Dentist Resume Examples

Our mouth and teeth are susceptible to infections. The Dentist makes sure our mouths are healthy and that our smiles are always lovely. This is a profession that requires an investment in education and training. In addition, you need steady hands and excellent eyesight.

If you want to land the job, your Dentist resume must highlight top-level qualifications. Becoming a Dentist can lead to a lucrative career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Dentists make an average of $75.12 per hour or $156,240 per year. This has become a fast growing profession in the medical field. The BLS projects that the demand for Dentists will rise by 19% over the next few years. In 2016 alone, there were 153,500 Dentist jobs that were available.

If you came across a job opening for a Dentist that you are interested in, you might be up for some tough competition. We have prepared a Dentist resume sample that may swing the vote of HR to your favor.

Build a Dentist Resume

Expert Approved Resume Samples

Our samples are written by career experts with over 10 years of experience in resume writing.

Get inspired and explore what’s recommended to write in each section of the resume.

Dentist Resume Samples

Edward Collins, DDS  

Address:                 7101 Democracy Boulevard  Bethesda, MD
Phone:                      (301) 365-0558
Email:                        [email protected]
Current job:           Dental Doctor and Specialist at the Maryland Dental Center, Silver Spring, MD 


Objective

To apply my expertise as a dental doctor to the patients in the state of Maryland; to be employed as a senior dental doctor at the respectable Piney Orchard Dental Clinic


Skills

  1. Extensive experience in diagnosing dental problems and conditions
  2. Expertise in correcting bite problems with use of Orthodontic devices
  3. Proficiency in reading and interpreting dental X-ray results
  4. Aptitude in creating dental appliances needed for denture fitting
  5. Expertise in giving anesthetics to patients prior to dental procedures
  6. Expertise in teeth whitening using the most recent dental innovations
  7. Expertise in filling teeth cavities and eliminating decay
  8. Proficiency in placing teeth sealants
  9. Expertise in prescribing antibiotics and pain medications to patients who underwent dental procedures
  10. Dedication to teach patients proper dental hygiene
  11. Ability to work under pressure
  12. Superb communication and interpersonal skills

Experience

Senior Dental Doctor, 2020-Present
Maryland Dental Center, Silver Spring, MD

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Diagnoses dental problems in adult and pediatric patients
  • Performs dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)
  • Mounts Orthodontic braces to correct bite problems
  • Performs tooth extractions
  • Does cavity filling and applied sealants as needed
  • Make root canals in lieu of teeth extractions
  • Implements teeth whitening procedures with the latest medications and procedures
  • Prescribes medications for patients
  • Sets a follow-up appointment on patients who underwent delicate dental procedures

Senior Dental Doctor, 2017-2020
Horizon Family Dental Care, Hanover, MD

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Diagnosed dental conditions in adult and pediatric clients
  • Extracted teeth as required
  • Performed oral prophylaxis or teeth cleaning
  • Done cavity filling and placed sealants as warranted
  • Whitened teeth with medications and laser procedures
  • Installed Orthodontic braces in patients with bite problems
  • Provided anesthesia prior to procedures
  • Prescribed pain medications and antibiotics to patients
  • Conducted follow-up sessions with patients who underwent dental surgeries
  • Instructed patients on proper dental care and regular check-up

Junior Dental Doctor, 2015-2017
Potomac Dental Clinic, Rockville, MD

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Consulted and diagnosed patients with dental problems
  • Performed teeth extraction
  • Done oral prophylaxis and teeth cleaning
  • Performed cavity filling and sealant application
  • Anesthetized patients prior to a procedure
  • Assisted senior Dental Doctors in delicate surgeries
  • Prescribed post-procedure medications for patients
  • Followed-up on patients who underwent surgery
  • Instructed patients on proper teeth care and the importance of regular dental check-ups

Education

University of Maryland at Baltimore, 2011-2015
Doctor of Dental Surgery, 3.6 GPA

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 2007-2011
Bachelor of Science in Biophysics, GPA 3.8

The Catholic High School of Baltimore, 2003-2007
High School Diploma, GPA 3.5


Courses

  1. Endodontics
  2. Periodontics
  3. Prosthodontics
  4. Orthodontics
  5. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  6. Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
  7. Dentofacial Orthopedics
  8. Pediatric Dentistry
  9. Oral Anesthesiology
  10. Oral Anatomy
  11. Craniofacial Anatomy
  12. General Biology
  13. Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
  14. Physics
  15. Biochemistry

Personal information

  • Civil Status: Married with three children
  • Date of Birth: September 22, 1970
  • Interests include Basketball, Baseball and Hotrods

How To Write A Good Dentist Resume

The recruiters would want to know if you are qualified to work as a Dentist in their clinic.

“Qualified? Aren’t all dentists the same? Don’t they all clean and fix teeth?”

