trainee dental nurse cover letter no experience

How To Write A Fantastic Dental Nurse Cover Letter

If you are seeking a dental nurse position, not only will you have to submit a CV as part of the application process, but you will also have to provide a dental nurse cover letter to summarise your experience and explain to the recruiter concisely why you are a good fit for the role.

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task – it should be between 300 and 500 words in length, and show the recruiter that you have the skills and experience necessary to fulfil the role of a dental nurse. Perhaps you have just finished your degree and left dental school, or you already have experience and are seeking a new location of employment – your cover letter will have to match your experience, and there is no “one size fits all” approach to a dental nurse cover letter. However, we have provided a rough template at the bottom of this article, and provided a ton of the best advice available in the following article to help you land your dream job!

How to Format Your Dental Nurse Cover Letter

Your cover letter should be formatted similarly to a regular letter. This means that your font should be approximately size 12, and a standard font should be used: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri are popular choices. In addition, your letter should be between 300 and 500 words, broken into multiple paragraphs, and not more than one page.

How to put your address on your dental nurse cover letter

Showing the recruiter that you are a professional and intelligent candidate requires that you write a professional, well-formatted cover letter.

In the past, a cover letter would begin with your name, address, and telephone aligned to the right at the top of the page. Your name first, then your address with each line appropriately formatted, with your House Number and road on the first line, your town on the second line, your county on the third line, and your postcode on the fourth line. After this, you would provide your email and phone number, both on separate lines.

However, in the modern era, as your recruiter is very unlikely to contact you by mail and is more likely to contact you via phone or email,  it is completely acceptable to omit your address and just provide your name, phone number, and email address in the top right. You will be able to see an example document at the bottom of the page.

How to Address Your Dental Nurse Cover Letter

If you know whom the person reading your cover letter will be, you can address them as Mr or Mrs, followed by their surname. However, in situations in which you do not know who the recruiter is, you can address the letter simply as “To whom it may concern”. Ensure that this first line, addressing the recruiter, is followed by a comma.

How to Tailor Your Experience to the Job Posting

Before you start explaining why you believe you are a top candidate for the position, a smart move is to analyse the job posting. Read and understand what the employer is looking for, and take note of the skills and experience they desire. Pick what seems to be the three or four most important skills and experiences they request, and make a note for the cover letter.

Now, think about your experience, and how you match what they are looking for. When you explain it, use one paragraph to explain one key part of your experience that matches what they are looking for. Show that you understand what they desire in a future employee and ensure that you manage to get the information across so that you can do precisely what they are asking for.

Trainee Dental Nurse Cover Letter Advice

If you are seeking a position as a Trainee Dental Nurse, your cover letter will be different from a Senior Dental Nurse’s cover letter.

You may not have experience in dentistry or the medical field at all. However, don’t let that stop you: you likely have a lot of transferrable skills that can help you land a role as a trainee dental nurse.

Trainee dental nurses require several skills. You can often find these on job postings, however, some key skills that are common across all trainee dental nurse postings are skills like communication.

Communication

You have to be able to interact with patients effectively, discuss their needs and priorities with them, understand them, and relay that information to the dentist or the administration. Perhaps you’ve worked in a job previously in which you dealt with the public and communicated with them, or you worked on phones, or perhaps you were a waitress – all these skills require communication and interaction with the public.

Another skill important for a trainee dental nurse cover letter would be admin (or administration) skills. You will be entering information into computer systems, and showing that you know Microsoft Office software, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, would be very helpful. You may have experience with this software at school and university, or you may have had an office job in the past where you used computers regularly.

Related Past Experience

Finally, if you have any experience at all in a medical or dental facility, such as work experience, an internship, or even as a secretary or cleaner, that would be extremely beneficial and help you stand out. Just by being in proximity to dental nurses, you will have learnt a lot more about the industry and role, as well as how a dental surgery operates overall. This also stands if you have experience in the medical field, such as volunteering at a hospital or working in any medical related organisation.

How to sign off the cover letter

When you are done writing your dental nurse cover letter, before you finish writing “sincerely”, use a last small paragraph to reiterate your skills concisely to remind the reader what you have just shown them in the letter, and politely inform them that you look forward to hearing from them.

