Crafting a CV that effectively highlights your meticulous attention to detail and patient care skills can be a daunting task as a dental hygienist. Our guide provides you with tailored tips and examples to showcase your qualifications and experience, ensuring your application stands out to potential employers.
Learn how to create your next dental hygienist CV by:
- Applying the simplest CV design, so that recruiters can easily understand your expertise, skills, and professional background;
- Ensuring you stand out with your header, summary or objective statement, and a designated skills section;
- Creating your CV experience section - no matter how much expertise you have;
- Using real life professional CV examples to enhance the structure and outline of your profile.
If you still have no muse to write your professional CV, find some more industry-leading examples.
Resume examples for dental hygienist
Explore additional dental hygienist cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level Dental Hygienist
- Clear Structure and Presentation - Ethan Palmer's CV is methodically structured with clear headings and well-organized sections. The use of bullet points enhances readability, enabling quick identification of key accomplishments and relevant experiences. This clarity in presentation effectively showcases his career progression and expertise without overwhelming the reader.
- Strong Career Trajectory and Growth - The CV outlines a robust career path, indicating a clear progression in responsibility and specialization. Ethan starts from a Dental Hygienist role, advancing to more specialized orthodontic roles, and finally achieving a senior position. This progression reflects his commitment to professional growth and mastery in the field of dental hygiene and orthodontics.
- Emphasis on Achievements and Business Impact - Ethan's CV goes beyond listing duties by highlighting specific achievements, such as increasing patient compliance by 30% and enhancing clinic efficiency by reducing wait times. These accomplishments not only demonstrate his capability but also show a tangible impact on the business's performance, patient satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Mid-Level Dental Hygienist
- Comprehensive yet concise content presentation - The CV is well-structured, providing a clear and concise overview of Samuel Campbell’s career in dental hygiene. It effectively organizes information into easily digestible sections, ensuring clarity and focusing on relevant highlights, such as infection control and patient services, which are critical to his profession.
- Clear career growth and specializations - Samuel’s career trajectory demonstrates clear growth from Junior Dental Hygienist to Senior Dental Hygienist roles, with increased responsibilities and specialized skills. His advancements reflect a commitment to professional development within the dental health sector, enhancing his expertise in infection control and patient services.
- Professional achievements with tangible impacts - The CV effectively communicates Samuel’s contributions to dental health practices through quantifiable achievements. For example, a 30% increase in early detection of oral diseases, and streamlining patient processes to reduce waiting times by 15%. These highlights underscore his positive business impact and dedication to improving patient outcomes.
Senior Dental Hygienist
- Structured Presentation and Professional Readability - The CV is well-organized, offering a clear and structured presentation of Theodore Green’s background. Each section is precisely labeled, with concise bullet points outlining achievements and responsibilities, ensuring the reader can swiftly identify key information relevant to the role of an Associate Dentist.
- Progressive Career and Industry Relevance - Theodore Green's career trajectory showcases consistent growth in the dental field, moving from a Dental Practitioner to an Associate Dentist position within reputable healthcare systems like NHS Lothian. This progression highlights a solid career foundation and advancing leadership roles in advanced dental practices and patient care.
- Innovative Tools and Techniques - The CV highlights industry-specific elements like digital x-rays, iTero Scanner, and rotary endodontics, suggesting a high level of technical proficiency and commitment to integrating cutting-edge dental technologies. These elements demonstrate Theodore's ability to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline operations, and elevate patient care standards.
Lead Dental Hygienist
- Content Presentation and Structure - Ava Phillips' CV is exceptionally well-organized, providing a structured flow through each section. It begins with a clear and concise summary that lays out her expertise in private dentistry effectively. Her experiences are neatly categorized, with each role clearly defined and supporting achievements succinctly bullet-pointed, making it easy to read and understand at a glance.
- Career Trajectory and Growth - The CV portrays a progressive career trajectory, reflecting growth and advancement within the field of dental hygiene. From her start as a Dental Hygiene Practitioner, she has moved through roles with increased responsibility, up to her current position at Bupa Dental Care. Each transition highlights an enhancement in leadership responsibilities and skill set application, underscoring her dedication and professional development in a competitive industry.
