How to Write a Dental Hygienist Resume: Skills, Keywords, and Examples for 2026

Dental hygiene is a regulated profession with specific credentialing requirements, state or provincial licensing, and clinical competencies that hiring managers expect to see documented clearly. Writing a resume for this field requires more than listing where you worked. You need to demonstrate compliance, clinical judgment, patient education ability, and familiarity with the digital tools that now define practice efficiency.

This guide explains what to include, how to structure your resume, and which keywords help you get through applicant tracking systems without sacrificing clarity or accuracy.

What hiring managers look for in dental hygienist resumes

Dental practices, particularly those with multiple locations or corporate structures, often use applicant tracking systems to filter candidates. These systems scan for licensing information, clinical skills, and relevant software proficiency before a human ever sees your resume.

Hiring managers then look for evidence that you can work independently, educate patients effectively, and integrate into a team that may include dentists, assistants, office managers, and specialists. They want to know you understand infection control protocols, can handle a full schedule, and communicate clearly with patients who may be anxious or resistant to treatment recommendations.

Your resume should answer three questions quickly: Are you licensed and current? Can you perform the clinical work required? Will you fit into the existing practice culture and workflow?

Essential sections for a dental hygienist resume

Contact information

Include your full name, location (city and state or province), phone number, and professional email address. If you hold multiple state licenses, you may note this briefly in your header or under licensure.

Licensure and certifications

This section should appear near the top of your resume. List your Registered Dental Hygienist license, state or province of licensure, license number if required by local regulations, and expiration date. Include additional certifications such as CPR, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, or laser therapy credentials.

Many employers screen specifically for licensure status. Make this information easy to locate.

Professional summary or profile

A brief statement that positions your experience level, clinical strengths, and the type of practice you are targeting. This is not aspirational language. It is a functional overview.

Example for an experienced hygienist: Registered Dental Hygienist with seven years of clinical experience in general dentistry and periodontal care. Proficient in patient education, digital radiography, and practice management software including Dentrix and Eaglesoft. Focused on preventive care and building long-term patient relationships.

Example for a new graduate: Recent dental hygiene graduate with clinical training in periodontal therapy, patient assessment, and digital imaging. Completed externships in both pediatric and adult general practice settings. Certified in local anesthesia and CPR.

Clinical skills

This section should reflect the technical competencies you bring to the role. Use specific terminology that matches how the profession describes these skills.

Examples include:

• Periodontal charting and assessment
• Scaling and root planing
• Digital and traditional radiography
• Local anesthesia administration
• Nitrous oxide sedation monitoring
• Fluoride and sealant application
• Patient education and oral hygiene instruction
• Infection control and sterilization protocols

Avoid vague phrases. Hiring managers want to see that you can perform the work, not that you are a "team player" or "detail-oriented."

Software and technology proficiency

Dental practices increasingly rely on digital tools. List the practice management software you have used, such as Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental, or Curve. Note familiarity with digital imaging systems, electronic health records, or scheduling platforms.

If you have used specific periodontal charting software or CAD/CAM systems, include those as well.

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Work experience: showing clinical judgment and patient outcomes

Your work history should demonstrate progression, consistency, and the ability to manage a clinical caseload. For each position, include the practice name, location, your title, and dates of employment.

Under each role, describe your responsibilities and patient care activities using clear, specific language. Focus on clinical tasks, patient volume, and any areas where you took on additional responsibility.

Example for a general practice role:

Dental Hygienist Riverside Dental Associates, Portland, OR June 2021 – Present

• Perform comprehensive periodontal assessments and provide scaling and root planing for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease
• Educate patients on oral hygiene techniques, diet impact on oral health, and post-treatment care
• Administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation as needed for patient comfort during procedures
• Capture and interpret digital radiographs, including bitewings, periapicals, and panoramic images
• Maintain patient records in Dentrix and ensure accurate documentation of treatment plans and clinical findings
• Collaborate with dentists to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs

Example for a specialist practice:

Dental Hygienist Advanced Periodontics and Implant Center, Austin, TX March 2019 – May 2021

• Provided non-surgical periodontal therapy for patients referred by general dentists, including scaling and root planing and antimicrobial treatments
• Assisted in surgical procedures such as gingival grafts and implant placements, ensuring patient comfort and sterile field maintenance
• Conducted pre-operative and post-operative patient education sessions focused on healing protocols and infection prevention
• Documented clinical findings and treatment outcomes in patient charts and coordinated care with referring dentists
• Managed recall scheduling for periodontal maintenance patients and ensured continuity of care

If you have worked in pediatric, orthodontic, or public health settings, describe the specific patient populations and clinical adaptations required for those environments.