The most effective and professional way to sign off the cover letter is by writing “Sincerely”, or “Best regards”.

Consider a Professional Cover Letter writer

If you are unsure of how to tailor your cover letter to dental nurse positions, and you are seeking a role, consider hiring a professional cover letter writer. A professional cover letter writer can bring out the absolute best in your experience and tailor your experience to match the job opening perfectly, as well as ensure that your cover letter is grammatically correct and well written.

Odyssey Career is a professional UK CV and cover letter writing service. We have helped our clients land their dream job after 5 months of unemployment, as well as enabling our clients to go on to their dream jobs at prestigious companies, across a wide range of fields. For as little as £62.50 you can have a professionally written dental nurse cover letter, or a dental nurse CV,  that sells your skills and achievements, and will help you get into your dream job as soon as possible!

Sample Dental Nurse Cover Letter

Below is a sample dental nurse cover letter to give you an idea of how you can structure your dental nurse cover letter. It does not contain skills, you will have to decide what skills you have and how to tailor your skills to the job posting using our advice in the article above! Of course, the skills you put in to your cover letter will depend on whether you are writing a trainee dental nurse cover letter, or if you are applying for a more experienced role.

Your Phone Number

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to you to apply for your opening for a dental nurse. I have recently graduated from Dental University.

I understand that you require X skill to engage with patients. In my time at X role as a dental nurse intern at X company, I did X skill. While doing X skill successfully got X results.

In addition to my X skill, while at X role, I also developed Y skill. I supported Dr. Y in his dentistry by providing the appropriate equipment when required and supporting Y procedure by performing Y action on patients.

Finally, I believe that my experience using Z skill will be beneficial in this role. While at Z role, I used Z skill on a daily basis and developed my abilities. I was recognised as the best employee thanks to Z skill, as I outperformed my colleagues by 30%.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding my candidacy for this role, I can be contacted via (your email) or (your phone number).

3+ Dental Assitant No Experience Cover Letter Examples

Need help writing a top notch dental assistant cover letter? Get these 3+ dental assistant no experience cover letter examples and make your best first impression.

If you’re looking for a job as a dental assistant, but you don’t have any work experience, fear not: you’ll find 3 examples of stellar dental assistant cover letters with no experience here. Study up, and get ready to write the perfect cover letter to land you your dream job!

Dental Assistant No Experience Cover Letter Example #1

Dear hiring manager,

I’m very excited to express my interest in the dental assistant position at Hale Family Dentistry, which I found advertised on LinkedIn. As a recent graduate of Fox Valley Technical College’s dental assistant program, I believe that my education prepared me extremely well for this position and I’m excited to get started.

I’ve always loved helping others, which is a large part of why I wanted to pursue a career as a dental assistant. I understand that a visit to the dentist can be a cause of great anxiety for many people, and I believe that part of a dental assistant’s job is to help alleviate that stress. I received top marks in patient communication during my clinical exercises at Fox Valley, and I would take that style of communication to my position as a dental assistant at Hale Family Dentistry.

I know that my personality makes me a good fit for a dental assistant position in theory, but I also have the educational background that proves I’d be an asset to Hale Family Dentistry. In my class of 250 people, I graduated as Valedictorian. I attribute this success to my strong work ethic and determination, two traits I would absolutely bring to this dental assistant role.

I’m extremely excited to enter the dental industry and begin my career, and I would absolutely love to do so at Hale Family Dentistry. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please find my resume attached, and I look forward to speaking with you.

Best wishes,

Sue Iafrate

Dental Assistant No Experience Cover Letter Example #2

I’m writing to express my interest in the dental assistant position at Dr. Schram’s office, which I found advertised on Indeed. I hope to use my dental assistant education to gain experience in the industry while becoming a valuable member of Dr. Schram’s team.

During my dental assistant training, I chose to specialize in children’s dentistry. I know that children can bring specific challenges to their care, and I really enjoy getting to know patients, developing a rapport to help make them more comfortable, and ultimately teaching children about their dental hygiene. Throughout this training, I became very familiar with performing x-rays, especially on children and adults with special needs. I know that dental health is a hugely important factor to overall health, so being able to help educate others is very important to me.