- Adaptability and Cross-Functional Experience - Ava exhibits a strong adaptability through her ability to collaborate cross-functionally. Her experience at Smile Direct Club demonstrates this, where cross-functional patient care strategies were implemented with dentists to improve treatment adherence. This ability to work across different facets of patient care not only highlights her versatility but also her commitment to holistic dental health care approaches.
Part-Time Dental Hygienist
- Focused on Professional Growth and Development - Olivia Turner's career trajectory demonstrates a clear pattern of growth, taking on progressively more complex roles from Dental Hygienist to Senior Dental Hygienist. Her moves from one clinic to another also highlight her adaptability to different environments, showcasing her dedication to professional development and her ability to contribute significant value wherever she works.
- Leadership and Mentorship Abilities - Olivia's CV highlights her strong soft skills, particularly in leadership and mentorship. By mentoring junior hygienists and implementing a cross-department collaboration strategy that increased clinic efficiency, Olivia has proven her ability to not only lead by example but also to uplift the team around her, fostering an environment that thrives on mutual growth and efficiency.
- Tailored Sections to Match Job Role - The CV is well-structured with dedicated sections such as experience, education, courses, achievements, and languages that pertain directly to her role as a Dental Hygienist. It is concise yet comprehensive, providing a thorough overview of what she brings to the position, thereby making it easy for potential employers to quickly identify her strengths and fit for the role.
Full-Time Dental Hygienist
- Structured Content for Easy Navigation - Scarlett's CV is meticulously organized, with clear sections for experience, education, skills, and more, making it easy for employers to navigate through her professional journey effortlessly. Key details such as dates and locations contribute to its clarity and conciseness.
- Impressive Career Growth and Industry Specialization - Her progression from a Dental Nurse to a Dental Hygienist and then a Dental Therapist reflects a dynamic career trajectory, showcasing growth within the dental industry while adapting to new technologies and methodologies in digital dentistry.
- Innovative Use of Digital Tools - The CV emphasizes her expertise in intra-oral scanning and digital dentistry, highlighting her as a forward-thinking professional who implements cutting-edge technology to enhance patient care and clinic efficiencies.
Temporary Dental Hygienist
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is organized clearly, with sections distinctly delineated for easy reference. Key information about qualifications, achievements, experience, and education is concisely presented, making it straightforward for potential employers to assess Henry White's suitability for a dental hygienist position.
- Consistent Career Growth - Henry White's career trajectory displays a clear path of professional development from a Dental Assistant to a Dental Hygienist, reflecting increased responsibilities and expertise in the field. Each role builds upon the previous one, demonstrating a stable yet dynamic progression within the dental industry.
- Emphasis on Soft Skills and Patient Communication - The CV highlights Henry's soft skills, especially in patient-centred care and communication. His ability to enhance patient retention and satisfaction through personalized care approaches is consistently underscored, reinforcing his impact beyond clinical duties.
Contract Dental Hygienist
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is organized with clear sections that guide the reader through Ivy's professional journey succinctly. Each section is well-defined and concise, allowing for easy navigation and quick comprehension of key information relevant to her role as a Dental Hygienist.
- Continuous Professional Development - Ivy's career trajectory shows a clear pathway of growth and commitment to her profession, moving from a Junior Dental Hygienist to a seasoned Dental Hygienist. Her pursuit of higher education and specialized courses demonstrates dedication to advancing her skills and adapting to industry advancements.
- Emphasis on Patient-Centric Achievements - The CV highlights specific industry-relevant accomplishments like a 25% increase in patient satisfaction and a 30% improvement in retention rates, showcasing her ability to implement effective patient care strategies that have a tangible impact on business outcomes.
By Role
Pediatric Dental Hygienist
- Structured Progression in Dentistry - Theodore Green's CV outlines a clear career trajectory with progressive roles across respected dental practices. Starting as a General Dentist and advancing to a Licensed Dentist at Bupa Dental Care, Theodore's career growth is evident through a series of increasingly responsible positions, showcasing a commitment to advancing knowledge and skills within restorative and preventive dentistry.
- Effective Use of Dental Technology - The CV highlights proficient use of specialized dental software like Eaglesoft and Dentrix, demonstrating Theodore's technical adeptness in enhancing practice management and patient record accuracy. These industry-specific tools are crucial for ensuring high-quality patient care and operational efficiency, setting Theodore apart as a tech-savvy dentist.
