A profession in dental hygiene offers a good salary and employment security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this field will experience faster-than-average employment growth, with 13,300 new positions expected to be added between 2019 and 2029, or a growth rate of around 6%. Although most people believe that job opportunities are only available in dental offices, there are many other settings a hygienist can work, for example, in the fields of public health, research, and the corporate world.
The job market for dental hygienists is competitive even if it is expanding. It would be best if you had your CV to demonstrate what a valuable and helpful addition you will be to any organization. We've put together resume writing tips and created dental hygienist resume examples to help you create a standout resume, so you have the best chance of landing the job you desire in 2023.
Let's get started. . .
Resumé Writing Tips for Dental Hygienists
1. Emphasize How You Connect and Interact with Patients
Technical proficiency is a universal requirement for dental hygienists at the basic level of competency, but what truly distinguishes and makes dental professionals invaluable is their ability to build relationships with patients and control any fear or anxiety they may feel. By emphasizing your interpersonal skills, you may help potential employers understand your goals and why you would benefit their business.
2. Showcase Certificates
Candidates who possess knowledge beyond the basic oral hygiene skills taught in an Associate in Applied Science program are more likely to be given a chance. Include these on your resume to make yourself stand out among other applicants if you have completed further education or acquired certifications in areas.
3. How to Align Your Resume with the Job Description
You don't just apply to every opening for a dental hygienist when it's time for a new job. It would help if you looked for a position that best fits your needs, interests, values, and skill set. The same is true for employers who carefully evaluate each CV they receive, eliminating those that don't precisely match their requirements and giving opportunities to those that do.
Take the effort to match the details in your profile and previous experiences to what the employer has stated as important to them to take advantage of this dynamic and make your resume stand out. Mirroring what they say, from the specific skills they list to the soft skill words and verbs they use in their job description, is one of the most powerful methods to show that you are precisely the person they are searching for.
These specifics could include the number of years of experience, certificates, dental treatment skills, or experience with a particular patient population. Whatever they may be, as soon as you've identified them, open your resume and add them to what's there. It may seem small, but it will have a significant impact.
In addition, one of the best ways to align your resume with a job description is to use key skills and action verbs.
What does that look like? Let's find out next . . .
Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Dental Hygienist Resumes
Here is a list of key skills and proficiencies for dental hygienist resumes:
Key Skills & Proficiencies:
- Anxiety management
- Charting
- Communication
- Detail oriented
- Intraoral digital imaging and X-rays
- Oral hygiene instruction and recommendations
- Organization
- Pain control
- Periodontal therapy
- Plaque and calculus removal
- Problem-solving
- Rapport
- Self-direction
- Time management
- Whitening
Here is a list of action verbs for dental hygienist resumes:
Action Verbs:
- Assess
- Assist
- Calm
- Clean
- Collaborate
- Communicate
- Educate
- Engage
- Examine
- Interact
- Mentor
- Remove
- Restore
- Screen
Now on to dental hygienist resume examples . . .
Example 1 - Entry Level
Jane Doe
Phone #
Address
Profile
A dental hygienist with a kind demeanor, attention to detail, and a steady hand and soft touch. High confidence in cleaning, flossing, and screening techniques, as well as the capacity to multitask, calm patients, and take preventative measures to stop tooth loss and gum disease—excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Key Skills
- Prophylaxis treatment, including teeth, cleaning, flossing, gum massage, education, and scaling
- Perform and understand diagnostic and panoramic X-rays, as well as digital imaging
- Prevention of infection in compliance with American Dental Association recommendations
- Thorough review of health history
- Whitening procedures, including Zoom and fabrication of whitening trays
- Dentrix software for appointment scheduling
- Patient oral health education
Education
- Name of Program
Name of School, Address – Month Year to Month Year
Professional Experience
- Role, Company Name, Address
Month Year — Month Year
Example 2 - Mid-Career
Jane Doe
Phone #
Address
Profile
Dependable licensed dental hygienist with at least ___ years' experience working in a cutting-edge, modern dentistry office. Expert in dealing with various populations, including geriatrics, teenagers, and those with medical conditions. Certification in ________, as well as experience in soft tissue management, whitening techniques, periodontal charting, and sonic and ultrasonic instrumentation. Ability to coach and train new employees and operate independently and cooperatively with the dentist and office personnel. Proficiency in electronic health record-keeping systems and expertise in dental laboratory techniques.
Professional Experience
- Role, Company Name, Address
Month Year — Month Year
Education
- Name of Program
Name of School, Address – Month Year to Month Year
Key Skills
- Provide diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and minimally invasive restorative services
- Encourage patients to maintain and develop good oral health
- Educate patients on the relationship between diet and oral health
- Guide patients in the selection of oral care devices
- Document patient care and treatment plans
- Communication and collaboration
Certifications
- Dental Assistant (RDA)
- Certified Dental Technician
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Infection Control Certification (CIC)
- Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
- Basic Life Support
- Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
Example 3 - Senior-Level
Jane Doe
Phone #
Address
Profile
A pediatric dental hygienist with expertise working with children who enjoys treating up to 10 patients daily and helping the dentist as needed. Strong communication and attention to detail skills, a high level of physical dexterity and compassion, knowledge and expertise in providing oral health education suited to patients' age, maturity, and ability. Expertise in all hand and power tools required for tooth cleaning and digital x-ray equipment. Knowledgeable about dental charting software.
Professional Experience
- Role, Company Name, Address
Month Year — Month Year
Education
- Name of Program
Name of School, Address – Month Year to Month Year
Key Skills
- Use of dental technology
- Knowledge of dental hygiene
- Infection control
- Chairside manner
- Convey a sense of safety and calm
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Multitasking
- Anticipating Doctor's needs
Certifications
- Dental Assistant (RDA)
- Certified Dental Technician
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Infection Control Certification (CIC)
- Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA)
- Basic Life Support
- Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
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