I’ve always been a particularly organized person, and can remember large amounts of information easily. I know that, as a downtown dental office, Dr. Schram’s patient list must be large and complex. I’m ready for the challenge of keeping those records and appointments straight! During the summers in high school I was a volunteer clerk at city hall, meaning I have a great deal of experience with filing and organizing an office. I’m excited to bring those skills, along with my educational background, to Dr. Schram’s office!

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please find my resume attached, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Curtis Jackson

Dental Assistant No Experience Cover Letter Example #3

I’m writing to express my interest in the dental assistant position at Smythe Cosmetic Dentistry, which I found advertised on your website. As a recent dental assistant graduate, I’m excited to enter the industry, and I feel as though cosmetic dentistry is the perfect fit for my patient style and background.

I understand that cosmetic dentistry patients are generally coming to the clinic to fix an issue that has caused them embarrassment or pain, and I think that this environment only increases the importance of a great dental assistant. Not only am I prepared to perform the normal required duties of a dental assistant, I believe that my excellent people skills and customer service experience help me to stand apart from other applicants.

Throughout high school and college, I’ve worked part-time in local shops and restaurants. While this experience isn’t directly related to my dental assistant career, I know that the skills I’ve learned – communication, customer service, organization, and initiative, to name a few – are absolute necessities to succeed as a dental assistant. I’m excited to bring these skills to the position at Smythe Cosmetic Dentistry.

In addition to this experience, I am also a DANB Certified Dental Assistant. Immediately following the completion of my dental assistant program, I successfully completed the three required examinations to be officially listed as a National Entry Level Dental Assistant. I believe that this additional certification not only helps to set me apart, it also demonstrates my love for the field and ambition to grow.

Georgia Klemment

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Common Mistakes And Tips

Pros and Cons of Different Approaches

Overview of Different Levels of Dental Assistants

Dental assisting is a field with diverse roles, ranging from entry-level positions to those requiring extensive experience. Each level demands a unique approach in a cover letter:

Entry-Level Dental Assistants

If you’re just starting out, your entry level dental assistant cover letter should focus on your education, any practical training you’ve received, and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

Experienced Dental Assistants

For those with years in the field, emphasize your hands-on experiences, specific skills, and any specialized training relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Basic Elements of a Dental Assistant Cover Letter

I’ve seen countless cover letters, and I can tell you that the successful ones always include certain key elements. Let’s break these down.

Personalized Addressing

I always advise candidates to personalize their cover letter. If you can find the name of the hiring manager or the head of the dental department, address them directly. It shows you’ve done your homework and adds a personal touch.

“Dear Dr. Smith,” instead of “To Whom It May Concern,” immediately shows that you’ve taken the time to know who’s in charge.

Engaging Introduction

Introduction is your first chance to catch the reader’s attention. Share a brief story, an interesting fact about your professional journey, or something unique about your approach to dental assisting. Remember, this isn’t just about skills; it’s about connecting.

“During my last role at Sunny Smiles Dental Clinic, I implemented a new patient-education program that increased patient satisfaction by 30%.”

Body of the Letter Using the STAR Method 

In my experience, the most effective way to structure the body of your cover letter is by using the STAR method. This involves outlining a Situation you encountered, the Task you had to perform, the Action you took, and the Result of your action. This method helps clearly present your experiences and how they make you a great fit for the role.

“Situation: Faced with a high volume of emergency cases. Task: Organize patient flow efficiently. Action: Developed a quick triage system. Result: Reduced waiting times by 25%.”

Conclusion 

The conclusion of your cover letter is just as important as the introduction. This is where you wrap up your letter, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position, and invite action from the reader. A strong conclusion might include a statement about looking forward to the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further in an interview. Ending confidently and positively is essential, leaving a lasting impression.

“I am eager to bring my passion for dental health and my proven patient care skills to the team at Bright Dental. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your clinic’s success.”

Understanding and applying these basic elements will make your cover letter stand out. Also, my simple dental assistant cover letter examples give you an idea of effectively incorporating each element into your cover letter. Remember, the key is tailoring these examples to your experiences and the specific position you’re applying for.

Focus on your goals!

Let us write a cover letter for your dental assistant position.

Writing a cover letter as an entry-level dental assistant can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to stand out without a vast array of professional experiences. Here’s how I guide newcomers in this field.