- Leadership and Impact on Patient Care - Through examples of leading a diverse team and collaborating effectively with dental professionals, the CV showcases Theodore's leadership and interpersonal skills. With achievements such as a 20% reduction in appointment wait times and improved oral hygiene awareness, Theodore's initiatives actively contribute to elevated patient care standards and outcomes.
Orthodontic Dental Hygienist
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV opens with a well-organized header that succinctly presents key contact information and professional identifiers, making it easy for hiring managers to recognize the candidate's qualifications immediately. The logical flow and concise bullet points provide clarity and ease of reading, ensuring that essential details stand out without overwhelming the reader.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Harry Williams' career progression highlights consistent professional growth, moving from a Dental Therapist role in the NHS to holding senior positions like Hygienist and Treatment Coordinator, finally advancing to his current role at Bupa Dental Care. These steps underscore his commitment to career development and his ability to adapt skills across settings from public health to private dentistry.
- Diverse Skill Set with Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV showcases a blend of technical prowess and soft skills unique to the dental industry. Mastery in digital X-rays, Invisalign care, and the iTero scanner reflect technical depth, while effective communication and team leadership skills demonstrate his ability to manage treatment planning and enhance patient care. This combination positions him as well-rounded and capable of blending technical and interpersonal skills to achieve superior patient outcomes.
Periodontal Dental Hygienist
- Dynamic Career Progression - Charlie Thomas's CV reflects a well-structured career trajectory within the dental industry, showcasing growth from a Junior Dental Hygienist to a Lead Dental Hygienist. Each role highlights increased responsibility and achievements, signifying professional development and dedication to the field of dental hygiene.
- Focus on Patient-Centric Innovations - The CV distinctly emphasizes Charlie’s ability to innovate in the field, particularly through patient-centric approaches. The introduction of advanced periodontal treatments and digital feedback collection are outstanding examples of how Charlie has proactively enhanced both patient experience and practice performance.
- Comprehensive Skills and Training - Charlie has an impressive array of industry-specific skills and certifications relevant to the dental hygiene field. Proficiency in SOE Software and advanced periodontal techniques demonstrates not only technical expertise but also a commitment to ongoing professional development, further strengthened by tailored courses like the SOE Software Advanced Training.
Cosmetic Dental Hygienist
- Professional trajectory with consistent upward growth - Oliver's career path demonstrates clear advancement from a Dental Hygienist to a Senior Dental Hygienist, showcasing his ability to take on more responsibility and influence larger areas of practice, such as initiating revenue-boosting programs and streamlining clinic procedures to enhance efficiency.
- Focus on patient-centered care with proven results - The CV emphasizes Oliver's dedication to patient well-being and care. Tools like preventive care protocols and optimized treatment procedures directly improved patient revisit rates and reduced appointment times, enhancing the overall patient experience and satisfaction.
- Commitment to continuous education and professional development - Through courses, certifications, and an advanced degree, Oliver has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding his knowledge and skill set in dental hygiene and public health, enabling him to incorporate new techniques and drive forward-thinking initiatives at the clinics he has worked with.
Public Health Dental Hygienist
- Insightful career progression demonstrated - The CV effectively maps Daniel Baker's career trajectory, showing a clear progression from Oral Health Promotion Coordinator to a Public Health Dental Expert. Each role builds upon the previous, showcasing increased responsibilities and leadership in community dental health. This growth highlights an ongoing commitment to advancing public health through education and outreach.
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration highlighted - Throughout the CV, there's a strong emphasis on Daniel's ability to work across different sectors within healthcare. His experience in interdisciplinary team coordination and training non-dental healthcare providers underscores a capability for cross-functional collaboration. This adaptability is crucial in the public health sector, where teamwork is essential for successful program implementation and patient care improvement.
- Impactful achievements linked to community health outcomes - The document emphasizes achievements with clear reference to their impact on community health, such as leading a tobacco cessation program that resulted in tangible benefits for participants. It goes beyond listing numbers by explaining the significance of these achievements, showing Daniel’s role in making measurable differences in public health arenas.
Research Dental Hygienist
- Career growth and continuity - Elsie Murray's CV meticulously outlines a clear progression in the public health field, showcasing impressive longevity and expertise. From beginning her career as a Health Policy Analyst to her current role as a Senior Research Analyst, each position highlights a gradual increase in responsibility and accomplishment, underscoring her continued growth in public health research and policy advising.
