You provide patients with routine cleanings, keeping a sharp eye out for any signs of irritation or the need for intervention with procedures like fillings, crowns, or even potential extractions. You also help patients with questions, forms, appointments, and oral care instructions.
But how do you show recruiters that you have the critical thinking skills to pull off the job and something special that sets you apart as a candidate, too?
Don’t worry. After years of helping dental hygienists like yourself create a cover letter, we’ve developed five dental hygienist cover letter examples and a free cover letter builder to complement your dental hygienist resume and give you a springboard for the next step in your career!
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123 Fictional Avenue
Sacramento, CA 94203
(123) 456-7890
October 30, 2023
Emma Scott
Western Dental & Orthodontics
123 Fictional Lane
Sacramento, CA 94203
Dear Ms. Scott:
Firstly, I would like to express my genuine admiration for Western Dental & Orthodontics dedication to providing top-notch dental care. It’s with this profound respect and my fervent passion for dental healthcare that I wish to join your esteemed team as a dental hygienist.
As a dental receptionist at Midtown Dental, I streamlined appointments using Dentrix and slashed patient wait times by an impressive 42%. I also answered patient queries and addressed 98% of complaints without the need for escalation, which pushed patient satisfaction rates to 99% according to post-visit surveys.
This experience was enhanced further at DOCS Health where I wore the dual hat of a dental assistant, truly immersing myself in the clinical side of dental care. I accurately assessed 97% of patients, recognizing early signs of oral diseases, which led to timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
My foundational experiences, coupled with my technical prowess align perfectly with the values and mission of Western Dental & Orthodontics. I’m eager to bring my expertise to the fore, ensuring that every patient I encounter receives comprehensive care marked by precision, compassion, and knowledge. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Ingrid Johansson
Enclsoures:
Resume
Application
2 letters of recommendation
Dental License
Why this cover letter works
- Nothing would impress a potential employer more than your dental hygienist cover letter showing profound admiration of what they do. However, that isn’t good enough to earn you an interview.
- Your humble career beginning as a dental receptionist, where you streamlined appointment scheduling and helped soar patient satisfaction levels would come handy here.
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Dental Hygienist No Experience Cover Letter Example
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123 Fictional Avenue
Sacramento, CA 94203
(123) 456-7890
Omaha, NE 68007
Lucas Murphy
My Kid’s Dentist & Orthodontics
123 Fictional Lane
Omaha, NE 68007
Dear Mr. Murphy,
Throughout my educational journey, I’ve been eager to transition the knowledge I’ve amassed in the classroom into tangible, real-world results. With Kid’s Dentist & Orthodontics’ practice focusing on pediatric care, I believe the dental hygienist internship presents me an unparalleled opportunity to bridge this gap.
During my academic pursuits, I took the initiative to design and execute a dental art project. This endeavor not only deepened my understanding of dental anatomy but also underscored the importance of effective visual aids in educating our younger population about oral health. The project’s success—garnering an enthusiastic 96% positive feedback from students—further affirmed the pivotal role creativity plays in imparting dental knowledge.
Equally compelling was my participation in a community dental outreach program aimed at educating the underserved populace on best dental care practices. Here, I witnessed firsthand the sheer impact of knowledge empowerment. There was a heartening 87% improvement in the oral hygiene practices of participants’ post-education, a testament to the efficacy of our efforts.
Professionally, I’m adept at assessing individual oral health needs, effectively conducting dental cleanings, and using my educational foundation to guide patients, especially young ones, on the path to lasting dental health. I’m confident that these competencies, paired with my intrinsic motivation, will be of great service to the team at My Kid’s Dentist & Orthodontics.
I’m excited about the prospect of not just expanding my horizons as a dental hygienist but also enriching the lives of the young patients under your care. Thank you for considering my application. I’m looking forward to the possibility of discussing how I can be a valuable
addition to your team.
Sincerely,
Malik Abadi
Why this cover letter works
- A dental hygienist no experience cover letter would be a hard nut crack. First of all, you’ve next to zero relevant work experience. Don’t despair just yet.
- Look back to your schoolwork practical projects. Did one stand out? A dental art project underscoring the importance of effective visual aids in educating the younger population about oral health should give you the leverage to outshine your peers.
