Problem Solving
• Multitasking skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Organization skills

Write a Resume Summary

The second section of your resume is a professional summary. This part of your resume summarizes your qualifications by highlighting the top accomplishments that will put you ahead of your competitors. Make it catchy and interesting to get the hiring manager to read the rest of your resume.

Dental Hygienist Resume Objective

If you don't have much experience, you may not have any accomplishments to add to the resume summary as you introduce your resume. Instead, you'll use a resume objective that highlights your career goals and expresses your interest in the dental hygienist position . Recent graduates and career changers use this to introduce the resume.

Additional Sections for Your Resume

An additional section on your resume allows you to include other qualifications you've not highlighted in the previous sections. This is also a great way to ensure the recruiter doesn't miss some of your best qualifications and achievements. Let's look at some of the sections you can consider.

Computer Skills and Certifications

Basic computer skills are essential for dental hygienists to perform their tasks . If you have these skills, add them to this section instead of the general skills section to make them more visible.

Dental hygienists must be licensed, so if you have the certifications and required licenses, you should add them to this section. These set you apart from the other candidates, especially if they don't have any additional educational qualifications. Some of the certifications that will help your resume stand out include the following:

• Dental Assistant(RDA)
• Certified Dental Technician
• License - American Dental Association

Language skills are essential, especially when working with clients from different cultures. If you're a bilingual candidate, this is a qualification you want the hiring manager to see in your resume because it helps you stand out. List your languages using the official language reference as follows:

• Delf for French
• TOEFL or IELTS for English
• Goethe Zertifikat for German

Tips to Boost Your Resume

• Start your resume with a catchy resume summary/objective.
• Highlight your top accomplishments and quantify them with figures and facts.
• Optimize your dental hygiene resume with the right keywords and action verbs.
• Prioritize relevant work experience in dental hygiene.
• Tailor each resume you send to a recruiter to ensure you match the recruiter's requirements.

Summary: Writing a Perfect Resume for Dental Hygienist Jobs

• The correct format and layout are vital as they determine whether the hiring manager reads your resume.
• Add the correct contact details to ensure that the recruiter reaches you.
• Your resume should be one page at maximum.
• Using bullet points to list your skills makes it easier to spot them on your resume.
• Highlight your academic background in the education section.
• An additional section highlights your extra skills and qualifications.

Write a Proper Cover Letter

A dental hygiene cover letter gives more details about your qualifications but in a way that creates a personal connection with the recruiter. You get to inject your personality and showcase your writing skills in a way you're unable to do on your resume. If your potential employer doesn't need a cover letter, you don't have to send one. However, if that's not the case, your application will be incomplete without one. Check out our cover letter examples .

Frequently Asked Questions

According to Glassdoor , the top companies hiring for dental hygienist jobs include:

• Aspen Dental
• Heartland Dental
• Pacific Dental Services
• Smile Brands
• Mint Dentistry
• Great Expressions Dental Centers
• Western Dental Services
• DentalOne Partners

An associate degree in Dental hygiene is the minimum educational requirement for dental hygienists.

Create your resume with the best templates

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Create your resume in 15 minutes

Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

Cover Letter

Advice for getting a job, instructions.

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.

Related Resume Examples

• Dental Lab Technician
• Dental Office Manager
• Industrial Hygienist
• Dental Assistant
• Dental Ceramist

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

Dental Hygienist Resume Example

Increase your chances of scoring a job & find inspiration for your own resume with our free, customizable Dental Hygienist resume example. Copy-paste this resume example as it is or alter it with ease in our job-landing resume builder.

Related resume guides and samples

How to create a compelling dentist resume in 2022?

How to craft the ideal medical assistant resume

How to Write a Medical Doctor CV: What to Include Section by Section

Land a job in mental health therapy with this resume guide

How to write a job-winning nurse resume

How to build an effective pharmacy technician resume

Find your dream physical therapist job with this resume guide

A quick guide to writing your veterinarian resume

Dental Hygienist Resume Example (Full Text Version)

Eva mastache.

Energetic and skilled Dental Hygienist with more than 2 years of experience delivering exceptional client care. A graduate of the University of Glasgow with a proactive mindset, I am seeking a Dental Hygienist position in a dynamic clinic that fosters growth and professional development. My commitment to excellence and passion for oral health make me a valuable asset to any team.

Work experience

• Administered basic dental care services to clients, consistently meeting clinic's high standards.
• Identified oral health issues, provided dental hygiene advice, and sterilized and maintained medical equipment.
• Assisted in dental periodontal and pathology assessments, and administered fluoride treatments.
• Completed X-ray procedures and performed various key administrative tasks.
• Recognized with the Employee of the Year Award for elevating client satisfaction with services from 87% to 96% in 2019.
• Achieved First Class Honours, ranking in the top 1% of the programme
• Participated in Clubs and Societies including Medicine Society, Psychology Society, and TEDx Club
• Achieved Graduation with Distinction, earning Grade 1 (equivalent to A/excellent) in all 4 subjects
• Received the prestigious 2013 Principal's Award for exceptional academic achievement
• Actively participated in Extracurricular Activities including Biology Society, Chemistry Club, and Riding Club

Volunteering

Certificates.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Edit this sample using our resume builder.

Let your resume write itself — with ai..

Similar job positions

Nurse Veterinary Dentist Medical Doctor Physical Therapist Medical Assistant Pharmacy Technician Mental Health Therapist

Related dentist resume samples

Related medical assistant cover letter samples

Let your resume do the work.

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.