- Expertise with cutting-edge tools and methodologies - This CV highlights Elsie's proficiency with industry-specific tools and methodologies, including advanced data visualisation with R and Tableau, and strategic use of SPSS for data analysis. Her competence in these areas reflects a strong technical aptitude that is critical in creating effective public health insights and driving impactful policy decisions.
- Impactful achievements and business relevance - Elsie's accomplishments are not just numerical but also signify a substantial impact on the organizations she has been part of. Her role in authoring technical reports that translate research into actionable policy recommendations and securing substantial funding to exceed annual targets directly contribute to advancing institutional goals and improving public health outcomes.
Special Needs Dental Hygienist
- Impressive Career Advancement - Rosie Gray's career trajectory demonstrates significant growth with rapid advancements from a Junior Dental Therapist to a Senior Dental Therapist at Bupa Dental Care. This progression illustrates her capability to take on increasing responsibilities and leadership roles within a few short years, showcasing her dedication and competence in the dental field.
- Strategic Community Engagement - The CV underscores Rosie's commitment to community health through notable achievements like leading a community outreach program that enhanced dental health awareness by 40% among parents and children. This highlights her impact beyond clinical work, positioning her as an industry advocate working towards broader public health goals.
- Efficient Use of Dental Software - Her proficiency with Dentally software is emphasized throughout the CV, particularly in her ability to streamline patient record management and improve workflow efficiencies by 20%. This technical prowess is crucial in modern dental practices, ensuring she can provide high-quality patient care while minimizing administrative errors.
Geriatric Dental Hygienist
- Clear demonstration of career growth - Ella Bennett's CV effectively maps out her upward trajectory in the dental field. Starting as an Associate Dental Hygienist and swiftly advancing to a Senior role, she consistently exhibited leadership and innovative practices, culminating in her current position at Bright Dental Care, where she continues to make impactful contributions.
- Strong emphasis on patient-centered care - The CV meticulously highlights Bennett's dedication to patient education and comfort. Her implementation of 'Care and Comfort' sessions and various education programs has tangibly improved patient outcomes and satisfaction, exemplifying her commitment to enhancing patient experiences and treatment results.
- Strategic skills enhancement - Ella Bennett's CV is notable for illustrating her strategic skill development in key technical and procedural areas, such as perio charting and local anesthesia. This not only shows her technical competence but also her proactive approach to staying updated with modern dental methodologies, ensuring she provides top-tier care.
Mobile Dental Hygienist
- Effective Communication and Leadership - Sophia Brooks' CV showcases her leadership skills and ability to effectively communicate complex dental procedures and preventive measures. Leading a team to provide mobile dental care to over 200 patients monthly emphasizes her capacity to manage projects and guide a team successfully. The inclusion of workshops led for local schools demonstrates her communication strength in varied community settings, highlighting her dedication to oral health education.
- Commitment to Community Health - Sophia's career trajectory reveals a consistent focus on enhancing community oral health. From her achievements in expanding mobile dental services to impact over 500 students and parents annually, her dedication to engaging and educating communities stands out. Her leadership in initiatives that result in a 25% increase in service reach underscores her commitment to accessible dental care and preventive education, directly benefiting community health.
- Achievements with Quantifiable Impact - The CV emphasizes measurable accomplishments, reflecting Sophia's focus on improving dental service delivery and patient outcomes. Her successes in streamlining paperwork processing and increasing scheduling efficiency by significant margins show an ability to optimize operational processes effectively. The recognition for excellence in patient care and strategic efficiency improvements, such as reducing appointment waiting times by 30%, highlights her impact on enhancing patient experiences and service satisfaction.
Forensic Dental Hygienist
- Structured content with clarity and focus - The CV is well-organized, with each section clearly delineated, making it easy for readers to navigate. The concise presentation and use of bullet points in the experience section help emphasize key achievements and responsibilities without overwhelming the reader.
- Career progression reflecting growth and specialization - The CV details a well-defined career trajectory from a Forensic Consultant to a Digital Forensics Program Manager, demonstrating significant growth and specialization in the field of digital forensics and legal services. This progression highlights the candidate’s increasing responsibility and expertise in managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams.
