Best Dental Hygienist Resume Examples for 2025 (Template & Guide)

Use This Example

Dental Hygienist Resume: Choose a Format

Your resume format sets the stage for how your qualifications are perceived. Choosing the right format ensures your skills and experience as a dental hygienist stand out to employers.

There are three formats to consider for a dental hygienist resume: chronological, functional or combination. Each format highlights different aspects of your qualifications, so let’s find the right one.

Chronological resumes for dental hygienists

A chronological resume format highlights your work history in reverse chronological order, making it ideal if you have consistent experience in dental hygiene. This format showcases career progression and is easy for hiring managers to follow. It is also compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers use to pre-screen resumes.

However, if you are new to the field or have gaps in employment, a chronological resume may highlight that. When using this format, it is critical to tailor your resume to showcase your qualifications.

Functional resumes for dental hygienists

A functional resume format focuses on skills instead of your work history, making it suitable for recent graduates, career changers or those re-entering the workforce. For a dental hygienist, this format allows you to emphasize technical skills like scaling and polishing or soft skills like patient education without tying them to a specific job title or chronological timeline.

However, functional resumes are incompatible with most ATS, and a lack of a clear work history can raise questions for potential employers. That doesn’t mean it can’t work well for you, but it does have some limitations.

Combination resumes for dental hygienists

A combination resume blends features of chronological and functional formats. It lets you highlight relevant skills first, followed by a detailed work history. This format works well for an experienced dental hygienist with a specialized or robust skill set.

However, a combination format can make your resume longer than ideal. A resume for a dental hygiene professional should be one page long. When using this format, it is critical to focus on the skills and experience most relevant to the job.

Choosing a resume format

Choosing a resume format is the first step in writing a resume that gets noticed. For a dental hygienist, a chronological format is an excellent choice whether you’re a seasoned professional or just entering the field. Its straightforward structure highlights your achievements and experience and is an ATS-friendly format, making your resume more likely to reach hiring managers.

This format can work well even at any stage of your career. If you don’t have previous experience as a dental hygienist, you can customize a chronological resume to emphasize transferable skills and relevant roles. For example, if you have experience in customer service, highlight how you developed communication and interpersonal skills — both critical when working with dental patients.

You can include those roles in your work history if you’ve completed internships, externships or volunteer work in a dental setting. Even if the roles were unpaid, they demonstrate hands-on experience in a clinical environment. Focus on specific tasks like assisting with patient education, maintaining sterilization standards or supporting dentists during procedures.

Use This Example

How to Write a Dental Hygienist Resume

Once you have chosen a format, writing a dental hygienist resume is straightforward. To get started, create a resume outline that includes the following essential elements:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary or Objective Statement
• Work History
• Skills
• Education

Follow this resume-writing guide to learn how to tailor each section of your resume to showcase your skills and qualifications and land your next dental hygienist job!

Contact information

Start with the basics. Provide your name and contact information so employers can schedule a job interview. Include your full name, city and state, phone number, email address and, optionally, your LinkedIn profile. Place your contact information at the top of your resume, where it is easy to find. Use a standard, easy-to-read font and format it something like this:

Sarah Johnson
St. Louis, MO
(555) 123-4567
Sarah.Johnson@email.com
LinkedIn.com/in/sarahjohnson

Ensure your information is accurate and current, and remember to check for typos. Even a tiny error can cause a missed opportunity.

Use This Example

Summary or objective

Next, you will write a brief introduction to your resume. You can choose a resume summary or an objective statement to grab the reader’s attention and showcase your qualifications. It is the first impression you make, so it’s essential to craft it carefully.

A resume summary is ideal for experienced dental hygienists. It gives hiring managers a quick overview of your skills, accomplishments, and areas of expertise. This section should be concise yet impactful, emphasizing what sets you apart. For example, a resume summary for a dental hygienist might say:

Licensed dental hygienist with over 5 years of experience in general and pediatric dentistry. Skilled in patient education, periodontal care, and digital radiography. Passionate about improving patient outcomes through compassionate care and a focus on preventive dentistry.