Education

List your dental hygiene program, degree earned (Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene or Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene), institution name, and graduation year.

If you graduated recently and have limited work experience, you may include relevant clinical rotations, externships, or specialized training completed during your program.

Keywords for applicant tracking systems

Applicant tracking systems scan resumes for terms that match the job description. For dental hygienist roles, these often include:

• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
• Periodontal therapy
• Scaling and root planing
• Digital radiography
• Local anesthesia
• Nitrous oxide sedation
• Patient education
• Infection control
• OSHA compliance
• HIPAA compliance
• Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental (or other practice management software)
• Dental prophylaxis
• Fluoride application
• Sealant placement
• Oral cancer screening

These terms should appear naturally in your skills section and work experience descriptions. Do not list them without context or repeat them excessively, as this can make your resume read as formulaic and may trigger red flags in more sophisticated screening systems.

For additional guidance on making your resume ATS-friendly without compromising readability, see our article on how to make a resume ATS-friendly in five minutes.

Formatting and length

Most dental hygienist resumes should be one page, particularly for those with fewer than ten years of experience. If you have extensive experience, specialized certifications, published research, or leadership roles, a second page is appropriate.

Use a clean, professional format with clearly defined sections. Avoid excessive graphics, colors, or stylized fonts. The goal is readability for both applicant tracking systems and human reviewers.

For more on resume design principles, see simple, clean, and effective: the power of a minimalist resume.

Common mistakes to avoid

Listing duties instead of demonstrating competence

A resume that says "Performed dental cleanings" or "Took x-rays" does not differentiate you from any other candidate. Describe the scope of your clinical work, patient volume, and any specialized procedures you performed regularly.

Omitting licensure details

Your license is not optional information. If a hiring manager cannot immediately confirm that you are licensed and in good standing, your resume may be discarded regardless of your experience.

Using vague language about patient care

Phrases like "provided excellent patient care" or "delivered quality service" do not convey clinical competence. Describe the assessments you conducted, the treatments you provided, and the patient education you delivered.

Ignoring technology

Dental practices operate on digital systems. If you do not list the software and imaging platforms you have used, hiring managers may assume you lack proficiency in tools they rely on daily.

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Sample resume: experienced dental hygienist

Sarah Mitchell Portland, OR | (555) 123-4567 | sarah.mitchell@yotruemail.com

Professional Summary Registered Dental Hygienist with eight years of clinical experience in general dentistry and periodontal care. Skilled in patient education, digital radiography, and non-surgical periodontal therapy. Proficient in Dentrix and Eaglesoft practice management systems.

Licensure and Certifications Registered Dental Hygienist – Oregon, License #12345, Expires 2027 Local Anesthesia Certification – Oregon Nitrous Oxide Sedation Certification – Oregon CPR/AED Certified – American Heart Association

Clinical Skills

• Periodontal assessment and charting
• Scaling and root planing
• Digital radiography (bitewing, periapical, panoramic)
• Local anesthesia administration
• Fluoride and sealant application
• Patient education and oral health counseling
• Infection control and OSHA compliance

Technology Proficiency Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Digital imaging systems, Electronic health records

Professional Experience

Dental Hygienist Riverside Dental Group, Portland, OR June 2021 – Present

• Conduct comprehensive periodontal exams and provide scaling and root planing for patients with gum disease
• Educate patients on home care techniques, dietary impacts on oral health, and preventive strategies
• Administer local anesthesia and monitor nitrous oxide sedation during procedures
• Capture and interpret digital radiographs and ensure accurate patient record documentation in Dentrix
• Collaborate with dentists to develop treatment plans for patients with complex periodontal needs

Dental Hygienist Bright Smiles Family Dentistry, Portland, OR August 2017 – May 2021

• Performed dental prophylaxis and patient education for all age groups, including pediatric and geriatric patients
• Applied fluoride treatments and dental sealants for caries prevention
• Maintained sterilization protocols and ensured compliance with OSHA and infection control standards
• Managed hygiene recall scheduling and patient communication through Eaglesoft

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene Portland Community College, Portland, OR Graduated 2017

Sample resume: new graduate dental hygienist

Emily Rodriguez Austin, TX | (555) 987-6543 | emily.rodriguez@yotruemail.com

Professional Summary Recent dental hygiene graduate with clinical training in periodontal therapy, patient assessment, and digital imaging. Completed externships in pediatric and adult general practice. Certified in local anesthesia and CPR.