Focus on Education and Training

Highlight your educational background, any dental assistant courses you’ve completed, and relevant training. This demonstrates your foundational knowledge in the field.

“I recently graduated from XYZ Dental Assistant Program, where I gained hands-on experience in patient care, dental procedure assistance, and office administration.”

Emphasize Soft Skills and Eagerness to Learn

Entry-level roles often value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for the field and your readiness to grow professionally.

“I am particularly excited about the opportunity to enhance my skills in pediatric dentistry, a field I am passionate about, as demonstrated by my volunteer experience at ABC Children’s Dental Clinic.”

Discuss Practical Experiences, Even If It Limited

If you have any practical experience, such as internships or volunteer work, make sure to include these. It shows that you have some exposure to the work environment.

“During my internship at XYZ Dental Clinic, I assisted in a variety of dental procedures, which helped me develop a strong foundation in patient care and dental hygiene practices.”

The aim is to reassure the hiring manager that despite your limited professional experience, you have the necessary training and a strong desire to learn and grow in the field of dental assistance.

Below, I generated a dental assistant cover letter examples with our AI cover letter generator . I tailored these free dental assistant cover letter samples to real job vacancies found on job search websites.

Meridian Health Services

Intern – Dental

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Intern – Dental position at Meridian Health Services. As a dedicated dental hygiene student at UCLA, I have extensive knowledge of dental anatomy, oral health assessment, radiography, and dental materials.

During my clinical rotations at UCLA, I excelled at capturing dental radiographs and maintaining accurate patient records while strictly adhering to infection control protocols. I actively engaged with patients by educating them on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care.

In addition to my technical skills, I possess strong communication abilities. I am an American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) member with up-to-date Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Meridian Health Services’ holistic approach toward healthcare aligns perfectly with my own philosophy as a future dental professional. I am excited about the opportunity for growth within your organization and confident that my knowledge will allow me to provide exceptional patient care while ensuring a safe environment.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity for an interview or further discussion about how we can work together toward achieving optimum health for your patients.

Sincerely, [Employee Name]

This text is generated by Coverler

Maniilaq Association

Relief Dental Assistant Trainee

I am writing to apply for the Relief Dental Assistant Trainee position at Maniilaq Association. As a recent graduate with a Dental Assistant certificate and a strong desire to contribute to a dental practice, I am excited about the opportunity to join your team.

I was thrilled to learn about this position as it aligns perfectly with my educational background and passion for providing quality patient care. During my clinical internship at SmileCare Dental, I assisted dental professionals during patient examinations and procedures. This experience has equipped me with hands-on skills in chairside assistance, radiography procedures, and infection control.

One of my greatest strengths is my strong understanding of dental anatomy and terminology. This allows me to effectively communicate with both patients and staff members, ensuring seamless coordination in the treatment process. Additionally, I have experience in dental charting and record-keeping, which will contribute to maintaining accurate patient records as required by your organization.

Furthermore, during my internship, I developed excellent organizational skills by managing patient records and appointments. This ensures a smooth workflow within the clinic setting while maintaining availability and cleanliness of equipment according to infection control guidelines. My attention to detail guarantees that all instruments are properly sterilized using autoclave techniques.

I am also an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) which keeps me updated on industry best practices and allows me access to valuable networking opportunities within the field.

In reviewing the job description for Relief Dental Assistant Trainee at Maniilaq Association, I noticed that you require someone who can demonstrate willingness and helpfulness towards customers and staff members. Throughout my education and internship experiences, I consistently displayed a warm, concerned, caring demeanor when interacting with patients over the telephone or in person.

Moreover, your job description mentions that training opportunities leading to promotion may be available within your organization. As someone who is highly motivated for professional growth in this field, I am eager to complete any necessary certifications, including CPR and Dental Radiology training, to further develop my skills as a Dental Assistant.

I am confident that my educational background, clinical experience, and dedication to providing exceptional patient care make me an ideal candidate for the Relief Dental Assistant Trainee position at Maniilaq Association. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with your needs further during an interview.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and look forward to the possibility of joining your team.

Community Health Programs Inc 

Dental Assistant Trainee

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Dental Assistant Trainee position at Community Health Programs Inc. With 2 years of experience and a passion for patient care, I believe I am the perfect fit.