Dental Hygienist Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example
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123 Fictional Avenue
Sacramento, CA 94203
(123) 456-7890
October 30, 2023
Emma Scott
Western Dental & Orthodontics
123 Fictional Lane
Sacramento, CA 94203
Dear Ms. Lee,
My grandfather, a man with a heart as big as his smile, suffered dental caries early in his life. He lost most of his teeth because we couldn’t afford the treatment. Whenever he laughed, I noticed the gaps in his smile – a constant reminder of the barriers to dental care many face. This personal experience ignited a passion within me to bridge the gap in dental health, ensuring everyone can proudly wear their smiles. Today, I write to you with the aspiration of joining Smile Dental Clinic as a dental clinic assistant to contribute to your mission of creating healthy and vibrant smiles.
At Aspen Dental, during my internship as a dental hygienist, I assisted in early diagnosis of over 322 patients, a crucial step that prevented the escalation of minor dental issues into major complications. I also played a central role in preparing over 254 patients for dental procedures, ensuring they were comfortable and well-informed. This proactive approach boosted patient satisfaction levels by approximately 27%. Later, I implemented Open Dental solutions that enhanced workflow efficiency. This, coupled with my hands-on experience, led to an estimated 17% improvement in patient management and satisfaction scores.
Beyond the confines of the clinic, I actively volunteered for an oral fund drive. Our collective efforts raised $1.1M, enabling numerous underprivileged patients from marginalized neighborhoods to access crucial dental procedures. This experience underscored the importance of community involvement in healthcare.
I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to Smile Dental Clinic’s dedicated team, leveraging my background to provide patients with exemplary care, and extending the clinic’s outreach further into the community. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can be an asset to Smile Dental Clinic.
Thank you,
Mia Andersson
Why this cover letter works
- A personal story in your dental hygienist recent graduate cover letter about your deep-seated passion for affordable and accessible dental care for all would resonate with many recruiters. Give them more to solidify your candidacy.
- After getting their attention, dive into how your patient-centric approach improved workflow management, ensuring record high patient satisfaction rates.
Copy this text for your dental hygienist student cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Memphis, TN 38101
(123) 456-7890
February 27, 2024
Isabella Hartley
Belano Dental Health
789 Fictional Lane
Memphis, TN 38101
Dear Ms. Hartley:
Just as a perfectly crafted smile can light up a room, the advertisement for the dental hygiene intern position at Belano Dental Health caught my attention. I’m a dental hygiene student at the University of Memphis, where I’m gaining a robust understanding of dental care practices and bringing these lessons to life through meaningful volunteer work with initiatives like SmileGuard and SeniorSmile. This blend of academic knowledge and community involvement has fueled my desire to transition into a professional environment.
Volunteering in community dental health initiatives has fine-tuned my prowess in patient education, preventive care, and various dental software tools including Dentrix, DEXIS, and CAESY Cloud. This experience not only refined my technical proficiency but also improved my relational competence, honing my ability to converse effectively with patients, empathetically address their anxieties, and professionally deal with their concerns.
My journey through rigorous education and meaningful volunteerism has fostered acute attention to detail and staunch adherence to infection control protocols, qualities I deem integral to the role. My adeptness at multitasking and working efficiently while managing pressure will enable me to assist effectively with multifaceted aspects of dental hygiene procedures, all while upholding the highest standards of care.
The opportunity to join Belano Dental Health as a dental hygiene intern, where I can contribute to a supportive and collaborative team environment is genuinely thrilling. Looking forward to discussing how my educational background, skillset, and prior experiences align with your team’s goals and needs.
Thank you,
Lucas Grant
Why this cover letter works
- As a dental hygiene student seeking an internship role, it’s tempting to leave things at your academic achievements and eagerness to learn. But that’s simply what every competitor out there is doing.
- Dare to take the less-trodden path by illuminating instances when you applied theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Whether a volunteer initiative or college project, let your dental hygienist student cover letter capture the tangible outcomes and the skills you mastered along the way. Alternatively, talk about a dental-hygiene-focused seminar you attended.
