Hygienist Resume: Sample & Guide (Entry Level & Senior Jobs)

Are you searching for the perfect hygienist resume example to guide you in crafting your own standout resume? Look no further! Our article provides a comprehensive sample resume for a hygienist position, complete with tips and guidelines for creating a powerful and professional document. Whether you're a seasoned hygienist or just starting out in the field, our resume example can help you land your next job opportunity.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
Why you should use a resume template

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Hygienist do?

Perform oral health assessments and review the patient's medical history
Remove plaque and tartar from teeth through scaling and polishing
Take dental X-rays and develop them for the dentist to review
Educate patients on good oral hygiene practices and provide personalized advice for at-home care
Administer fluoride treatments and apply sealants to teeth to prevent decay
Assist the dentist during procedures and treatments
Document patient care and treatment plans

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Hygienist related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Hygienist?

Performing dental cleanings and removing plaque and tartar from teeth
Examining patients' teeth and gums for signs of disease or oral health issues
Taking dental x-rays and providing other diagnostic tests
Applying fluoride treatments and sealants to protect teeth
Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and the importance of dental care
Assisting the dentist with procedures and treatments
Maintaining accurate patient records and files
Sterilizing dental instruments and equipment
Ordering and organizing dental supplies and materials

Sample Hygienist Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details:

Name: [Your Name]
Contact: [Your Phone Number]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Address: [Your Address]

Summary:

[Your Name] is a dedicated and compassionate hygienist with [X years] of experience in providing quality dental care. Skilled in conducting thorough oral hygiene treatments and educating patients on proper dental hygiene practices. [He/She] is highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering exceptional patient care.

Work Experience:

[Job Title] at [Company Name] - [Dates of Employment]
[Job Responsibilities]
[Job Title] at [Company Name] - [Dates of Employment]
[Job Responsibilities]

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from [University Name], [Year of Graduation]
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from [College Name], [Year of Graduation]

Skills:

Proficient in conducting oral prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance
Expertise in taking and analyzing dental X-rays
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices
Strong organizational and time management abilities

Certifications:

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license
CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Languages:

English - Fluent
[Additional languages, if applicable]

Resume tips for Hygienist

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Hygienist resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Hygienist - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Clearly state your professional qualifications and certifications.
Highlight your experience in performing dental prophylaxis and taking dental x-rays.
Showcase your proficiency in using dental tools and equipment for cleaning and sterilizing.
Include your knowledge of infection control and sterilization procedures in dental settings.
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with patients and provide them with proper oral hygiene education.

Hygienist Resume Summary Examples

A hygienist resume summary or objective is a brief statement at the beginning of a resume that highlights a candidate's skills, experience, and career goals. It helps the employer quickly understand what the candidate can bring to the role. A well-crafted summary or objective can make the resume stand out and increase the likelihood of getting an interview.

For Example:

Performed dental cleanings and exams to maintain oral health
Assisted in patient education on proper oral hygiene techniques
Administered fluoride treatments and applied dental sealants
Implemented infection control procedures to ensure patient safety
Collaborated with dentists to develop treatment plans for patients

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Hygienist Resume

Building a strong experience section for a hygienist resume is essential because it demonstrates to potential employers the depth and breadth of your skills and knowledge in the field. It serves as evidence of your ability to perform various dental procedures, handle patient care effectively, and work well within a dental team. A well-crafted experience section can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview for your desired position.

For Example:

Performed dental cleanings and examinations on approximately 20 patients per day
Counseled patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and recommended products to improve dental health
Assisted the dentist in oral surgeries and other advanced dental procedures
Kept accurate and detailed records of patient treatments and progress
Performed X-rays and other diagnostic tests as needed
Managed dental equipment and ensured proper sterilization protocols were followed
Participated in continuing education courses to stay current with latest advancements in dental hygiene
Collaborated with dental staff to ensure efficient and effective patient care
Provided excellent customer service and built strong relationships with patients
Adhered to all OSHA and HIPAA regulations and guidelines

Hygienist resume education example

A hygienist needs to complete an accredited dental hygiene program, which typically lasts 2-3 years and results in an associate degree or certificate. Some hygienists may also pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene or a related field for advanced opportunities. Additionally, hygienists must obtain state licensure by passing written and clinical exams. Continuing education is also required to maintain licensure and stay updated on the latest developments in the field.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Hygienist resume:

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene - XYZ University, 2010
Certified Dental Hygienist - ABC Dental School, 2011
Continuing education courses in periodontal therapy and oral health, 2012-2018
Advanced training in digital radiography and dental software, 2019

Hygienist Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills for a Hygienist Resume because it showcases the candidate's capabilities, expertise, and ability to perform the necessary tasks in the dental hygiene field. Including relevant skills demonstrates the candidate's readiness for the position and highlights their ability to provide quality care to patients, work effectively within a team, and uphold hygiene standards.

Soft Skills:

Communication
Empathy
Adaptability
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Time management
Attention to detail
Customer service
Patience
Stress management

Hard Skills:

Periodontal probing
Dental radiography
Instrument sterilization
Oral cancer screening
Dental charting
Scaling and root planning
Local anesthesia administration
Fluoride application
Sealant placement
Patient education

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Hygienist Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Hygienist resume

Strong knowledge of dental hygiene procedures and practices
Excellent communication and patient care skills
Proficient in dental software and digital imaging systems
Ability to perform routine dental cleanings and exams
Skilled in taking and developing dental X-rays
Knowledge of infection control protocols and sterilization techniques
Ability to educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques
Experience in assisting dentists during procedures
Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.