Table of contents
A dental hygienist must have a balanced blend of technical knowledge and soft skills. Mastering these skills is hard work, so your cover letter should be the easy part. In our cover letter guide, we’ll help you communicate your abilities with confidence.
Our guide includes:
- A cover letter example for a dental hygienist.
- A cover letter template that you can copy, paste and edit to suit your needs.
- Strategies and tips to help you make a standout cover letter.
Need help building a persuasive cover letter quickly? Try our Cover Letter Builder. Get a head start on the writing process with automatic formatting, ready-to-use templates and content suggestions based on the career details you share.
Dental Hygienist Cover Letter Example
What makes this a great cover letter for a dental hygienist?
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Simple style
Using a simple layout helps this job seeker’s experience shine without distractions.
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Action-oriented language
Using active verbs to portray this candidate as a motivated and energetic dental hygienist.
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Soft skills
A dental hygienist doesn’t just need to know teeth; you must also be prepared to communicate with patients and build relationships that help foster their well-being. Your letter should convey your interpersonal skills alongside your technical knowledge.
Related Cover Letter Examples
Looking for a different role? Check out our library of cover letter examples for more inspiration.
Browse other popular samples
Cover Letter Template for a Dental Hygienist
Looking for an easy place to start your cover letter? Copy, paste and edit this sample dental hygienist cover letter to use it as a template.
Emma Zhang
Portland, OR 97203
555-555-5555
example@example.com
Nov. 18, 2025
Dr. Karla Smith, Dental Practice Owner
Bright Horizons Dental Practice
94 South Glen Ridge Ave.
Portland, OR 97203
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am excited to apply for the dental hygienist position at Bright Horizons Dental Practice. With over five years of experience delivering exceptional oral healthcare, patient education and periodontal therapy, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team’s mission of providing outstanding dental care.
At Smile Bright Dental Clinic, I performed over 1,000 dental cleanings, fostering a 98% patient satisfaction rate through individualized care plans and comprehensive oral health education. My focus on preventative measures led to a 20% reduction in untreated cavities among my patient base. Collaborating closely with dentists, I enhanced diagnostic accuracy by meticulously documenting patient histories and leveraging advanced intraoral imaging technologies.
Previously at Healthy Smiles Practice, I administered periodontal treatments to over 800 patients, achieving a 25% improvement in gum health metrics. By assisting in the implementation of a new patient management system, I contributed to a 15% increase in operational efficiency — a testament to my adaptability and commitment to process improvement.
Your commitment to holistic patient care deeply resonates with me. My dedication to patient relationship management and proficiency in utilizing state-of-the-art dental technologies align seamlessly with Bright Horizons Dental Practice’s reputation for excellence.
I am eager to bring my expertise in preventative care, patient education, and periodontal therapy to your practice and contribute to achieving enhanced patient outcomes. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences can support your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to Bright Horizons Dental Practice and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Emma Zhang
Format Your Dental Hygienist Cover Letter
Make a strong first impression on the dental practice you’re interested in working for by building a professionally formatted cover letter that conveys your attention to detail and decision-making skills.
Formatting tips to help you build a polished dental hygienist cover letter:
- Font style and size: A great cover letter uses a simple font like Times New Roman or Arial in a 10- or 12-point size. This ensures that your letter is easy to read.
- Spacing: Use consistent line spacing of 1.15 to 1.5 to make your letter easy to scan without squinting. Nobody likes reading a document with squished-together lines!
- Margins and alignment: Keep your text left-aligned with 1-inch margins for a clean and uniform look.
Selecting a professional cover letter template
Personality and communication are as important to a dental hygienist’s career success as dental knowledge. Convey your neat working style and personality by choosing a cover letter template that’s professional and simple.
Try matching your cover letter to your resume template for a cohesive application package.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Dental Hygienist
Short of demonstrating your dental procedures, how can you show dental practices that you’re the detail-oriented and patient-focused hygienist they need? By writing a persuasive cover letter that describes your dental experience and track record of building strong patient relationships. We’ll walk you through the simple process so you can nail the basics and write a cover letter you’re proud to submit.
Step 1
Tailor your cover letter for the specific dental hygienist position
Begin by personalizing your letter for the role. Whether it’s a large dental clinic, a specialized orthodontic office or a community health center, showing how well you understand their dental care needs and values will help position you as a well-informed candidate who aligns with the position. Use keywords from the job description to show how well you fit the position. Employers also want to know why you want the role. A custom cover letter will allow you to explain why the role is right for you.