As a dedicated Dental Assistant with limited professional experience but a strong educational background, I bring knowledge and skills from my recent graduation from Seattle Dental Institute with a Dental Assistant Certificate. My coursework included dental anatomy, chairside assistance, radiography procedures, infection control, and patient communication.

In addition to my education, I gained valuable clinical experience as a Dental Assistant Intern at Bright Smiles Dental. During this time, I assisted dental professionals during examinations and procedures while ensuring proper instrument sterilization. This hands-on experience developed my patient communication skills through managing records and appointments.

Alongside my education and clinical experience, I hold a Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, demonstrating my commitment to high standards of care. As an active Washington State Dental Assistants Association (WSDAA) member, I stay updated on industry trends.

Reviewing the job description for the Dental Assistant Trainee position at Community Health Programs Inc., it is clear that my skills align perfectly with your requirements:

– My knowledge of radiography procedures enables me to take intra-oral and radiographs while preparing for required courses.

– With expertise in infection control protocols, you can trust that safety protocols will be followed diligently.

– My organizational skills are invaluable when performing lab tasks such as denture preparation.

With 5 years of field experience, dedication to patient care, and willingness to learn, I am confident in supporting CHP dentists by assisting with instruments, seating patients, room preparation, and instrument cleaning. Additionally, I am eager to take on responsibilities such as taking vitals for dentist evaluation and gathering medical history.

I would be delighted to discuss how my qualifications make me an ideal candidate for this position. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of an interview.

As an experienced dental assistant, your cover letter should reflect the depth of your professional journey. Here’s how I recommend approaching it.

Showcase Specific Experiences and Skills 

Talk about particular experiences that highlight your skills and accomplishments. This could include complex dental procedures you’ve assisted with or innovative practices you’ve implemented.

“In my previous role at Advanced Dental Care, I played a key role in streamlining the patient intake process, reducing wait times by 20%.”

Demonstrate Alignment with the New Role

Connect your past experiences with the job requirements you’re applying for. Show how your skills will directly benefit the new employer.

“Having worked extensively with pediatric patients, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your clinic’s growing pediatric dentistry department.”

Mention Any Advanced Training or Certifications

If you have any specialized certifications or have completed advanced training, be sure to include these. It shows your commitment to staying updated in the field.

“As a Certified Orthodontic Assistant, I deeply understand orthodontic procedures and patient care, which I believe will be particularly beneficial for your clinic’s expanding orthodontic services.”

Focusing on demonstrating how your wealth of experience makes you an ideal candidate for the role and how you can bring value to the dental practice you’re applying to. 

Below, I generated a cover letter example for dental assistant with our Cover Letter Maker . I tailored the example to real job vacancies found on job search websites.

Boston Children’s Hospital

Lead Dental Assistant

I am writing to apply for the Lead Dental Assistant position at Boston Children’s Hospital. With 5 years of dental assisting experience, including as a Dental Assistant at Smile Bright Dental Clinic, I believe I am the ideal candidate for this role.

At Smile Bright Dental Clinic, I gained extensive experience in chairside assistance, patient care, and administrative tasks. Proficient in dental office software such as Dentrix and EagleSoft, I ensure efficient workflow and accurate record-keeping. My skills in taking dental radiographs (X-rays) and implementing sterilization procedures contribute to a safe and hygienic environment.

I hold certifications as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Radiology Certified through the MA Dental Society. These certifications demonstrate my commitment to professional development and high standards of patient care.

As a Lead Dental Assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital, I would provide leadership on clinic operations while guiding other dental assistants. My strong organizational skills enable effective planning, prioritization, delegation of work assignments, ensuring smooth schedules.

In addition to my leadership abilities, I am experienced in inventory control of clinical supplies and coordinating equipment maintenance with staff and vendors. This includes planning equipment servicing to minimize disruptions during sessions.

My dedication to patient care extends beyond routine procedures; I excel at calming anxious or uncooperative patients throughout their treatment process. Furthermore, I am skilled in taking accurate dental impressions for study models while maintaining compliance with quality radiograph standards.

