At cvapp.nz, we're on a mission to skyrocket the career potential of Kiwi professionals. We're here to help dentists just like you secure your next job role, and with a range of valuable resources, industry insights and trends, we'll help you get noticed by employers faster.
To begin, your cover letter should contain the following elements:
The main goal of a cover letter is to highlight your skills and experiences effectively to make a strong impression on the reader. We’ve attached an effective and customisable dentist’s cover letter example below, and we’ve also got expert career advice throughout this guide. Let’s get started!
Dear Mr. Paul,
When I graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from The University of Otago in 2011, I didn't realize how my love for dentistry would grow more and more each day. As a dentist with over five years experience serving the Dunedin and lower South Island community, every time I soothe a patient's nerves, ease a patient's pain or improve a patient's smile, I am filled with the deepest sense of fulfilment. I am reminded of how privileged I am to help Kiwis become the healthiest and most confident versions of themselves. I am reminded, simply, of what is possible in the world of dentistry.
Over the last five years I have completed more than 1000 dental checks, performed over 550 dental extractions and 350 cosmetic dental procedures. I am the longest serving dentist at my current dental office, Shine and Soar Dentistry. While I am deeply grateful for my time at Shine and Soar, I am seeking a position at another leading dental office in the Otago region. When I read the job posting for Clean & Supreme, I instantly felt drawn to apply. I admire Clean & Supreme's commitment to community, consistenty and cleanliness.
I am fully licensed to practice dentistry in New Zealand and I am registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand. I also have my Annual Practising Certificate (APC) as per New Zealand law. In addition to this, I am fluent in English and Mandarian and C1 level in Te Reo Māori. Being able to communicate with my patients is of the highest priority to me, and my language skills have assisted me greatly with comforting, educating and supporting patients.
I would love to discuss the details of this job posting more with you and bring my passion for dentistry to the Clean & Supreme Team. Please find attached my contact details. Thank you for your time. Ngā mihi nui.
Yours sincerely,
Francis Wong
When constructing your cover letter, it's important to select a captivating and appropriate header for your contact information. Great headers are essential as they allow employers to reach out to you. Without a header, employees wouldn’t know how to reach out to you and let you know their application decision! To avoid this, ensure that your cover letter header contains important details such as your email address, phone numbers, current professional job role, and any relevant professional networking links. If you have portfolios showcasing any relevant, previous work samples, it's also a good idea to provide links to these sites or platforms in the cover letter header. Don’t forget to exercise caution when sharing links to your social media profiles -- be sure any links you include show you in a professional and positive light.
Your cover letter greeting should be kept brief and professional. It's important to select an appropriate greeting, as using an inappropriate or informal one can negatively impact your chances of getting a response from potential employers. Starting with a greeting like "Dear Mr/Mrs Morgan," is an excellent way to start your cover letter. We always recommend personalising your cover letters by addressing the recipients by their names where possible, although it may require some extra research on your part. Keep in mind that a carefully chosen cover letter greeting has the potential to leave a long-lasting impression on employers and capture their attention. It's essential to choose your greeting wisely to leave a positive and memorable first impression.
Dear Mr. Paul,
When crafting the introduction of your cover letter, your goal is to pique the interest of potential employers while showcasing your qualifications and genuine passion for dentistry. It’s important to tailor your introduction to the specific employer, industry, and job role you are applying for, as this demonstrates your attentiveness and commitment to the position. In this case, customising your cover letter introduction to highlight relevant dentistry skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements can significantly increase your chances of capturing the attention of potential employers and receiving a response from employers. For example, you could mention an interesting statistic about the impact of oral health on overall well-being or highlight a recent breakthrough in dental technology that excites you. By expressing your genuine interest in the position, you allow potential employers to see how well you resonate with their organisation and how you can contribute to their mission. Remember, a well-crafted and personalised introduction sets a positive tone for the rest of your cover letter, showcasing your dedication and enthusiasm right from the beginning. Check out our cover letter greeting example below:
When I graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from The University of Otago in 2011, I didn't realize how my love for dentistry would grow more and more each day. As a dentist with over five years experience serving the Dunedin and lower South Island community, every time I soothe a patient's nerves, ease a patient's pain or improve a patient's smile, I am filled with the deepest sense of fulfilment. I am reminded of how privileged I am to help Kiwis become the healthiest and most confident versions of themselves. I am reminded, simply, of what is possible in the world of dentistry.
Your cover letter body paragraphs provide you with an opportunity to showcase your career accomplishments, skills, and relevant experiences that make you an exceptional candidate for the position. It's crucial to use these paragraphs to elaborate further on your professional background and effectively demonstrate your dentistry skills.
Reflecting on your greatest achievements in the dental field in these paragraphs can significantly enhance your cover letter's impact. Think about instances where you have made a significant impact in your role as dentist, or went above and beyond to deliver exceptional results. For example, you can mention a particular patient case where you successfully performed a complex procedure or expand on how you contributed to improving patient outcomes. You might also like to define how your skills and expertise played a vital role in achieving positive outcomes, emphasising your ability to handle challenging situations with confidence and professionalism.
Furthermore, you can incorporate any additional qualifications or specialised training you have attained in the dental field. This could include certifications in specific procedures or advanced courses you have completed to expand your skill set. Remember, the goal of the body paragraphs in your cover letter is to provide a comprehensive overview of your achievements, skills, and qualifications as a dentist. By effectively showcasing your expertise and highlighting your greatest career accomplishments, you can capture the attention of potential employers and position yourself as the ideal candidate for the role. Check out our example below:
Over the last five years I have completed more than 1000 dental checks, performed over 550 dental extractions and 350 cosmetic dental procedures. I am the longest serving dentist at my current dental office, Shine and Soar Dentistry. While I am deeply grateful for my time at Shine and Soar, I am seeking a position at another leading dental office in the Otago region. When I read the job posting for Clean & Supreme, I instantly felt drawn to apply. I admire Clean & Supreme's commitment to community, consistenty and cleanliness.
I am fully licensed to practice dentistry in New Zealand and I am registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand. I also have my Annual Practising Certificate (APC) as per New Zealand law. In addition to this, I am fluent in English and Mandarian and C1 level in Te Reo Māori. Being able to communicate with my patients is of the highest priority to me, and my language skills have assisted me greatly with comforting, educating and supporting patients.
When concluding your cover letter, the main thing to remember is that you want to leave a positive impression on employers. You may want to express your enthusiasm to connect with employers, or reiterate any relevant, outstanding dentistry skills that make you an ideal candidate for the role. It’s also always a great idea to express gratitude for their consideration and time. Most importantly, you’ll want to include a call-to-action statement. Call-to-action statements encourage the reader to connect with you at a later stage: “I would love to discuss this opportunity with you sometime next week if you are available” is a great example of a call-to-action statement.
Lastly, choosing an appropriate closing statement for your dentist cover letter is essential in leaving a positive impression on potential employers.To ensure a strong finish, you could consider using phrases such as "best wishes," "ngā mihi," "yours sincerely," or "kind regards." These closings demonstrate politeness and convey your appreciation for the opportunity to be considered for the position. Remember to select the closing that aligns with the tone and formality of your letter. You’ve got this!
I would love to discuss the details of this job posting more with you and bring my passion for dentistry to the Clean & Supreme Team. Please find attached my contact details. Thank you for your time. Ngā mihi nui.
Yours sincerely,
Francis Wong