You can practice General Dentistry or specialize in a field such as Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry or Public Health Dentistry.

Thus, in order to write a good Dentist resume, it must be customized according to the needs of the prospective employer.

Your Dentist resume should highlight all the relevant skills, experiences, and training you acquired through the years which qualifies you as the best candidate for the job.

What are the keys to writing a good Dentist resume?

1. Make Sure The Information In Your Resume Is Updated

Your professional license number as a Dentist should be indicated in the Contact Information section. The best location for your professional license number is right below your name:

Name: Albert F. Hollister
License No.: 89-8413298

Before writing down your professional license number, make sure it has been renewed or updated. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to practice dentistry.

Other information that must be updated include:

  • Address
  • Contact numbers
  • Email address

If your contact information is not updated, the clinic will not be able to get in touch with you. This could be costly for your job search.

2. Keep It Professional-Looking

For the reason that you are a representative of one of the noblest occupations, your resume must look professional.

What does “look professional” mean?

  • Use simple but elegant font styles such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Cambria, and Times New Roman.
  • Organize your information with bullet points.
  • Give a professional email address. For example, [email protected] is professional. However, [email protected] is not.
  • If you want to include a photo, make sure it is taken by a professional photographer for better resolution.

3. Read the Job Post Carefully

The job post will indicate the type of dentist the clinic is looking for. If you fit the requirements, apply for the job and highlight the qualifications in key sections of your resume.

If you were referred by someone from the clinic or by one of its associates, it may be a good idea to attach a cover letter to your resume.

Dentist Resume Objective Examples

Should you put an objective statement in your Dentist resume? The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Perhaps, the objective statement is the most misunderstood section of your resume. Likewise, it can be the difference-maker in your job search.

We are here to show you how to make an eye-catching Dentist resume objective that will put you on top of the list.

1. Think of the Resume Objective as Your Formal Introduction

The reason why some objective statements don’t resonate is that they read generic. Keep in mind, recruiters only scan resumes. Consequently, since the objective statement is located in the top third of your resume, the recruiter will definitely see it.

So make sure it is well-written and engaging!

Think of the resume objective as your formal introduction to the Hiring Manager. Write in your own voice. Try to let your personality come across. Don’t use technical jargon.

An experienced HR Officer can gauge the personality of the applicant simply by reading the objective statement. If the person who reads your resume “feels” you are a good fit, you may find yourself one step closer to the job!

2. Give Your Resume Objective the Personal Touch

Another reason why some objective statements fail to attract interest is that it reads like it was written for everyone else. Make it a point to mention one of the following in your Dentist resume objective:

The name of the clinic
A reference to a need specified by the clinic on the job post or website and why hiring you can be the best solution

By doing one of these 2 things, you will personalize the resume objective. It is written with the clinic or its need in mind.

For this reason, it may be a good idea to do some research on the clinic. Visit their website and social media pages. Find out all about their latest developments, projects, or accomplishments.

3. Make the Recruiter’s Job Easier

A recruiter will not spend a lot of time on your resume objective. Therefore, you should make the recruiter’s job easier by putting your relevant skills and experiences front and center:

  • Review the requirements for the position as stated on the job post. These requirements are usually listed in order of importance. Identify which skills you have and list them in proper order in your resume objective.
  • Add keywords. HR will include keywords in the job post. These keywords can be industry jargon or terms that are very specific for the job. Take note of these keywords and include them in your objective statement. Likewise, the clinic may use an ATS or Applicant Tracking System. Having keywords will make it easier for the ATS to qualify your resume.

Example of a Dentist resume objective that incorporates our tips

Licensed Dentist in the state of Colorado, I have been practicing General Dentistry for more than 5 years. I was drawn to your job post because of DeVille Clinic’s involvement with the Smiles Children’s Foundation in Boulder, Colorado. Part of my advocacy is contributing my expertise to disadvantaged children. In addition, I am confident that my knowledge and experience would greatly serve the dental needs of your patients.

Right off the bat, the objective statement highlights the primary requirement of the job – being licensed in the state of Colorado. Then, a mention of the total years of experience as a dentist – more than 5.

Finally, the resume objective mentioned the name of the clinic plus one of its projects. This tactic lends a personal touch to the entire objective statement.

Dentist Resume Skills

You’ve graduated from Dentistry school. Certainly, you’ve taken and passed the state licensing exam to become a professional Dentist. Getting the right degree and being licensed in your state are absolute requirements in order to practice your specialization.

Every applicant vying for the same Dentist position as you has a college degree and a license to practice. Thus, if the playing field is even, how do you gain an advantage?

You need to highlight the right Dentist resume skills:

1. Ability to Use Specialized/New Dental Equipment

Technology plays a key role in the advancement of dental equipment. Moreover, these innovations help patients overcome their fear of visiting the dentist. Dental procedures are pain-free and can be completed faster by using the latest equipment.