Regarding infection control standards mentioned in the job description; conducting infection control training for clinical staff is an area where I excel. Ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff is my top priority.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills to Boston Children’s Hospital as your Lead Dental Assistant. Let’s discuss how my qualifications align with your needs further during an interview.

[Employee Name]

Dental Assistant Cover Letter Templates for Different Dental Practices

To effectively write your cover letter, consider the type of dental practice and include details relevant to that setting. Here’s a structured approach:

Private Practices

Description.

Focus on personal patient care and community involvement.

Template for Tailoring

“My experience in [specific aspect of dental care] has prepared me to contribute to your practice’s reputation for [unique characteristic of the practice].”

Key Consideration

Emphasize interpersonal skills and patient rapport.

Hospitals or Large Health Institutions

Emphasize the ability to handle diverse and complex cases.

“Working in [previous relevant environment], I developed [specific skills] that would be beneficial in a high-volume setting like yours.”

Highlight efficiency, adaptability, and teamwork.

Specialty Dental Clinics

Specialization in areas like orthodontics or pediatric dentistry.

“My background in [specific area of specialization] aligns well with your clinic’s focus on [clinic’s specialty].”

Focus on specific skills and experiences relevant to the specialty.

These cards should help you craft a cover letter that resonates with the specific type of dental practice you’re applying to, showing that you not only have the skills but also the understanding of their unique working environment.

Common Mistakes And Tips in Cover Letter Writing

Common mistakes:.

• Generic Content: Using the same cover letter for every application.
• Overloading Information: Including too many details.
• Neglecting to Proofread: Overlooking typos and grammatical errors.

Tips for Improvement:

• Customization: Tailor your cover letter for each job.
• Conciseness: Keep your letter focused and relevant.
• Attention to Detail: Carefully proofread your letter.

Table of Key Cover Letter For Dental Assistant Job Elements:

This section aims to guide you in refining your cover letter by understanding the balance between personalization, brevity, attention to detail, and the importance of various elements of the letter.

Pros and Cons of Different Approaches in Cover Letter Dental Assistant Writing

Customized content.

• Prod: Shows effort and specific interest
• Cons: Takes more time to prepare

Concise Writing

• Pros: Keeps the reader’s attention

Detailed Proofreading

• Pros: Minimizes errors, enhances professionalism
• Cons: Requires additional time/resources

Final Thoughts

Crafting a compelling cover letter as a dental assistant is a nuanced art. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, the key lies in personalization, clarity, and attention to detail. Remember, each cover letter is a unique opportunity to showcase your skills and enthusiasm for the role. Use the tips and examples provided to guide your writing, but always infuse your personal style and experiences. And, most importantly, let your passion for dental health care shine through. With these strategies, you’re well on your way to securing your desired dental assistant position. Good luck!

Related Healthcare Cover Letter Guides with Examples:

• Phlebotomist Cover Letter
• Massage Therapist Cover Letter

Stop wasting time on cover letters! Let us do the writing, while you prepare for the interviews and offers

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Dental nurse CV example

Everyone knows that first impressions count – and your CV acts as your first impression in the hunt for a rewarding dental nurse role.

Your CV needs to highlight why you’d make a great hire, to ensure you get noticed by recruiters and employers

To help you out, this guide will show you exactly what you need to include in a role-winning dental nurse CV.

It also comes with a tried-and-tested example dental nurse CV, to give you an idea of the high standard you should be aiming for.

Guide contents

Dental nurse CV example

• Structuring and formatting your CV
• Writing your CV profile
• Detailing work experience
• Your education
• Skills required for your dental nurse CV

CV templates 

Whilst writing your own dental nurse CV, a professional and well-organised structure and format – as shown in the CV example  above – should be your goal.

This high standard of presentation allows recruiters to easily navigate through the candidate’s experience, whilst allowing their key skills and achievements to stand out.

Read on to find out exactly how you can create a similar CV, which ultimately gets you hired.

Dental nurse CV structure & format

The written content of your CV is what will land you an interview… but if it’s hard to read, cluttered and disorganised, recruiters may skip your CV altogether.

Focusing on the structure and format of your CV from the get-go will mean that the finished product is clear, easy-to-navigate and oozes professionalism.

