Employment prospects are generally good for your occupation. With the aging of the population, for instance, oral health and related health problems are a growing problem, which means that there is a demand for oral health professionals. With experience, there are some opportunities to move into a dental practice management role. In this role, you will support the dentist and take responsibility for the functioning of the office.
A cover letter for a dental hygienist highlights your qualifications and experience. Make a direct reference to the job posting’s specifications. If you are state-licensed and registered, for instance, make sure you mention it.
Writing a cover letter should meet several criteria. In general, the principle of using formal language applies. However, it is advised to first look at their website to determine what tone they use in the company.
You can read more about formatting a cover letter here. It explains anything and everything you want to know about writing one.
Free Templates and Examples
Dental Hygienist Skills to Include in the Cover Letter
To be effective, dental hygienists must possess a combination of soft and hard skills.
Following are some skills that you need to include in your letter:
- Technical skills and medical teamwork: Completing initial tests is one of the technical skills needed to become a dental hygiene professional. You will inspect the patients’ mouths first, and then the dentist will perform the required treatments.
- Infection control and knowledge of hygiene standards: Another vital skill is to know about infection control and different hygiene standards that should be maintained to carry out different treatments, such as tartar, plaque, and food particles being carefully removed from patients’ teeth by dental hygienists using instruments. They also clean behind the gum line to help avoid gum disease.
- An empathetic manner: When you work in a dental hygiene role, you will encounter people who are afraid to go to the dentist. When patients start weeping in the dental chair because they are afraid of dentists, you will have to comfort them, and for that, you need to be an empathetic person.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills: You will need to communicate with patients to handle them. You will need to collect patient information, talk to them about their oral hygiene practices and routines, and discuss what you’re doing during treatments. This job will be difficult for you if you have difficulty communicating or if you lack confidence. That is why great communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to explain treatments to patients calmly and reassuringly and guide them on how to take care of and keep their teeth and gums healthy.
- Attention to detail and accuracy: Another crucial skill is attention to detail. You will need to pay close attention to what you and the dentist are doing to complete treatments. You must be able to concentrate on minor aspects of the patient’s teeth or gums.
- Observation spirit: Each patient has unique problems. With each patient, you will face different problems, and you will need to have a good observation spirit to deal with them. For example, if you have frightened patients, you’ll need to find out how to calm them down while still getting their treatments completed.
- Record keeping: It would be best to have record keeping and good writing skills to complete and maintain safe patient records to pursue a dental hygienist career.
- Computer literacy: Employers require candidates to have at least some basic computer skills for the majority of jobs. When you are applying for work, regardless of the role, emphasize your computer skills.
Cover Letter Sample
A comprehensive sample cover letter for a dental hygienist is included here, serving as a reference point for those seeking insights into effective self-expression and professional tone in their application letters.
Sample
Dear Dr. Emily Thompson,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Dental Hygienist position at Thompson Dental Care, as recently advertised on HealthJobs.com. With a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Health Sciences and over three years of experience working in high-volume dental clinics, I am well-prepared to deliver exceptional dental care and patient education.
During my tenure at Bright Smile Clinic, I effectively performed a variety of dental procedures, including routine cleanings, dental x-rays, and supporting dentists with complex treatments. My dedication to maintaining a sterile and efficient work environment contributed significantly to the safety and comfort of our patients. I am particularly proud of my ability to connect with patients of all ages, providing them with tailored oral hygiene advice and fostering a positive, reassuring environment.
I am drawn to Thompson Dental Care because of your innovative approach to holistic dental care and your impressive community outreach programs. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise in pediatric dental hygiene and preventative care to your dynamic team.
Enclosed, you will find my resume which outlines my professional journey in more detail. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the continued excellence at Thompson Dental Care. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my passion for dental health and patient care to your esteemed practice.
Sincerely,
Jessica Miller
Key Takeaways
This cover letter serves as an excellent example for those seeking guidance on how to write one.
Here’s an analysis highlighting its strengths and effectiveness:
- The letter begins with a formal and personalized salutation. This sets a respectful tone and shows that the applicant has taken the time to address the letter to a specific individual.
- The opening paragraph immediately states the purpose of the letter – expressing interest in the dental hygienist position. It references the job advertisement source, which helps the employer understand where the candidate found the job listing.
- The applicant quickly outlines her relevant educational background and experience. Mentioning her degree and three years of experience in the field establishes her as a qualified candidate.
- The writer provides specific examples of her responsibilities and achievements, such as performing a variety of dental procedures and maintaining a sterile work environment. This demonstrates her competence and gives the employer a clear idea of her capabilities.
- The applicant expresses her admiration for the clinic’s approach to holistic dental care and community outreach. This shows that she has researched the employer and understands their values, indicating that she would be a good fit for their team.
- The tone of the letter conveys enthusiasm and a strong desire to be part of the team. This can be appealing to employers, as it suggests the candidate will be a motivated and positive addition.
- The closing paragraph invites the employer to review her resume and expresses eagerness for a follow-up discussion, effectively prompting further action. It also includes a note of thanks, which is polite and professional.
- The letter ends with a formal sign-off, maintaining the professional tone set at the beginning.
Overall, this cover letter effectively combines professionalism with personalization, which are key components of a compelling job application.
Final Thoughts
A career as a dental hygienist is right for you if you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a high manual dexterity level, and wish to work in a clinical and health promotion role and present them properly to employers. You need a proper cover letter. As a dental hygienist, you will play an essential role in the dental health team. By working closely with patients, you will educate them about tooth care, provide treatments to prevent oral health problems, and offer oral hygiene and diet advice.
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