- Emphasis on leadership and cross-functional collaboration - The CV emphasizes the candidate's leadership skills, particularly in managing teams and projects, as well as fostering collaboration across various departments. These capabilities are crucial in the digital forensics industry, where effective communication and coordination can significantly enhance project outcomes and client satisfaction.
Dental Hygienist Educator
- Clear Content Presentation - The CV is meticulously structured, beginning with a concise and impactful summary that sets the tone for the candidate's capabilities. It logically flows through each section, with bullet points in the experience entries highlighting key responsibilities and achievements. This enhances readability and allows hiring managers to quickly grasp relevant information, showcasing clarity and attention to detail.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - James Lewis demonstrates notable career growth within the dental healthcare industry, moving from a Dental Surgery Assistant to a Dental Assistant Manager in a span of just a few years. This progression illustrates his ambition, capability to assume greater responsibilities, and leadership potential within the field, which aligns well with his objective of continuing development and contributing to a dental group's success.
- Industry-Specific Achievements - The CV highlights James's unique competencies and achievements, such as implementing an inventory management system that reduced overheads and improving infection control measures resulting in zero contamination incidents. These accomplishments not only demonstrate his technical expertise and problem-solving skills, but also emphasize his direct impact on operational efficiencies and patient safety, crucial elements in the dental healthcare sector.
Dental Hygienist Consultant
- Strategic Career Growth and Mentorship - Isabella Watson's career trajectory is one of steady growth, showcasing her rise from a Dental Hygienist to a Senior Dental Hygienist. This progression highlights her ability to take on increasing responsibilities, including mentoring junior staff and leading training sessions, underlining her leadership capabilities and commitment to developing others in her field.
- Technological and Procedural Innovation - The CV effectively underscores Isabella's innovative contributions to her workplace, such as implementing a new patient charting system and developing comprehensive patient examination protocols. These initiatives result in tangible improvements, like enhanced treatment accuracy and patient satisfaction, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach and technical acumen within dental care.
- Impactful Community and Patient-Centric Achievements - Achievements listed in the CV reveal Isabella's dedication to both enhancing clinical operations and engaging with the community. By organizing preventive care workshops and improving health safety protocols, she not only positively impacts the clinic's internal performance but also boosts community participation and awareness, ensuring that her work extends beyond the clinic to have wider societal benefits.
Formatting your dental hygienist CV to meet the role expectations
Staring at the blank page for hours on end, you still have no idea how you should start your professional dental hygienist CV. Should you include more colours, two columns, and which sections? What you should remember about your CV format is this - ensure it's minimalistic and doesn't go over the top with fancy fonts and many colours. Instead, focus on writing consistent content that actually answers the job requirements. But, how about the design itself :
- Use the reverse chronological order to showcase your experience, starting with your most recent role;
- Include your contact details (email address, phone number, and location) - and potentially your professional photo - in the header;
- Must-have CV sections include summary or objective, experience, education, and skills: curate the ones that fit your profile;
- Your professional dental hygienist CV should be between one-to-two pages long: select the longer format if you have more experience.
A little bit more about your actual CV design, ensure you're using:
- plenty of serif or sans serif font (e.g. Montserrat, Exo 2, Volkhov) as they are Applicant Tracker System (ATS) compliant. Avoid the likes of Arial and Times New Roman because most candidates' CVs are in this typography.
When submitting your CV, are you still not sure what format it should be? Despite the myth that has been circling around, most modern ATS systems are perfectly capable of reading PDFs. This format is an excellent choice as it keeps all of your information intact.
PRO TIP
Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).
The top sections on a dental hygienist CV
- Professional Summary showcases your career highlights and unique skills.
- Dental Hygiene Licensing confirms your legal qualification to practice.
- Clinical Experience outlines your work history within dental practices.
- Dental Hygiene Skills highlights your technical abilities and patient care expertise.
- Education and Training details your academic background and specialty courses.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight relevant educational qualifications, including your degree in dental hygiene or dental therapy from an accredited institution, ensuring you mention any specialised coursework or training such as periodontal therapy or paediatric dentistry.
- Emphasise your proficiency in clinical skills, including teeth cleaning, applying fluoride treatments, taking and developing dental radiographs, and assisting in the management of oral health diseases.
- Detail your experience with patient care, focusing on your ability to build rapport, educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices, and your gentle and effective approach to dental procedures.
