Resume Example
Dental Hygienist Resume Example
Emphasize preventive care, patient education, and chairside efficiency. This sample focuses on oral health outcomes.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Completed 10-12 cleanings per day with a 95% rebook rate.
- Identified periodontal risks that increased treatment acceptance by 18%.
- Improved patient satisfaction to 4.9/5 through education and follow-up.
Soft skills
- Patient communication
- Attention to detail
- Empathy
Certifications
- RDH
- Local anesthesia certification
Why this works
- Highlights preventive care and treatment acceptance.
- Shows efficient scheduling and rebooking rates.
- Demonstrates patient education outcomes.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Dental Hygienist Resume
Lead with patient care and clinical skills
Dental hygienists provide direct patient care. Lead with patient volume, appointment efficiency, and clinical outcomes. 'Dental hygienist treating 12+ patients daily with 98% appointment retention rate.'
Highlight clinical expertise and techniques
Include expertise in prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, radiographs, sealants, and any specialty procedures (laser therapy, perio maintenance). Indicate technologies and equipment proficiency.
Show patient education and retention impact
Hygienists drive patient retention through education and relationships. Include recare rates, treatment acceptance influenced, and patient education approaches.
Include practice contributions
Indicate contributions beyond chairside work: infection control protocols, inventory management, patient scheduling optimization, or practice marketing support.
Demonstrate continuing education and certifications
Include local anesthesia certification, laser certification, nitrous oxide certification, and continuing education focus areas. Advanced credentials differentiate hygienists.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Registered Dental Hygienist with 8 years in periodontal-focused practice. Treat 10-12 patients daily with 94% recare retention rate. Laser certified with expertise in non-surgical periodontal therapy.”
Patient volume, retention metric, specialty focus, and advanced certification.
“Licensed dental hygienist with clinical and patient care experience. Strong attention to detail and caring demeanor.”
License is required. No volume, no outcomes, no specific clinical skills.
“Dental Hygienist contributing to practice growth from 500 to 900 active patients. Implemented patient education program increasing treatment acceptance 25%. Local anesthesia and nitrous certified.”
Practice growth contribution, treatment acceptance impact, and certifications.
“New graduate seeking dental hygienist position. Completed clinical rotations and eager to apply skills.”
No professional experience. Clinical rotations are expected; doesn't differentiate.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Dental Hygienist Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not quantifying patient volume and retention
- ✗Missing clinical specialties and advanced techniques
- ✗Omitting certifications (local anesthesia, laser, nitrous)
- ✗Being vague about practice contributions beyond chairside
- ✗Not showing patient education and relationship skills
- ✗Missing technology and equipment proficiency
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 65,000-75,000 | EUR 44,800-51,700 | CAD 75,400-87,000 |
| Mid | USD 80,000-95,000 | EUR 55,100-65,500 | CAD 92,800-110,100 |
| Senior | USD 95,000-120,000 | EUR 65,500-82,800 | CAD 110,100-139,200 |
Market themes
- Stable growth with strong demand in private practice
US hot markets
- Alaska
- California
- Washington
- Nevada
- New Jersey
EU hot markets
- London
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should dental hygienists emphasize?
Preventive care, patient education, and efficiency.
Which metrics stand out?
Rebook rate, treatment acceptance, and patient satisfaction.
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