However, a resume objective is better if you’re just starting out or switching careers. It lets you focus on your career goals and enthusiasm for the job while showcasing relevant training or transferable skills. For example, an objective statement for a dental hygienist resume might say:

Detail-oriented dental hygienist with a recently earned degree in dental hygiene and hands-on clinical training in general practice. Excited to bring excellent patient care and a commitment to preventive dentistry to a dynamic team.

Whichever introduction you choose, tailor it to the job description by using relevant keywords and focusing on the skills the employer seeks. Personalize this section for each application to show you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the role, helping you stand out to hiring managers and ATS.

Use This Example

Work history

The work history section of your dental hygienist resume is where you can shine. This section tells the story of your professional journey, so focus on both your responsibilities and the impact you made in each role.

Start by listing your previous jobs chronologically, starting with your most recent position and working backward. Include your job title, the employer’s name, the location and the dates of employment. Then, beneath each entry, use bullet points to list your key responsibilities and achievements.

When writing your bullet points, use action verbs like “performed,” “implemented” or “streamlined” to create a dynamic tone. Quantify your achievements whenever possible — numbers help employers see the real-world impact of your work. For example, instead of “Helped educate patients,” write “Assisted in educating 50+ patients monthly on effective oral hygiene techniques.”

Remember, this section shows how your experience makes you the best candidate for the job. Tailoring each job entry to match the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description can make your resume stand out even more.

Here’s an example of a well-crafted job entry on a dental hygienist resume:

Dental Hygienist
Bright Smile Dentistry, San Francisco, CA

• Performed scaling, polishing and fluoride treatments for 20+ patients daily.
• Educated patients on oral hygiene practices, leading to a 15% reduction in cavity incidence.
• Collaborated with dentists to create personalized treatment plans, enhancing patient satisfaction.

Use This Example

Skills

The skills section is your chance to highlight the hard and soft skills that make you an excellent dental hygienist. Employers want to see a balance of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities, as both are crucial for providing top-quality patient care.

To show hiring managers that you are a well-rounded candidate, include a mix of hard skills like scaling and polishing and soft skills like communication and empathy.

To help you get started, we have compiled the top skills for a dental hygienist resume:

Top 5 hard skills for dental hygienist resumes

1. Digital radiography: Proficiency in taking and interpreting digital X-rays is essential for diagnosing and planning treatments.
2. Scaling and polishing: Performing these procedures ensures patients maintain excellent oral health and prevents future complications.
3. Fluoride application: Expertise in applying fluoride treatments strengthens enamel and reduces the risk of cavities.
4. Patient education: Teaching patients proper oral hygiene practices improves their long-term dental health and fosters trust.
5. Infection control: Maintaining strict sterilization and hygiene protocols ensures a safe environment for patients and staff.

Top 5 soft skills for dental hygienist resumes

1. Communication: Explaining procedures and dental care practices in an easy-to-understand way helps patients feel informed and comfortable.
2. Empathy: Providing a calm, understanding presence is invaluable, especially for nervous or anxious patients.
3. Attention to detail: Accurately performing cleanings and recording patient data ensures the highest standard of care.
4. Teamwork: Collaborating with dentists and other dental staff ensures seamless patient experiences.
5. Time management: Balancing multiple patients and a busy schedule is crucial for maintaining smooth clinic operations.

A skills section for a dental hygienist resume should look something like this:

Skills

• Digital Radiography
• Patient Education
• Empathy
• Time Management
• Scaling and Polishing

Use This Example

Education

Your education section showcases the qualifications that prepared you for the role. Keep it simple — list your degree and the school you attended, along with the location. There’s no need to include graduation dates; the focus should be on your credentials, not when you earned them.

