A strong dental hygienist cover letter can strengthen your application during the job search. To make a lasting impression on the hiring manager, feature eye-catching achievements and convey your genuine passion for dental care. Emphasize your ability to educate patients on oral health and reduce anxiety during procedures. Our guide provides examples and expert advice to translate your professional experience into an accomplishment-driven cover letter.
Dental Hygienist Cover Letter Templates and Examples
I’m interested in applying for the dental hygienist position with Allure Dental Practice that I found on LinkedIn. During my time with Bright Smiles Dental, I built and maintained positive relationships with a diverse range of patients, contributing to a 90% retention rate. I can achieve similar results for your practice in this role.
Allure Dental Practice’s emphasis on patient education and preventative care attracts me to apply for this opportunity. As a dental hygienist, I’ve continuously educated patients on the importance of at-home care to maintain oral health. Some of my previous accomplishments include:
Performed hygienic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures on clinic patients, including cleaning teeth and gums using dental tools and equipment
Provided education to patients on oral health and preventative techniques and achieved patient satisfaction ratings of 91% to 95% year over year
Assisted dentist during examinations, communicated findings from initial examination, including potential symptoms of periodontal disease
I look forward to telling you more about how my expertise in patient education would be a strong asset to your dental practice. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Amar Singh
Sarah Johnson
Dental Hygienist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Detroit, MI 12345 | LinkedIn
March 7, 2025
Candace Suarez
Hiring Manager
Front Line Dental
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Suarez,
In 2023, I increased my clinic’s patient retention rate by 38% for patients on my roster. Customers cited my reassuring interpersonal style and superb treatment outcomes as their primary reasons for returning. I hope to provide the same high standard of care as a senior practitioner at Front Line Dental.
Your company’s reputation of placing patient well-being at the center of its practice is the perfect match for my professional values. As a seasoned hygienist with over eight years of experience, the opportunity to serve my local community as part of your institution is exciting. My recent achievements include:
Supported the development and implementation of a new patient education program that reduced cases of premature tooth loss by 34% over three years
Managed patient anxiety through pleasant demeanor, education, and empathy and introduced an innovative cleaning approach to reduce patient discomfort
Achieved patient satisfaction scores of up to 96% and contributed to a 93% patient retention rate
I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my passion for dental care would be a strong asset to your team. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Sarah Johnson
Melissa Anderson
Dental Hygienist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Diego, CA 12345 | LinkedIn
March 7, 2025
Tyrone Jackson
Hiring Manager
Smile Right Dentistry
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Jackson,
As you can see from my attached resume, I have over nine years of experience working as a dental hygienist at some of the top-rated practices in San Diego. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently maintained patient satisfaction ratings of over 95%. I’m confident my expertise in patient care would be a strong asset to your practice in the senior dental hygienist role.
Smile Right Dentistry’s focus on alleviating patient anxiety during dental procedures strongly aligns with my professional background. In my previous position, I utilized innovative cleaning techniques to reduce patient discomfort. Below is a list of my career achievements:
Built positive relationships with patients, communicated empathetically to reduce anxiety during complex and routine procedures, and achieved a 95% patient satisfaction rating in 2023
Delivered compassionate, high-quality dental care to a broad range of patients, provided education on dental hygiene, and communicated with patience and understanding
Performed dental exams and interpreted diagnostic and panoramic X-rays and digital imaging to identify signs of cavities and decay
I look forward to speaking with you further about how my experience in dental care can maximize patient satisfaction at Smile Right Dentistry. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Melissa Anderson
Emily Carter
Dental Hygienist Student | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Phoenix, AZ 85001 | LinkedIn
March 7, 2025
Dr. Benjamin Hayes
Hiring Manager
Desert Valley Dental
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Dr. Hayes,
I am excited to apply for the dental hygienist student position at Desert Valley Dental. As a dedicated student nearing the completion of my dental hygiene program at Phoenix Health Institute, I am eager to apply my clinical training and patient care skills in a professional setting. My passion for preventive oral care and patient education aligns with your practice’s commitment to high-quality dental services.
