What to Highlight in a Dental Hygienist Resume

A strong dental hygienist resume should emphasize clinical expertise, patient care, and communication skills. Highlight your experience performing cleanings, periodontal therapy, X-rays, and oral health assessments. Certifications such as RDH licensure, CPR, and local anesthesia are essential to include. Show your ability to educate patients, maintain infection control protocols, and collaborate with dentists on treatment plans. Proficiency in dental software (like Dentrix or Eaglesoft) and a gentle, patient-centered approach are also key qualities to showcase.

Dental Hygienist resume example:

Alyssa Moore, RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist
📍 San Diego, CA | 📞 (619) 555-7834 | 📧 alyssa.moore@email.com
🌐 www.alyssamooredh.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alyssamooredh

Summary

Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Dental Hygienist with 6+ years of experience delivering preventive and therapeutic dental care in fast-paced clinical settings. Skilled in patient education, periodontal therapy, and infection control protocols. Committed to promoting oral health through gentle, thorough care and strong communication. Known for building rapport with patients and contributing to a calm, professional environment.

Work Experience

Registered Dental Hygienist
Seaside Family Dental — San Diego, CA
2019 – Present

• Perform comprehensive dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, and fluoride treatments for up to 12 patients per day.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
• Take and interpret digital X-rays and intraoral photos for diagnostic support.
• Maintain sterilization protocols and OSHA/HIPAA compliance.

Dental Hygienist
Bright Smile Dental Group — Chula Vista, CA
2016 – 2019

• Assisted in periodontal charting and worked with dentists on treatment plans.
• Implemented new recall system that improved patient retention by 20%.
• Provided care to patients with dental anxiety through calm communication and gentle techniques.

Dental Hygiene Extern (Internship)
Mission Bay Dental Clinic — San Diego, CA
Spring 2016

• Performed supervised cleanings and oral exams as part of dental hygiene program.
• Gained experience with ultrasonic scalers, patient charting, and infection control.

Education

Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
San Diego Mesa College — San Diego, CA
Graduated: 2016

Skills

• Preventive Dental Care & Periodontal Maintenance
• Digital X-Rays & Imaging
• Oral Health Education
• Dental Charting & Documentation
• Ultrasonic Scaling & Fluoride Application
• Infection Control & Sterilization
• Patient Care & Chairside Manner
• Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental Software

Licenses & Certifications

• California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
• CPR/BLS Certified
• Local Anesthesia Certified

Languages

• English – Native
• Spanish – Conversational

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