Here’s how to format your education section:

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Community College of Denver
Denver, CO

You can also list any special training or certifications in this section. However, you can also create a separately labeled section to draw attention to your unique qualifications. Keep reading to find out more!

Additional sections

Adding optional sections to your dental hygienist resume can make you stand out from the competition by showcasing qualifications and experience that go beyond the basics. Here are some additional sections to consider for a dental hygienist resume:

• Volunteer Experience
• Professional Memberships
• Awards and Recognitions
• Languages
• Continuing Education

Use This Example

Top Certifications for Dental Hygienists

Certifications are an excellent way to validate your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. Here are the top certifications for a dental hygienist:

1. Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH): This essential certification verifies your licensure to practice and shows that you meet the professional standards required in your state.
2. CPR and First Aid Certification: These certifications are critical for ensuring patient safety, as emergencies can happen in any healthcare setting.
3. Local Anesthesia Certification: This certification enables you to administer local anesthesia, which expands your clinical capabilities and demonstrates advanced training.
4. Laser Dentistry Certification: Highlights your ability to use modern technology in periodontal care, making you a more competitive candidate.
5. Dental Radiology Certification: Validates your competency in taking and interpreting dental X-rays, a key responsibility in many dental hygienist roles.

Use This Example

10 Tips for Writing a Dental Hygienist Resume

1. Tailor your resume to the job description by incorporating relevant keywords. Carefully read the job posting and highlight the skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Use these as keywords throughout your resume. For example, if the description mentions “patient education” or “infection control,” ensure these terms appear in your skills, work history, or summary sections. This helps your resume pass applicant tracking systems and shows you align with the employer’s needs.
2. Highlight your patient care skills to appeal to hiring managers. Patient care is the heart of dental hygiene. Use your work history and skills sections to emphasize your ability to build trust, educate patients on oral health, and deliver compassionate care. For instance, you might include “Educated patients on proper flossing techniques, improving adherence to recommended hygiene practices.”
3. Use action verbs like “performed,” “educated,” and “collaborated.” Action verbs make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Instead of saying, “Responsible for cleaning teeth,” write, “Performed comprehensive cleanings, including scaling and polishing, for 20+ patients daily.” This demonstrates initiative and professionalism while making your responsibilities clear.
4. Quantify achievements whenever possible. Numbers catch the eye and give hiring managers a concrete sense of your impact. For example, instead of saying, “Helped patients maintain oral health,” write, “Educated 15+ patients weekly on effective oral hygiene, contributing to a 10% reduction in cavity rates.”
5. Include relevant certifications like RDH or CPR. Certifications like Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or CPR are often required and immediately demonstrate your qualifications. List them in a dedicated section or your summary highlighting your readiness to handle clinical emergencies.
6. Add technical skills such as digital radiography. Dental offices rely on technology, so technical skills like digital radiography, electronic health record systems or local anesthesia administration make you a stronger candidate. These skills show that you’re comfortable with the tools of the trade and can adapt to modern dental practices.
7. Emphasize soft skills like empathy and communication. While technical skills are critical, your ability to connect with patients and work as part of a team is just as important. Use your work history or skills section to show how you’ve used these abilities. For example, “Provided empathetic care to patients with dental anxiety, creating a welcoming and reassuring environment.”
8. Proofread carefully to ensure your resume is error-free. Errors on a resume can make a poor impression. Double-check for typos, grammatical mistakes or inconsistent formatting. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well. A clean, polished resume reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
9. Use a clean, professional layout to improve readability. Choose a simple, organized design with clear headings and plenty of white space. Avoid flashy fonts or graphics, which can be distracting. A professional layout ensures your qualifications stand out and are easy for hiring managers to review quickly.
10. Include a professional summary or objective to make a strong first impression. Start your resume with a compelling summary or objective tailored to the job. For example, “Dedicated dental hygienist with 5+ years of experience in periodontal care and patient education, seeking to deliver exceptional care at a dynamic dental practice.” This introduction immediately communicates your qualifications and goals.