Desert Valley Dental’s focus on patient-centered care makes it the perfect place to begin my career. I take pride in creating a comfortable patient environment while providing thorough cleanings and oral health education. My hands-on experience during my clinical rotations has prepared me to contribute effectively:
Assisted in performing dental cleanings and periodontal assessments under the supervision of licensed hygienists
Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, improving compliance with at-home care recommendations
Maintained detailed patient records and ensured a sterile, organized clinical environment
I welcome the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm and skills to your team. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email to schedule an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dr. Matthew Roberts
Hiring Manager
Bright Smiles Dental
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Dr. Roberts,
I am excited to apply for the dental hygienist position at Bright Smiles Dental. As a recent graduate of the Charlotte Dental Institute, I am eager to bring my clinical training, patient care skills, and passion for preventive dentistry to your practice. My education and hands-on experience have prepared me to provide high-quality oral care while ensuring patients feel comfortable and informed.
Bright Smiles Dental’s reputation for patient-centered care and commitment to preventive dentistry makes this an ideal place to start my career. My training has given me the skills to support both patients and the dental team effectively:
Performed dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and periodontal assessments during clinical rotations, serving diverse patient populations
Educated patients on oral hygiene techniques and preventive care, improving compliance with recommended treatments
Maintained accurate patient records and ensured a sterile, organized work environment to support efficient clinic operations
I welcome the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm and skills to your team. Please contact me via phone or email to schedule an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Olivia Bennett
Ava Richardson
Dental Hygienist | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Atlanta, GA 30301 | LinkedIn
March 7, 2025
Dr. James Carter
Hiring Manager
Peachtree Family Dental
(987) 654-3210 [email protected]
Dear Dr. Carter,
I am excited to apply for the dental hygienist position at Peachtree Family Dental. As a recent Georgia School of Dental Hygiene graduate, I am eager to begin my career in a practice committed to excellent patient care. My clinical training, attention to detail, and passion for educating patients on oral health make me a strong candidate for this role.
Peachtree Family Dental’s focus on preventive care aligns with my belief that patient education is key to long-term oral health. While I may not have experience in a professional setting, my hands-on training during clinical rotations has prepared me to work effectively in a fast-paced dental practice:
Conducted dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral health assessments under the supervision of licensed hygienists
Educated patients on proper hygiene techniques, helping improve at-home oral care habits
Maintained a sterile and organized clinical environment, ensuring patient safety and comfort
I welcome the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm and training to your team. Please contact me via phone or email to schedule an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ava Richardson
How To Write a Dental Hygienist Cover Letter
The first step in writing a great dental hygienist cover letter is to identify the top skills employers are looking for. Start by carefully reviewing the job description to determine how your background within the dental field aligns with the organization’s needs. By tailoring your content towards individual job opportunities, you’ll greatly increase your chances of landing the interview. Below, we’ll walk you through each section of your dental hygienist cover letter:
1. Contact information and salutation
List all essential contact information in the header of your dental hygienist cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” This conveys your genuine interest in the position and shows you’ve researched the company beforehand.
2. Introduction
Lead your dental hygienist cover letter with a strong opening paragraph to introduce yourself and convey your interest in the position. Highlight your years of experience in dental care and anchor your paragraph with a powerful achievement to draw the reader in. For example, you might lead with your patient satisfaction or retention ratings, as these metrics are particularly important for dental hygienists.
Example
In 2023, I increased my clinic’s patient retention rate by 38% for patients on my roster. Customers cited my reassuring interpersonal style and superb treatment outcomes as their primary reasons for returning. I hope to provide the same high standard of care as a senior practitioner at Front Line Dental.
3. Body paragraphs
Continue to highlight your professional achievements in the body paragraphs of your dental hygienist cover letter. Start by mentioning something specific about the practice’s reputation, clinical focus, or mission statement and how this aligns with your background. Feature a mix of achievements that demonstrate your knowledge of dental procedures and ability to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations.