Dental Hygienist Adjunct Instructor Cover Letter Example
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123 Fictional Avenue
Columbus, OH 87101
(123) 456-7890
February 25, 2023
Owen Ingram
Case Western Reserve University
123 Fictional Avenue
Columbus, OH 87101
Dear Mr. Ingram:
Having learned about Case Western Reserve University’s notable $373.5 million investment in competitive sponsored research projects for FY22, I felt compelled to apply for the dental hygienist adjunct instructor position at your prestigious institution. With a rich background as a dental hygiene instructor at Columbus State Community College and extensive clinical practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist, I’m excited to bring my expertise, passion for education, and commitment to fostering the next generation of dental hygienists to your team.
While at Columbus State Community College, I implemented various innovative teaching tools, including DentSim and the DEXIS Imaging Suite, to enhance student performance and understanding of complex procedures and radiographic techniques. My commitment to employing cutting-edge technology in educational settings not only improved student learning outcomes but also trimmed the time spent on administrative tasks by three hours per week. Our department witnessed $4,259 in annual savings.
My clinical experience at Polaris Dental Care further equipped me with the practical skills for effective instruction and patient care. Through hands-on applications of dental technologies and patient education initiatives, I was able to raise the average patient rating from 7.5 to 9.2 on a 10-point scale This experience is complemented by my Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) certification and a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio State University, providing a solid foundation to contribute to your program’s success.
The role’s emphasis on serving as a role model, providing direct patient care as part of teaching, and continuously improving instructional standards speaks to me. My experience in enhancing patient engagement through virtual consultations and education initiatives mirrors the role’s description of balancing clinical instruction with role modeling and public relations.
For this role, I’m keen to bring my blend of experience, passion for dental hygiene education, and technological savviness to your distinguished program. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team and participate in the advancement of your dental hygiene students.
Thank you,
Zoe Osborne
Why this cover letter works
- For a dental hygiene adjunct instructor cover letter, past experiences in medical facilities might not be enough to clinch you this position. Dedicate at least one paragraph to your experience nurturing students in a setting similar to the hiring institution’s.
- Take, for instance, how Owen narrates his teaching stint at the Columbus State Community College. He talks about using tools like DentSim and DEXIS Imaging Suite to demystify complex procedures, thus witnessing improved student performance and substantial savings on administrative resources within his department.
Related cover letter examples
How to Write Your Perfect Dental Hygienist Cover Letter
Each dental practice is different, so your goal should be to show how your skills align with the specific job you’re applying to. How does your sensitivity toward patients fit in with the facility’s warm, inviting atmosphere? Or, how does your laser-sharp focus on efficiency complement the no-nonsense professionalism of a larger practice?
Make sure you’re answering the specific call in the job description. Your hard and soft skills should both align with the company values you find online. Reference specific obstacles you can solve to show how you’d excel in that dental hygienist role.
Writing up the greeting and introduction
Who are you writing to? Do whatever research it takes to find their name! Look at the job listing and visit any company “About” or “Our Team” pages. Use a formal greeting once you find them.
Open your cover letter with a few qualifying traits that align with the values presented in the job ad. Why, exactly, would the organization want to hire you? Demonstrate a strong interest in working as their next dental hygienist.
Finally, ensure your opener implies that there’s much more to discover about you and how you can elevate the open job role. A good hook will help the reader remember you later.
Don’t write an opener like this one, with no formal greeting and no qualifications or hook:
Ouch!
Hi my name’s Dan and I’d love to help clean off people’s teeth. I love working with teeth so let’s talk about why I should work there.
Wait! We can fix this with a good opener that connects with the company on a personal level to show a true investment in high-quality dental performance:
Thank goodness . . .
Dear Ms. Lee,
My grandfather, a man with a heart as big as his smile, suffered from dental ailments early in his life. He lost most of his teeth because we couldn’t afford treatment for him. Whenever he laughed, I noticed the gaps in his smile: A constant reminder of how many people face barriers to quality dental care. This deeply personal experience ignited a passion for bridging the gap in dental health, enabling everyone to smile with pride. Today, I am writing to express my aspirations of joining Smile Dental Clinic as a dental clinic assistant to contribute to your mission of creating healthy and vibrant smiles.
Writing standout body paragraphs
So, we already know you’re a great dental hygienist, but how can you get recruiters to view your qualifications as they skim your cover letter after reading your compelling hook?
