Starting a career in dentistry or looking for a new opportunity is an exciting and intimidating time. Whether you’re a recent dental graduate or a professional seeking new opportunities, a well-crafted resume can set you apart from the competition. As a clinic owner, there are certain things that I look for in a resume that really help me get a sense of who the applicant is before we meet. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential sections and unique tips to create an impressive dentistry resume.
Setting up a good impression
From the moment you contact a clinic, every detail counts. I recommend having an email address that is just for your work life and that sounds professional. Setup a unique email such as drfirstnamelastname@gmail.com with a professional signature that you will use for all your work-related correspondence. When you are contacting clinics, proofread your emails and ensure that they are written in professional language.
Resume details
Generally, keep your resume short and tidy. Avoid fancy templates or columns as these are difficult for HR software to read and often get scrambled. If possible, limit to a single page and refer to your LinkedIn profile for more details. Remove any jobs or education that is not relevant to dentistry or that doesn’t have transferrable skills. Let’s dive into what to include and avoid in each section.
Contact information: Include your Full name, Professional Email, Phone number, LinkedIn Profile; do not add a photo, date of birth, or home address.
Professional statement: Use about three lines to introduce yourself. State your career highlights and goals, and what you bring to the role. Try not to be too generic here. If you are a new grad, highlight your mindset strengths and mention the areas of dentistry you plan to seek further education in. Make sure to tailor this section to the particular job you are applying for so that you are aligned with the clinic.
For example, “Recent Dental Graduate with a passion for preventive dentistry. I enjoy working with children, in particular building relationships with families and making a positive experience for nervous patients. I am seeking a full-time associate position where I can grow in my knowledge and skills. I am planning to certify in mild sedation this year which I would like to integrate into my patient care.”
Education: Highlight your academic background, particularly your dental qualifications. Place the most recent to the top. Include relevant dental courses completed such as Invisalign Certification, Sedation, Laser, Photography, etc. You can highlight specific cases you have worked on or achievements and certifications you have earned. For each qualification, highlight the relevant skills you learned and what you enjoyed the most. Do not include high school information.
Professional Experience: When I am hiring, the soft skills are as important or more important than education. I want to know that the applicant has high emotional IQ, strong communication skills, the ability to work in a team, is driven and passionate and has strong attention to detail. Use examples from your professional life that showcase these skills and your mindset. Include any voluntary or community work you have done or examples that demonstrate your passions and commitment.
References: Your potential employer will want to contact a reference to verify your information. It is typical to write “on request” on your resume and to provide these once you are further in the application process. In the meantime, line up a few references from a relevant workplace or university and know how they would like to be contacted.
Case Portfolio: When hiring an Associate Dentist or Hygienist, I also want to see examples of their work. I recommend preparing a portfolio of cases that you can bring to the interview that demonstrate your treatment planning and skills. Photos and radiographs are a great way to show off your quality of work and allow the employer to see your approach.
Conclusion
Creating a strong resume is the first step toward securing your dream job in dentistry. Follow this guide to present your professional experience, education, and skills effectively. Remember to emphasize your soft skills and mindset, as they are highly valued in the dental field.
Ready to take the next step in your dental career? I invite you to join the dental community in Dental Hive where you can apply for a job and find other helpful resources on Interview Skills and Career Development. Good luck!
About the Author
Dr Aisling Whitaker is a General Dentist, Owner of Bitehaus Dental (Toronto) and CEO of Dental Hive, a mobile app for finding jobs, dental resources and community (dentalhive.ca). Aisling has experience mentoring new graduates, consulting for dental clinic start-ups, digital marketing, team wellness and retention. Aisling is a strong advocate for finding a workplace where you can thrive, developing positive workplace culture, team empowerment and finding ways to re-invigorate your dental career.