Example
Allure Dental Practice’s emphasis on patient education and preventative care is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. As a dental hygienist, I’ve continuously educated patients on the importance of at-home care to maintain oral health. Some of my previous accomplishments include:
Performed hygienic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures on clinic patients, including cleaning teeth and gums using dental tools and equipment
Provided education to patients on oral health and preventative techniques and achieved patient satisfaction ratings of 91% to 95% year over year
Assisted dentist during examinations, communicated findings from initial examination, including potential symptoms of periodontal disease
4. Dental hygienist skills and qualifications
Avoid providing a comprehensive list of skills on your dental hygienist cover letter, information already featured on your resume. That said, incorporating key terms from the job posting into your paragraphs has some advantages. This allows you to show dental practices how you’ve applied your patient care skills in clinical environments. Below, you’ll find a list of skills you may encounter when applying for dental hygienist jobs:
Key Skills and Qualifications
Administrative support
Certified dental assistant (CDA)
Communication
Cosmetic dentistry
Dental care
Dental hygiene
Dentistry
HIPAA
Infection prevention
Intra-oral procedures
Invisalign
Oral surgery
OSHA safety
Patient education
Restorative dentistry
Root canals
Sterilization
Tooth extraction
X-rays
5. Closing section
In the closing paragraph of your dental hygienist cover letter, include a call to action inviting the hiring manager to interview you. Emphasize how your passion for the dental field and patient care can help generate positive clinical results for their practice. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.
Example
I look forward to speaking with you further about how my experience in dental care can maximize patient satisfaction at Smile Right Dentistry. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Melissa Anderson
Dental Hygienist Cover Letter Tips
1. Incorporate hard numbers and patient care metrics
Although clinical data may be limited depending on your practice, it’s important to quantify your achievements in dental care whenever possible. Think about how your approach to patient care positively impacted previous employers. Did you help contribute to an increase in patient retention? Did you consistently maintain a high satisfaction rating? These are vital to the success of any dental practice and can help strengthen the impact of your cover letter.
2. Highlight your expertise in patient education
One of the most important aspects of the dental hygienist position is educating patients on at-home care and oral health. Promoting flossing, electric toothbrushes, and other forms of preventive care are all essential in maximizing positive long-term outcomes for patients. As you build your cover letter, call out this aspect of your experience.
3. Emphasize your communication skills
Dental procedures can often be anxiety-inducing for many patients. Hiring managers value hygienists who can communicate effectively to help alleviate discomfort during care delivery.
In the example below, the candidate demonstrates their ability to empathize and connect with patients to reduce nervousness during both routine and complex operations:
Built positive relationships with patients, communicated empathetically to reduce anxiety during complex and routine procedures, and achieved a 95% patient satisfaction rating in 2023
Delivered compassionate, high-quality dental care to a broad range of patients, provided education on dental hygiene, and communicated with patience and understanding
Performed dental exams and interpreted diagnostic and panoramic X-rays and digital imaging to identify signs of cavities and decay
Dental Hygienist Cover Letter FAQs
Why should I submit a dental hygienist cover letter?-
While most dental hygienist job applications won’t require a cover letter, building one can help increase your odds of landing a position at top-rated practices. Submitting a cover letter shows drive, initiative, and a genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. This small personal touch can also differentiate you from other candidates during the hiring process.
How long should my cover letter be?-
It’s best to keep your cover letter at a reasonable length, limited to no more than four paragraphs. Cluttering your document with excessive amounts of information can sometimes overwhelm the reader and impede their ability to engage with your content. As a general rule, focus your cover letter on your most relevant qualifications and achievements in dental care and leave the other details for your resume.
How do I make my cover letter stand out?-
Dental hygienist roles often have very similar responsibilities and job descriptions. To stand out from the competition, you need to build a cover letter that conveys your genuine passion for dental care using tangible examples from your career. Think about the difference you’ve made in the lives of your patients and why this drives you to continue growing in the dental field. These types of details and insights will be far more compelling to a hiring manager than simply restating your daily responsibilities.
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Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).