Consequently, many clinics have outfitted the operating room with some of the newest technologies. It will improve your chances of landing the Dentist position if you are familiar with some of the new dental equipment.

For the clinic, the learning curve will be more sloping. It will be easier to teach you how you up to speed on how to use the new equipment.

2. A Keen Interest In Science Especially on Dental Health

You can tell if a Dentist loves his work. You can hear it in the way he talks about his profession. Discussing oral surgery for him comes naturally. Do the same thing when writing about your work experience.

Avoid using technical jargon. Instead, explain your tasks in a way that an average person would understand.

People in HR know all about recruitment, evaluating, and selecting candidates. They are not professional dentists. How you discuss your work as a Dentist in your resume will show your passion for the job.

3. Good Hand-Eye Coordination

When you are operating on a delicate area such as the mouth where you to deal with membranes and nerves, your hands have to be steady and sure. One mistake can be costly for the patient. Therefore, it is very important to have manual dexterity as well as good hand-eye coordination.

4. Capable of Maintaining Focus for Long Periods of Time

A dental operation can last for hours. In addition to having steady hands and good hand-eye coordination, you must have the ability to maintain focus for long periods of time.

A loss in focus; even for a second, can have dangerous repercussions on the health of the patient. You have to keep track of everything that is happening in the operating room

5. The Right Soft Skills

Hard skills or your technical abilities aren’t the only important skills to have as a Dentist. You must have the “right stuff”. By “right stuff”, we mean the ideal personality attributes to become a good Dentist.

These personality attributes are referred to as your soft skills. For a Dentist, the following soft skills will be on the radar of most recruiters:

  • Patience; being able to deal with unruly, anxious, and difficult patients.
  • Excellent communication; you should be able to explain procedures and the findings of the preliminary tests clearly to the patient.
  • Motivational; most patients will be worried and concerned about their operation. A good Dentist should be able to motivate the patient to maintain a positive attitude about the procedure as it is necessary for his oral health.

Dentist Duties And Responsibilities

Rest assured, the person reviewing your Dentist resume knows a thing or two about Dentistry. Chances are, he is a dentist himself. Probably one of the clinic owners.

In other words, don’t take chances with your work experience section. The prospective employer wants to make sure it hired the right person for the job.

Yes, you included your professional license as a Dentist in the Contact Information section. While that may move you forward in the hiring process, the Hiring Manager – or one of the business partners – still wants to know if you can meet the clinic’s criteria.

The focus will shift to the duties and responsibilities listed in your Dentist work experience section.

Here are 4 tips on how to prepare one that will cinch the job interview for you:

1. Go Into Detail

Most likely than not, the other job applicants will be putting down similar duties and responsibilities in their work experience.

The last thing the Hiring Manager wants to see is the same description over and over again.

Create distance between you and the other job applicants by going into detail about your Dentist duties and responsibilities.

This is an example of a generic job description:

  • Met patients in the clinic
  • Examined teeth
  • Performed dentistry procedures
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Organized patient records

The HR Officer will not get anything out of this kind of job description. It does not answer the question, “How well do you know your profession?”

On the other hand, a job description of your duties and responsibilities that reads like the one below will surely get heads nodding in agreement:

  • Conducted preliminary meetings with patients to discuss dental/oral problems and design a plan of action.
  • Scheduled patients for preliminary examination for the purpose of ascertaining the root cause of the problem.
  • Reviewed and analyzed test results as the basis for the course of action; the corrective procedure may require cleaning, root canal, extractions, and cavity-filling among others.
  • Assessed the condition of the patient before and after the procedure; prescribed medication to fast-track the healing and recovery process.
  • Maintained and managed staff in order to keep the clinic organized.
  • Motivated staff to prioritize the health, care, and well-being of the clinic’s patients.

2. Focus on Both Hard Skills and Soft Skills

As you have read from the sample job description for Dentist work experience above, the list of duties and responsibilities did not purely focus on hard skills.

The final 2 descriptions focused more on soft skills – the personality attributes or traits the best define your approach to the job.

Maintained and managed staff in order to keep the clinic organized.

Soft skills – Highly-organized, meticulous, results-oriented, and focused.

Motivated staff to prioritize the health, care, and well-being of the clinic’s patients.

Soft skills – Passionate, empathetic, concerned, good leadership qualities, and dedicated.

Many companies are shifting focus toward soft skills in order to maintain a productive and thriving work culture. The attributes you present will give the recruiter an idea of whether you fit their organization culture or not.

3. Keep It Conversational

It is normal to include medical terminologies in your resume. After all, some of the terminologies or jargon may be important keywords. However, do your best to keep the descriptions simple and easy to understand. In other words, keep it conversational.