So, take a look at my suggested structure and formatting techniques in the image below:

Formatting Tips

• Recruiters are busy and don’t have the time to read lengthy applications. The ideal CV length is a maximum of 2 pages of A4. If you’re just entering the job market, don’t worry if it’s shorter.
• Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter – would you enjoy reading huge, chunky blocks of text? So, format your CV with plenty of bullet points, lists and columns, whilst making sure your sections are clearly defined with bold or underlined headers.
• Keep things simple. Black or dark grey text with a clear and legible font is best – there’s no need for multiple fonts or elaborate colour schemes.
• Don’t include a profile photo. It’s not only a waste of space but could actually work against you, as it’s illegal to factor age, gender, race or appearance into the recruitment process.

Quick tip:  Employers will expect you to have a good standard of written communication, so use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to ensure your CV doesn’t contain any silly typos or grammatical mistakes.

Structuring your CV

By breaking up your information into the following sections, recruiters will be able to navigate your CV with ease:

• Contact details
• Profile – A 5-10 line summary which highlights your relevant experience, skills, qualification and dental certifications.
• Work experience / Career history – Starting with your current or most recent role, list your work history.
• Education –  Detail your educational background, putting particular focus on qualifications related to the dental industry.
• Interest and hobbies – If you have any interesting hobbies which demonstrate transferable skills or qualities, you can include them in this optional section.

Keep on reading to learn exactly what to include in each of the CV sections mentioned above.

CV Contact Details

The first thing you list on your CV should be your contact details, including your:

• Phone number
• Email address

Quick Tip: You only need to share your basic contact details. Rather than a full address, just list your town or city, for example, ‘Brighton’.

Dental nurse CV Profile

Most  dental nurse job adverts receive lots of applications, so your CV needs to  immediately grab the recruiter’s attention.

Your CV profile (or personal statement for trainee roles) is a great way to do this. It’s the first thing they’ll read, so you can instantly prove that you’ve got the qualities they’re looking for and that it’s worth spending their valuable time reading your CV.

Aim to create a short, snappy, 5-10 line paragraph which summarises your relevant skills, experience and qualifications/certifications.

Tips to consider when creating your profile:

• Before you even think about writing, spend some time carrying out some research and analysing the job description . You should aim to match the requirements of the job description as closely as you can in your profile.
• Recruiters won’t be impressed if your profile is packed with meaningless clichés, such as  ‘enthusiastic team player’  or  ‘dedicated hard worker’.  Focus on putting across your hard skills, knowledge, achievements and qualifications instead.
• A lengthy profile is a complete no-go. Keep it short and snappy, sharing just enough information to prove that you’re a candidate worth considering, whilst enticing the reader to find out more about you.

What to include in your dental nurse CV profile?

• Level of experience  – Give recruiters a summary of your experience level, whether that’s 5 or 10 years in the industry, that you’re newly certified, or your hopes of becoming a trainee dental nurse.
• Relevant qualifications  – Dental nurses in the UK are required to attain certification with the General Dental Council (GDC), so make sure to highlight this, or any other relevant qualifications, if you have them.
• Work experience  – Whether you’ve worked as a community dental nurse, in a private clinic, or in the NHS, you’ll need to summarise your work experience so far. If this will be your first dental nurse role, give a quick summary of your working life so far but highlight the transferable skills you’ve picked up.
• Skills –  Highlight your core dental nurse skills, such as sterilizing dental instruments, health and safety, note-taking and taking x-rays. Inexperienced candidates should highlight relevant transferable skills, such as organisation, interpersonal skills and working under pressure.
• Key achievements  – How have you made an impact in your previous dental nursing roles? Whether you played a part in handling a pressured emergency, or received exceptional feedback from a patient, packing your profile with evidence-backed achievements is a great way to impress recruiters.

Core skills section

Another great way to hook the reader’s attention is to include a list of your core skills , which you’ll place right underneath your CV profile.

Use your industry research, paired with the requirements listed in the job description, to perfectly match yourself to the role.

This will help recruiters to gauge your suitability for the role at a single glance, without having to dig through your entire CV.

With this said, don’t be tempted to lie about your skills – if you can’t match them, don’t include them. For trainee roles, recruiters just want to see your potential – lying on your CV is never a good idea.

Work experience/Career history

By now, the reader will eager to find out more about your relevant experience and working capabilities.