Narrowing down to any of your most impressive experience points will help. You want to make a great impression so pick experiences that most closely align with this job description.
Use the job description as a guideline for which metrics you pick, too. Is your potential employer more concerned with ROIs connected to equipment maintenance or feedback ratings from dental patients?
And don’t forget to include metrics! Each body paragraph should feature one primary success story that led you to overcome obstacles related to dental hygiene, and that point should be backed by quantifiable data when possible.
Example of a nicely-written body paragraph
During my academic pursuits, I took the initiative to design and execute a dental art project. This endeavor not only deepened my understanding of dental anatomy but also underscored the importance of effective visual aids in educating our younger population about oral health. The project’s success, which garnered an enthusiastic 96% positive feedback rate from students, further affirmed the pivotal role creativity plays in imparting dental knowledge.
Closing and signing off your cover letter memorably
After a smooth, catchy greeting and a solid cover letter body, you’re ready to write a closing paragraph. Quickly summarize a couple of qualifying dental hygienist traits and how they connect you with the company’s values, like patient satisfaction and dental record-keeping quality.
Make sure you include a good call to action. After all, you want the reader to come back for more information!
After inviting the reader to contact you again for additional details, thank them for their time. Sometimes, your thank-you fits smoothly into your closer, but you can also use it as your signoff instead of a different professional classic. Just remember to stay formal and use your real name!
Don’t write a terrible closer like the following, with no formal structure or connecting qualifications:
Uh . . .
So yeah, again my name’s Dale and I’d be great at working for your office so give me a call and I can start polishing teeth right away.
The next closer is way better since it connects relevant job skills with the company’s values right away, includes a call to action, and keeps things professional:
Now that’s a well-polished closer!
My foundational experiences, coupled with my technical prowess, align perfectly with the mission and values of Western Dental & Orthodontics. I’m eager to bring my expertise to the fore, ensuring that every patient I encounter receives comprehensive care marked by precision, compassion, and knowledge. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Ingrid Johansson
Cover Letter Tips for a Dental Hygienist
- Aim for a mix of patient service and technical skills
- Dental hygienists are in an interesting position since they work directly with patients daily while performing the job’s technical duties. Your cover letter should provide a mix of how you provide friendly and caring service with the technical know-how to review records and identify oral infections.
- Use metrics to show your impact on dental patients
- As a hygienist, many things you do on the job can feel hard to measure, such as making patients feel comfortable or providing cleanings that make teeth look as good as new. However, there are metrics you can use to measure those impacts. Consider data that dental offices care about the most, like patient satisfaction scores, safety scores, or cavity prevention rates, that you can tie to what you did in daily tasks.
- Customize the equipment you write about for each dental office
- While some equipment you use during oral cleanings is standardized, not all of it is. For instance, some dental offices use peripheral X-ray machines, whereas others use bitewing X-rays. Review the job description to get an idea of what equipment you’ll use at each dental office you apply to, and customize the details in your cover letter accordingly to stand out.
- Your dental education shows expertise too
- Even if you don’t have much experience, you can still write about the skills and knowledge you gained while getting your dental hygiene associate’s or bachelor’s degree. For example, you could discuss a class project where you simulated a dental exam and successfully used visual evaluation and palpation techniques to identify 6 oral health issues.
- Proofread to show your detailed abilities
- Missing diagnosable issues during a patient’s exam could lead to ongoing problems, so hygienists must show that they can perform accurately from the get-go. Before submitting it, ensure your cover letter reflects that same detail-oriented mindset and check for any grammar errors.
Well, we wouldn’t say worry, but enclosures are definitely worth considering! If you have additional certificates related to dentistry or any professional letters of recommendation, list them at the end of your cover letter after writing “Enclosures:”
Check out that job description! And that company website! And all their professional social media, too! You want to fit right in with the company culture and seek out overlapping values, and researching the organization is the best way to pull it off.
Wait: Don’t close any of those tabs from the last FAQ! Just about any research you conduct to learn about the company will benefit your ability to match their tone. Whether they’re super focused on efficiency or seeking a friendly new hygienist to make patients feel at home, match the tone of the job ad.