Licensure and Certifications Registered Dental Hygienist – Texas, License #67890, Expires 2028 Local Anesthesia Certification – Texas CPR/AED Certified – American Red Cross

Clinical Skills

• Periodontal charting and assessment
• Scaling and root planing
• Digital and traditional radiography
• Fluoride and sealant application
• Patient education and oral hygiene instruction
• Infection control and sterilization protocols

Technology Proficiency Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Digital imaging systems

Clinical Experience

Dental Hygiene Extern Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry, Austin, TX January 2025 – May 2025

• Provided dental prophylaxis and fluoride treatments for pediatric patients ages 3 to 16
• Educated children and parents on proper brushing and flossing techniques and dietary choices for oral health
• Applied dental sealants and documented treatment in patient records
• Assisted with behavior management techniques for anxious or uncooperative patients

Dental Hygiene Extern Westlake Family Dental, Austin, TX August 2024 – December 2024

• Performed comprehensive oral assessments and periodontal charting for adult patients
• Provided scaling and root planing for patients with gingivitis and early-stage periodontal disease
• Captured digital radiographs and interpreted findings for treatment planning
• Educated patients on post-treatment care and home oral hygiene practices

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene Austin Community College, Austin, TX Graduated 2025

Adapting your resume for different practice types

The clinical skills required for dental hygiene are consistent across settings, but different practice types emphasize different aspects of the role.

General dentistry

Focus on patient education, preventive care, and the ability to work with diverse patient populations. Highlight experience with children, adults, and geriatric patients if applicable.

Periodontal specialty practices

Emphasize non-surgical periodontal therapy, scaling and root planing, and experience working with patients who have moderate to advanced gum disease. Note any surgical assisting experience or post-operative care responsibilities.

Pediatric dentistry

Highlight behavior management techniques, fluoride and sealant application, and the ability to communicate with children and parents effectively.

Corporate dental settings

Emphasize efficiency, familiarity with digital systems, and the ability to manage high patient volume while maintaining quality care. Note experience with multiple providers or locations if relevant.

Public health or community health centers

Focus on population health, preventive care delivery, and experience working with underserved or medically complex patient populations.

How to handle gaps in employment or career changes

If you took time off for family, further education, or relocation, address this briefly in your cover letter rather than leaving unexplained gaps in your work history. Hiring managers are primarily concerned with whether your skills are current and whether you have maintained your licensure.

If you are returning to clinical practice after an extended break, consider listing any continuing education courses, volunteer work, or part-time roles that kept your skills active.

For guidance on addressing employment gaps clearly, see our article on how to handle a job gap on your resume.

Using references effectively

Dental hygiene is a small professional community in many areas. References from supervising dentists, office managers, or colleagues carry significant weight.

Prepare a separate reference sheet with the names, titles, contact information, and professional relationship of three to four individuals who can speak to your clinical competence, professionalism, and reliability. Notify your references before submitting their information to prospective employers.

For additional context on reference management, see the types of references you need in your job search.

Final considerations

A dental hygienist resume is a professional document that should reflect the precision and care you bring to clinical work. Avoid unnecessary embellishment. Focus on demonstrating competence, compliance, and the ability to contribute to a functioning practice.

If you are applying to multiple practices, tailor your resume slightly to reflect the specific patient populations, technologies, or practice philosophies mentioned in the job description. This does not mean fabricating experience. It means emphasizing the aspects of your background that are most relevant to the role.

Your resume should make it easy for a hiring manager to see that you are licensed, competent, and ready to integrate into their team. Everything else is secondary.

About this guide

This guide was written by Team Yotru to help dental hygienists create resumes that reflect clinical competence and professional standards. It is based on current hiring practices in dental settings across North America and is intended for hygienists at all career stages.

If you are building or updating your resume, Yotru's resume builder can help you structure your information clearly and ensure that your credentials and clinical experience are presented effectively.

For questions or feedback, contact us at https://yotru.com/contact.

Author: Team Yotru

The team behind one of Canada's leading AI resume builders. Yotru works at the intersection of employability, education, and workforce systems. We support learners, students, newcomers, military veterans, industry professionals, and job seekers as they navigate complex and changing labor markets. We collaborate closely with career development centers, training providers, recruiters, charities, and public-sector organizations. Our approach combines real-world delivery, academic insight, and awareness of labor market policy, positioning Yotru as a trusted authority on what genuinely improves employment outcomes.