Starting with your most recent (or current) role, list your work experience to date, focusing on the skills you used, your day-to-day duties and key results/achievements made.

If you’re an experienced dental nurse with numerous roles under your belt, focus the detail on your most recent positions.

Quick tip:  If you’re applying for a trainee role or your first role after gaining a dental nurse qualification, don’t worry if this section is short. You can still include other, less relevant roles, but make sure to focus on pinpointing the transferable skills you’ve gained.

These might include:

• Interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with a wide range of people
• Great organisational and multitasking skills, with experience of juggling a variety of tasks
• Working as part of a team or supporting another team member
• Working well under pressure or dealing with emergencies
• Computer literacy

Wherever possible, you should also try to give tangible examples of how you’ve used these skills.

Structuring your roles

Recruiters hate reading through large blocks of text, so it’s vital to structure your roles with their needs in mind.

Break up the content by using my simple 3-step role structure, as shown below:

Start with a brief, 1-2 line overview of the role, describing the overriding purpose of your position, the type of company or organisation you worked for and who you supported in the role.

“Providing professional support to a team of 3 dentists within a busy private dental clinic, whilst providing ongoing care and advice to a range of patients with acute to chronic dental problems.”

Key responsibilities

Next, dive into the detail of your day-to-day duties within the role, using bullet points to aid readability.

• Setting up and sterilising dental instruments and equipmen t ready for patients.
• Taking notes to the patient’s dental record, direct from the dentist’s dictation.
• Provided essential support in procedures such as tooth extraction, dental prophylaxis and root canal.
• Ensuring that patients are as comfortable and as relaxed as possible during their treatment.

Key achievements

To prove the impact you made within your roles, note down some key results or  achievements.

This could be a time you received exceptional feedback, won an award, improved processes, increase company sales or profits or played a vital part in an emergency procedure.

• Undertook sales training and increased product sales during patient visits, resulting in a sales boost of 25%.
• Received 97% positive customer comments during my time in the clinic.
• Received numerous unsolicited patient thank-you letters due to my empathetic and understanding nature.
• Decreased procedure set-up time by 25% in my first 3 months.

Now that you’ve given recruiters a round-up of your experience, they’ll be keen to find out about your qualifications/credentials.

You can train as a dental nurse with no prior experience or qualifications – just make sure you’re applying for a trainee role. You should still note down your highest qualifications in this section, such as your A-Levels or GCSEs.

Otherwise, dental nurses are required to be registered with the  General Dental Council , which requires a formal qualification, such as a Foundation Degree in Dental Nursing .

So, highlight your registration and qualification details, noting the dates of competition and the institution/course provided you studied with.

Dental Nurse cover letter

Interests and hobbies

This is an optional section that should only be used if your hobbies and interests will add further depth to your CV.

For example, generic hobbies such as  ‘socialising’ add no value to an application.

However, hobbies which display good communication or teamwork skills, or prove that you’re a committed and organised individual, may be worth including. This might be volunteering, being a part of a sports team, or following a creative pursuit such as playing an instrument.

Essential skills for your dental nurse CV

The required skillset for a dental nurse role will vary widely depending on the experience level – but generally, a qualified dental nurse will be expected to showcase the following hard skills:

Preparation – Preparing, sterilising and passing instruments to dentists and/or hygienists.   Preparing and mixing dental materials.

Dental procedure support –  Providing chairside support to dentists, therapists and hygienists during a range of dental procedures/treatments.

Patient support – Providing care, advice and reassurance to patients. Advising patients on oral hygiene.

Administration – Providing office support such as making appointments, taking payments and dealing with paperwork.

Health and safety – Ensuring that health and safety policies are adhered to and that all surgical areas and equipment are consistently cleaned and maintained. Undertaking infection control and decontamination procedures.

X-rays – Processing and filing x-rays.

Writing your dental nurse CV

Whether you’re looking to secure your first role as a dental nurse or are eager to step up into a senior role, an impactful CV is the key to success.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to write a CV  which is highly tailored to the role, looks professional and seamlessly highlights why you’d make the perfect hire.

Remember to triple-check your CV before you send it off – it needs to be absolutely flawless.

Best of luck with your job search!