Dentist Resume - Examples & Guide for 2024

How to Format a Dentist Resume

Picking the best dentist resume format is the most important part of your resume. 

You see, different formats highlight your skills and experiences in different ways. It’s important to have a resume that is specific to your own skill-set.

The most common resume format for a dentist is “reverse-chronological”, and it’s easy to understand why. Essentially, this format puts your most valuable assets up-top, rather than being hidden lower down the page. We recommend dentists start with this format.

The following resume formats also get our approval:

• Functional Resume – If your dental skills are stronger than your work experience, a functional format is recommended. It’s ideal for skilled dentists that are newly qualified or have gaps in their employment history
• Combination Resume – Combining both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”, a combination dentist resume places an equal focus on skills AND work experience. Dentists with a lot of work experience may want to use this format

Once you’ve picked your format, it’s time to organize your resume layout.

Use a Dentist Resume Template

There are many ways to write your resume, with most applicants choosing to use Microsoft Word.

However –

Using a simple text editor can result in formatting issues.

In fact, your resume layout can collapse with a single alteration. 

Want to skip formatting issues? Use one of these resume templates that can be easily personalized for a dentist position.

What to Include in a Dentist Resume

The main sections in a dentist resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information
• Skills
• Education

Want to go a step further? You can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Personal Projects
• Licenses
• Languages
• Interests & Hobbies

Perfect! But what should you write for each section? 

Read on to learn how.

Want to know more about resume sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume.

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Dentistry requires little flair, and so does your contact information section. 

The only requirement is a factually-correct section that allows the hiring manager to contact you with ease.  

The contact information section on your resume must include:

• Full Name
• Title – In this case, “Dentist”
• Phone Number – Check this for errors
• Email Address – Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@gmail.com), not one from your childhood (dantheman123@gmail.com).
• Location - if applying for jobs in different cities/countries mention that you are open to relocation.

How to Write a Dentist Resume Summary or Objective

As a dentist, you prepare for oral surgery by putting your patient to sleep.

However –

This is the last thing you want to do with the recruiter.

In fact, you need to command attention to your resume. 

To do this, use a resume summary or objective.

These are powerful resume introductions that go on top of your resume, just under your contact information.

But what is the difference between the two sections?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of what you want to achieve professionally.

So, which one is best for your specific situation?

Generally, we recommend that dentists use a resume summary if they have relevant work experience. An objective is suited to individuals who have the skills, but lack the industry experience, like dental hygienists or dental graduates.

How to Make Your Dentist Work Experience Stand Out

You can have the best degree in the world, but nothing beats an impressive work experience.

It shows that you can walk the walk.

Here’s the best way to structure your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Dates
• Responsibilities & Achievements

To separate your work from the other dentists, you should focus on your best achievements instead of your daily tasks. This will highlight the direct benefits to hiring you for the job. 

Instead of saying…

“Patient care”

Say:

“Assessed over 1000+ patients for oral health conditions”

Simply put, the second statement is way more specific. It shows that you have a lot of experience helping patients. 

Hard numbers that prove your skills – sounds like a winner!

Use Action Words to Make Your Dentist Resume POP!

to stand out from the other applicants, you may want to use action verbs and power words for extra punch:

• Diagnozed
• Utilized
• Increased
• Streamlined
• Performed
• Pioneered
• Shaped
• Launched
• Standardized
• Simplified

How to Correctly List your Education

Next, it’s time to talk about your education.

There’s no need to overcomplicate this section, just simply enter your education history in the following format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

Still got questions?

If so, here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:

• What if I haven’t completed my education yet?

Be honest about your education. You aren’t likely to become a dentist if you haven’t finished your education, but there may be another role you can do. Simply mention every year of education to date.

• Should I include my high school education?

Include your highest level of education that is relevant to the job. So, include your high school education if you don’t have a relevant dental degree.

• What goes first, my education or experience?

Experiences are the most impressive to the recruiter, so those go first. If you’re a recent dental graduate, you will likely need to start with education.

Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume.

Top 15 Skills for a Dentist Resume

You’re a well-trained dentist with all the skills needed.

However –

Your competition is fierce.

The hiring manager needs to see that your skills are next-level, which includes listing the skills that matter the most.

Create a short list of your top dental skills, like the example below.

Hard Skills for a Dentist Resume:

• Four-Handed Dentistry
• Crowns, Bridges & Veneers
• Assessments
• Smile Makeovers
• ICON Aesthetic Infiltration
• Restorative Procedures
• Laser Whitening
• Fluoride Treatments
• X-Ray
• Preventative Dentistry

Soft Skills for a Dentist Resume:

• Communication
• Empathetic
• Team Player
• Dexterity
• Working under pressure

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 100+ must-have skills this year.

What Else Can You Include?

We’ve now covered every essential dentist resume section.

But don’t call it a day just yet. 

Just like your service, your resume needs to be first-class!

This means adding extra sections that could be the deciding factor in whether you’re hired for the role or not.

Awards & Certifications

Have you won a dental award?

Have you completed any courses that improve your skills?

Whatever it is, include any certificates or awards in your resume!

Here’s an example:

Awards & Certificates

• “Learning How to Learn” - Coursera Certificate
• “Implant Dentistry” – Coursera Certificate
• “Critical Thinking Masterclass” - MadeUpUniversity

Languages

While being able to speak multiple languages is not needed to be a great dentist, it is still an impressive skill. 

Besides, you never know when it will come in handy. 

As such, feel free to add a language section if you have space.

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Native or bilingual
• Fluent
• Proficient
• Intermediate
• Basic

Interests & Hobbies

Now, you are most likely thinking, “why do I need a section that talks about my interests and hobbies?”

Well, they show what kind of person you are. 

Your future place of work wants someone that will be pleasant to work with.

Hobbies show that you’ll be a good part of the team, especially if you enjoy social activities. 

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Is a cover letter still important in today’s job market?

Yes! 

Unlike the generic resumes piled up on the recruiter’s desk, a cover letter is a personal piece of content that shows you want to work for their company.

Here’s how to structure a cover letter for dental jobs:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Your full name, profession, email, phone number, and location.

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Full name, position, location, email.

Opening Paragraph

The hiring manager will likely skim over your letter. As such, be sure to look at them within the first few sentences. Use concise language to mention:

• The exact role you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

The Body

Will the hiring manager hooked, you can detail:

• Why you chose this specific dentist
• What you know about the dentists
• How your skills are relevant for the job
• Which similar jobs have you held before

Closing Paragraph

All great letters finish with a closing paragraph, so: 

• Conclude the main points of the letter
• Thank the hiring manager for the opportunity
• Finish with a call to action to continue the conversation. Simply say: “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how my skills will help dentist X” 

Formal Salutations

End the letter in a professional manner. Something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For more inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter.

Looking for a resume example for a different position in the medical field? Check out our other resume examples:

• Medical Assistant Resume
• Nurse Resume
• Pharmacist Resume

Key Takeaways

Get ready:

You’re about to land that dream role.

Well, only if you followed the above advice.

Let’s quickly summarize everything we have learned today:

• Format your dentist's resume in the correct way. You should prioritize the reverse-chronological format. Oh, and always follow the best practices on content layout
• Use a resume summary or objective to catch hook the recruiter
• Under the work experience heading, make sure to highlight your best dental achievements
• To really beat your competition, include a convincing cover letter

Suggested Reading:

• Best Resume File Type - PDF vs Word [+Templates]
• Use Resume Keywords to Land the Job [880+ Keywords]
• 101 Best Career Tips From Industry Experts [2024 Edition]