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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 9% from 2023 to 2033, 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.

Experienced Dental Hygienist

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Alex B. Doe
Dental Hygienist

123 Oral Care Road, Smile City, TX 12345
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: alex.doe@healthemail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexbdoe

Summary

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.

Skills

• 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.

Experience

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.

Education

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:

Entry-Level Dental Hygienist

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Jordan L. Smith
Dental Hygienist

456 Healthy Gums Ln., Fresh Breath, FL 67890
Phone: (987) 654-3210
Email: jordan.smith@healthemail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jordanlsmith

Summary

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.

Skills

• 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.

Education

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.

Certifications

• Local Anesthesia Certification for Dental Hygienists
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification

Projects

• 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 Example With Experience in Teledentistry

Teledentistry is a growing trend in the field. Make sure you highlight it in your resume if you have experience with it.

Take a look at how it’s done in the example below.

Dental Hygienist – Teledentistry

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[Taylor M. Johnson]

[Dental Hygienist]

[789 Bright Smiles Rd., Healthyville, TX 54321]

[Phone: (321) 987-6543]

[Email: taylor.johnson@dentalmail.com | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/xxxxx]

Summary

Dedicated Dental Hygienist with over five years of experience in preventive dental care, patient education, and teledentistry. Skilled in leveraging technology to expand access to care, providing virtual consultations, and collaborating with dentists to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Passionate about improving oral health outcomes through innovative and patient-centered care approaches.

Skills

• Preventive Care: Proficient in fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral health assessments.
• Teledentistry Expertise: Experienced in conducting virtual consultations, follow-ups, and oral hygiene coaching via HIPAA-compliant platforms.
• Patient Education: Skilled in creating personalized oral health plans and delivering engaging educational content.
• Technology Proficiency: Knowledgeable in digital radiography, electronic health records, and teledentistry software (e.g., Teledentix).
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, empathy, and adaptability to diverse patient needs.

Education

A.S. in Dental Hygiene, Healthyville Community College – Healthyville, TX | 2019

Relevant Coursework: Periodontology, Community Dental Health, Oral Radiology

Certifications

• Teledentistry Training Certification, 2021
• Local Anesthesia Certification for Dental Hygienists, 2019
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring Certification, 2019

Professional Experience

Teledentistry Dental Hygienist

Virtual Smile Solutions – Remote | June 2021 – Present

• Conducted virtual oral health screenings and follow-up consultations for over 300 patients annually.
• Provided remote oral hygiene coaching and education tailored to individual patient needs.
• Collaborated with dentists to review patient data and authorize minimally invasive treatments such as Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF).
• Utilized teledentistry platforms to document clinical findings securely and ensure HIPAA compliance.

Dental Hygienist

Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic – Austin, TX | July 2019 – May 2021

• Delivered comprehensive dental hygiene services, including cleanings, periodontal therapy, and caries prevention for a diverse patient base.
• Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and dietary habits to promote long-term oral health.
• Assisted in the implementation of a digital radiography system, improving diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency.

Projects

• Virtual Oral Health Education Campaign: Designed an online program to teach underserved communities about preventive dental care through webinars and digital resources.

>> Professional Memberships <<

• American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), Member since 2019

Dental Hygienist Resume Tips

If you want to know how to make your Dental Hygienist resume stand out, enriching it with additional information will improve 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. You might find it useful to check CODA’s (Commission on Dental Accreditation) programs.

Example

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.

Example

Professional Memberships

• 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.

Example

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.

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.

Radiology

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 as well as your knowledge of ALARA and compliance with it.

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.

AI in Dental Hygiene Roles

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming dental hygiene by making tasks easier and improving patient care. 

Here are some ways AI is being used in dental hygiene:

• Radiographic analysis: AI helps interpret X-rays, identifying potential issues and making it easier to explain findings to patients.
• Periodontal charting: Voice-enabled AI tools record probing depths, bleeding, and other data during assessments, saving time.
• Patient education: AI-powered systems provide clear explanations of dental conditions, improving patient understanding and acceptance of treatment plans.
• Administrative support: AI assists with tasks like patient triage, scheduling, and salivary diagnostics, helping streamline office workflows.

By using AI tools, dental hygienists can work more efficiently while delivering personalized and high-quality care to patients.

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.

Key Points

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.

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