- Include any additional certifications you hold, such as in local anaesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, or CPR, which demonstrate your commitment to providing a comprehensive care experience.
- Outline your familiarity with dental software and digital charting, as well as any experience you have with the latest dental hygiene technologies, to show your adaptability and technical proficiency.
Recommended reads:
Our checklist for the must-have information in your dental hygienist CV header
Right at the very top of your dental hygienist CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for dental hygienist:
- Senior Dental Hygienist | Periodontics Specialist | Oral Health Education | BSc | 10+ Yrs Experience
- Lead Dental Hygienist | Paediatric Care Focus | Infection Control Expert | GDC Registered | 15 Yrs Expertise
- Qualified Dental Hygienist | Preventive Treatments Enthusiast | Radiography Certified | 8 Years of Clinical Practice
- Dental Hygiene Professional | Patient Engagement Specialist | NQF Level 3 | 5+ Years Dedicated Service
- Expert Dental Hygienist | Gum Disease Management | Community Health Initiatives | 12 Years’ Experience
- Junior Dental Hygienist | Emerging Technologies in Dentistry | Diploma in Dental Nursing | 2 Years Hands-On Practice
What's the difference between a dental hygienist CV summary and objective
Why should it matter to you?
- Your dental hygienist CV summary is a showcasing your career ambitions and your unique value. Use the objective to answer why your potential employers should hire you based on goals and ambitions. The objective is the ideal choice for candidates who happen to have less professional experience, but still meet some of the job requirements.
Before you select which one will be more relevant to your experience, have a look at some industry-leading CV summaries and objectives.
CV summaries for a dental hygienist job:
- With over 7 years of dedicated experience within prestigious dental clinics in London, I have honed my skills in providing top-tier patient care and advanced periodontal treatments, coupled with a robust knowledge of dental hygiene practices. My efforts have consistently resulted in a 30% reduction in patient cavities and a consistent patient satisfaction rate above 95%.
- As a meticulous dental hygienist bringing forth an exceptional 5-year track record from a high-volume dental practice in Manchester, I am adept in the latest oral healthcare techniques, including digital x-rays and intraoral camera use, which bolstered my clinic's efficiency by 20%. I led community oral health seminars, impacting over 500 individuals' hygiene habits.
- A seasoned nurse with a decade of experience seeking to transition into dental hygiene, bringing forth a deep understanding of patient care protocols and a strong empathy skill set. Recently completed an intensive dental hygienist course accredited by the British Dental Association and eager to apply a solid foundation of preventative oral care methodologies.
- After a successful 8-year career in public health education, I am pivoting to dental hygiene with a dedication to applying my knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention. Having successfully completed a comprehensive dental hygienist training program and eager to utilise my skills in providing exceptional educational support and oral healthcare services.
- Keen to embark on a career as a dental hygienist, I bring a fresh and enthusiastic perspective combined with a foundational knowledge from recently obtained Dental Hygiene qualifications. My objective is to leverage my thorough understanding of dental anatomy and a commitment to ongoing professional development in order to provide exemplary patient care.
- As an ambitious newbie to the field of dental hygiene, my goal focuses on utilising my recently acquired Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the University of Edinburgh. I am eager to contribute with a fresh enthusiasm and up-to-date knowledge, aspiring to help patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health as I grow in practical experience and expertise.
Narrating the details of your dental hygienist CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your dental hygienist CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Performed thorough dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance procedures, including scaling and root planing, to ensure optimal oral health for patients.
- Effectively managed patient appointments and records, utilising dental practice software to maintain accurate and up-to-date information.
- Applied preventative materials such as sealants and fluorides to protect teeth from decay, following up with education on proper oral hygiene practices.
- Maintained strict compliance with cross-infection control protocols, ensuring all equipment and surfaces were sterilised according to the latest clinical guidelines.
- Carried out oral cancer screenings and dental x-rays, adeptly interpreting results to identify any irregularities or areas of concern.
- Collaborated closely with dentists to develop comprehensive treatment plans that addressed both the immediate and long-term needs of the patient.
- Assisted with various dental procedures, providing efficient chairside support and improving patient comfort levels throughout treatments.
- Engaged in continuous professional development by attending workshops and seminars, staying up-to-date with advancements in dental hygiene techniques and technologies.