Many practices use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen candidates. On top of showing how well you fit the practice, a custom cover letter is also more likely to pass through ATS filters.
Step 2
Include your contact information in the header
Ensure your cover letter’s header displays your contact information so the employer can reach out for an interview. Include your:
- Name.
- City and state.
- Phone number.
- Email address.
If you have an up-to-date online presence to share, you can include links to your LinkedIn profile, digital portfolio or professional website.
Step 3
Address the hiring manager by name
Address your letter directly to the reader, such as the lead dentist or clinic manager. A great cover letter is personalized. Read the job listing carefully or research the practice to decide who to address.
If you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is an appropriate alternative.
Step 4
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph
Kick off your letter with an introduction to your dental career. Quickly mention what you bring to the table and describe why you’re interested in the position. Give a brief overview of why you think you’d be a great fit, but leave the details for the body of your letter.
Example opening paragraph for a beginner dental hygienist:
I am delighted to apply for the dental hygienist position at [dental practice name]. My dedicated experience with pediatric and geriatric care and my commitment to patient education aligns perfectly with your practice’s high standards. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team and enhancing your patient care services.
Example opening paragraph for an experienced dental hygienist:
I am thrilled to express my interest in the dental hygienist role at [dental practice name]. With over 10 years of experience in busy dental offices, I am adept at managing patient care and enhancing preventive dental health practices.
Step 5
Explain why you’re the best candidate for the role
In the body of your letter, explain why your background makes you the right candidate for the role. Flesh out the details of your experience and skills. Use specific examples to showcase your accomplishments. Focus on:
- Patient care achievements: Discuss specific initiatives or programs you’ve introduced or participated in that improved patient satisfaction or dental health outcomes. Be specific and use numbers and outcomes to give the reader a sense of your ability to achieve real-world results.
- Dental hygiene skills: Highlight your technical knowledge and training. Discuss any specialties or certifications here.
- Interpersonal skills: A dental hygienist needs empathy and communication skills to build relationships with patients, foster their well-being, and alleviate their dental anxieties. Showcase your soft skills alongside specific dental abilities to showcase your passion and interpersonal skills.
Example body paragraphs for a dental hygienist cover letter:
During my tenure at [dental practice name], I successfully implemented a new patient education program that increased patient retention rates by 25%. I also managed a team of dental assistants, improving appointment scheduling and reducing wait times.
In my current role, I focus on providing comprehensive dental care, significantly enhancing our practice’s reputation and patient satisfaction. My involvement in a series of community dental health fairs was recently featured in [publication name], highlighting my commitment to community health and quality care.
Step 6
Write your cover letter closing
Conclude your cover letter with a closing paragraph that:
- Reiterates your interest in the role and your passion for dental health.
- Emphasizes your readiness to contribute to the practice or health center.
- Invites further discussion in an interview.
- Thanks the manager for considering you for the role.
Example closing paragraph for a dental hygienist cover letter:
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my dental hygiene skills and patient-centered approach to [dental practice name]. I am confident that my background and dedication to patient care will greatly contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your dental health goals.
Step 7
Sign off appropriately
End your cover letter with a professional signoff like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
Add a Matching Resume
An effective cover letter is the perfect introduction to a comprehensive resume. A cover letter on its own is unlikely to succeed and land you a role, but a cover letter can be the cherry on top of a thoughtful resume demonstrating your dental experience. Check out some resume examples from dental industry pros to inspire you to get started.
Need help getting your resume off the ground? Try our Resume Builder. This tool will help you build a neat and persuasive resume on a template that matches your cover letter.
Key Takeaways
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Explore dental hygienist cover letter examples.
Use examples from other dental professionals to inspire your cover letter writing process.
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Highlight essential skills for a dental hygienist role.
Highlight technical knowledge and interpersonal skills to build a balanced cover letter that showcases your ability to fulfill the role’s needs.
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Choose an appropriate cover letter template.
Pick out a simple and stylish cover letter template that gives you space to showcase your abilities.
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Keep your introductory paragraph short and sweet.
Write a brief introduction to your experience and skills, highlighting your interest in the role.
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Compose detailed body paragraphs.
In your body paragraphs, dig into the specific details of your experience. Use specific examples to emphasize your real-world impact.
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Ensure appropriate formatting.
Your cover letter should appear professional and polished. Follow formatting standards and proofread your letter carefully to make a strong impression.
Resources to Help With Your Job Search
Last Updated: December 19, 2024
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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
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