What if the person reviewing your resume does not have a background on Dentistry? HR officers are trained to identify keywords to pre-qualify candidates for the job. They do not have to be familiar with the job or profession itself.

Don’t take chances. You would not want to confuse the recruiter. In view of this, make sure your job descriptions can easily be understood.

4. Review the Job Post Carefully

Here is a good rule to keep in mind when writing your duties and responsibilities for the work section:

Let it speak to the recruiter.

How do you make this happen?

Make sure the descriptions of your duties and responsibilities directly answer the needs of the clinic. These needs and concerns can be found in the job post. Therefore, before writing the work experience section, review the job post carefully.

Entry Level Dentist Resume

Are you about to embark on a career as a Dentist? Don’t worry if you have an entry-level Dentist resume. Those successful dentists you’ve heard of? They all started at an entry-level. All they needed was for a clinic or hospital to give them a break.

If you don’t have the experience, there are other ways to make your entry-level Dentist resume marketable:

1. Use the Functional Format

Most of the time, applicants will use the chronological format when creating a resume. The chronological formal places more emphasis on your work experience. A standard template for this type of format looks like this:

  • Contact Information
  • Objective Statement
  • Skills
  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Certifications/Licenses
  • Personal Information

Instead of using the chronological format, use the functional format instead. With this type of format, the purpose is to shift attention toward your acquired skills and abilities.

The standard template for the functional format looks like this:

  • Contact Information
  • Objective Statement
  • Skills
  • Education
  • Certifications/Licenses
  • Work Experience
  • Personal Information

Work experience is located near the bottom of the resume. Most of the content is focused on your skills, education, and licenses.

2. Build Up Your Skills

If the job market is slow, it might take a while to get callbacks. So what do you do in the meantime? Build up your skills!

  • Sign up for advanced courses in Dentistry
  • Learn how to use the latest equipment in Dentistry
  • Find out what the new medicines and treatment protocols for post-surgery recovery

Don’t use the downtime to stay passive. Be active and take advantage of the moment to make your entry-level Dentist resume more marketable.

3. Build Up Your Experience

Another option you should consider if the job market is slow is to build up your experience by accepting volunteer work.

Look for socio-civic organizations that offer dental treatments to the underprivileged. Offer your services to them. These activities do not pay a salary.

However, you will get to practice what you have learned. In so doing, you will build up your experience. Hiring Managers are aware of this and will commend you for taking on volunteer work.

Advice for a Dentist Interview

There are lots of dental doctors out there who are vying for the job you want to have as well. But with a good dentist CV, and by heeding these tips on how to score the perfect interview, you can have the edge over all the aspiring candidates.

Know about the Specifics of the Clinic or Hospital

Among the most vital preparations you can make for your interview is to learn about the specifics of the clinic or hospital you wish to be part of. Knowing about its history, services, and goals will come in handy when the employer calls you in for an interview.

Be Prepared

While anticipating for a phone or telephone interview, you need to be prepared with what might come ahead. That includes reviewing your Dental Doctor resume and highlighting your strengths as an experienced professional.

Dress and Act Accordingly

First impressions last, so you need to dress accordingly when you are called in for a personal interview. You are applying for a dental doctor position, so sloppy mannerisms and grooming issues are definitely not tolerated.

Simulate a Q&A Session

You can expect a barrage of questions from the employer during the interview. In order to answer with confidence and conviction, you need to practice the questions that the interviewer might ask you. Ask a friend or family member to practice with you. Here are several examples of the questions you may come across:

  • Why did you decide to become a dental doctor?
  • What is your edge over all the other applicants?
  • Enumerate the procedures and treatments you have performed as a dental doctor.
  • How do you deal with a rowdy, uncooperative pediatric patient?
  • How do you compute the amount of anesthetics a pediatric client needs in a certain dental surgical procedure?
  • What Post-dental seminars or lectures have you attended?

Now that you are finished answering the questions, it is time for you to raise your own. Here are some questions you can ask the interviewer.

  • What dental surgeries or procedures can I do here? What treatments do I need to perform in a hospital?
  • How many patients am I supposed to see every day?
  • Is there an employee union here?
  • How do you address and manage employee issues?
  • What anesthetic agents do you prefer for dental procedures?
  • What dental technologies and equipment are available here?

Inquire about Your Status

It takes a week or two before you hear some news about whether you are hired or not. While waiting for your status, you can phone or send an e-mail to the interviewer. The message doesn’t necessarily have to be asking whether you are hired or not, it can include a thank you note and a message of appreciation for the time and opportunity that you have been given.

Is this resume sample helpful?

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

Be the first to rate this post

As you found this post useful...

Consider sharing it on social media

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Author

It’s time for you to build your winning resume

Go to the resume builder and start designing your own winning resume.

  • Custom design resume
  • Sharable across platforms
  • Free basic resume
  • Easy pdf download
Create a new resume