- Offered personalised oral hygiene advice and demonstrations, tailoring recommendations to each patient's specific needs to enhance their at-home care routine.
Work Experience
Senior Dental Hygienist
London Dental Studio
01/2018-Ongoing
- Implemented a patient-focused oral hygiene programme that increased patient satisfaction scores by 20% over two years.
- Delivered preventive and maintenance care to over 1,500 patients, improving their oral health, and reducing cavities by 25%.
- Trained four junior hygienists in advanced periodontal therapy techniques, enhancing the overall skill set of the clinic's hygiene team.
Work Experience
Lead Dental Hygienist
Bright Smiles Clinic
09/2015-12/2017
- Streamlined dental cleaning processes with new ultrasonic equipment, reducing average appointment time by 15 minutes.
- Conducted oral cancer screening for approximately 2,000 patients, with early detection in six cases facilitating timely treatment.
- Participated in a community outreach program that provided free dental care to over 300 underserved individuals.
Work Experience
Dental Hygiene Specialist
Healthy Teeth Dental Care
05/2011-08/2015
- Implemented digital radiography, cutting down radiation exposure to patients by 40% and improving the imaging process.
- Managed supply inventory with a budget of £5,000/month, reducing waste and saving the practice £600 annually.
- Pioneered a dental hygiene blog for the practice's website, attracting an average of 1,500 readers per month and enhancing patient engagement.
Work Experience
Dental Hygienist Coordinator
SmilePlus Dental Associates
02/2009-04/2011
- Coordinated with a team of dentists to develop tailored treatment plans for periodontal patients, reducing tooth loss rate by 30%.
- Maintained a consistent patient recall rate of 85%, ensuring timely and regular dental hygiene care for the clinic's clientele.
- Spearheaded a weekly educational workshop for patients, focusing on preventative care and resulting in a 10% decrease in plaque-related issues.
Work Experience
Expert Dental Hygienist
Premier Dental Group
03/2014-02/2020
- Oversaw the transition to patient electronic health records, enhancing the efficiency of patient information management.
- Developed and implemented a new teeth-whitening service which increased cosmetic procedures uptake by 50% over a year.
- Engaged in monthly professional development, ensuring the adoption of the latest dental hygiene techniques and maintaining state-of-the-art service delivery.
Work Experience
Principal Dental Hygiene Practitioner
Oral Health Excellence
06/2013-11/2016
- Created a cross-functional team with dental assistants to optimise operatory turnover times, reducing patient wait times by an average of 10 minutes.
- Successfully managed a patient load that was 20% higher than the industry average while maintaining high service standards.
- Launched a successful referral program that brought in 200 new patients over a year through positive word-of-mouth.
Work Experience
Dental Hygienist Professional
Harmony Dental Care
07/2012-01/2018
- Contributed to a 15% yearly increase in overall practice revenue through up-selling additional treatments such as fluoride and sealants.
- Conducted comprehensive research on the efficacy of different dental hygiene instruments, leading to a practice-wide upgrade that improved patient outcomes.
- Played a key role in the development of a practice-wide infection control protocol, ensuring compliance with NHS guidelines and patient safety.
Work Experience
Advanced Practice Dental Hygienist
NextGen Dental & Orthodontics
08/2016-07/2022
- Led a team in executing a new patient-education initiative that contributed to a 40% reduction in periodontal disease recurrence within the practice.
- Utilised advanced laser therapy techniques for non-surgical periodontal treatment, achieving a 95% patient success rate in gum health improvement.
- Designed and launched a clinic-wide ergonomic assessment, leading to improved workstations and a 20% reduction in occupational-related strain for the dental hygiene team.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your dental hygienist CV:
HARD SKILLS
Oral Health Assessment
Teeth Cleaning
Radiography
Scaling and Root Planing
Dental Prophylaxis
Periodontal Therapy
Applying Fluorides and Sealants
Charting in Dental Software
Knowledge of Dental Anatomy
Sterilisation Techniques
SOFT SKILLS
Communication
Empathy
Attention to Detail
Interpersonal Skills
Time Management
Problem-Solving
Teamwork
Adaptability
Patient Education
Stress Management
PRO TIP
Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
Listing your university education and certificates on your dental hygienist CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
What matters most in your dental hygienist CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
