New Zealand’s dental sector values empathy, teamwork, and professionalism. An engaging dental assistant cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your attention to detail, patient care skills, and ability to thrive in a clinical setting.
Whether you're applying to a private practice or a DHB clinic, we’ll walk you through each section and get you noticed and hired faster.
Dental assistant full text-only cover letter example
May 4, 2024
Dear Mr. Henson,
My name is Jessie Cherrington. I am excited to apply for the role of Dental Assistant at Sparkling Smiles Whangarei. Having followed Sparkling Smiles' reputation for creating a family-friendly and comfortable environment for patients of all ages, I am especially enthusiastic about applying to a company with such a strong commitment to creating positive dental experiences. My training in the Dentistry program at the University of Otago has instilled in me not only a comprehensive understanding of clinical procedures but also a deep appreciation for the human element in dental care.
The Otago dental program, renowned for its thoroughness and patient-centred philosophy, uniquely shaped my approach to supporting both dentists and patients. We were encouraged to develop not just technical proficiency but also strong communication and empathy skills. These are qualities I believe are paramount in creating a comfortable and reassuring environment for individuals visiting the dentist.
I am confident in my ability to efficiently manage chairside assistance, maintain impeccable hygiene standards, and provide genuine, friendly support that helps patients feel at ease from the moment they walk through your doors. During my practical placements, which comprised over 300 hours of hands-on experience, I consistently received positive feedback for my calm demeanour and ability to anticipate the needs of both the dentist and the patient.
Beyond the technical and procedural aspects, I am a firm believer in the power of a warm smile and clear communication to alleviate any anxieties patients may have. My academic experience reinforced the importance of building rapport and ensuring each individual feels heard and cared for. One memorable experience involved helping a particularly nervous child feel comfortable during their first filling by explaining each step in simple terms and offering encouragement. I am eager to bring this patient-focused mindset to Sparkling Smiles Whangarei, contributing to a positive and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and confident in the care they receive.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the potential of joining the dedicated team at Sparkling Smiles and contributing to your reputation for exceptional dental care in Whangarei. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my unique blend of training and warm personality can benefit your practice at your earliest convenience.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jessie Cherrington
Sections of a dental assistant cover letter
A well-formatted dental assistant cover letter has several key components:
- Header: Include your name, phone number, professional email address, and location. You may also include the date and clinic or hiring manager's details, if known.
- Greeting: Use a professional salutation, such as “Dear Dr. James” or “Tēnā koe, Mrs. Patel.” Avoid generic greetings and always personalise your greeting where possible.
- Introduction: Open with a warm, concise introduction that shows enthusiasm for the role. Mention the job title and briefly highlight your relevant qualifications or experience.
- Body paragraphs: Share your clinical skills, dental assisting experience, and familiarity with New Zealand dental protocols. Mention specific values or aspects of the clinic or practice that resonate with you.
- Conclusion: Express appreciation, restate your enthusiasm, and invite the employer to contact you.
- Signature: Close with a respectful sign-off, like “Kind regards” or “Ngā mihi nui,” followed by your full name.
A brief cover letter, typically one page in length, is best. Remember, your dental assistant cover letter should reflect not only your experience but your personality and care ethic.
Looking for relevant cover letter examples to help get you started? Check out our professional cover letter examples or explore our related examples below:
Take your cover letter to the next level and check out our articles on how to write a cover letter and writing a ChatGPT cover letter for more professional tips!
Introduction of a dental assistant cover letter
Start your cover letter by capturing the reader’s attention with a confident, friendly opening that reflects your passion for patient care and your readiness to contribute to the dental team.
This could be a brief story of helping an anxious patient feel at ease, a highlight of your experience assisting in a high-volume clinic, or an insight into what draws you to dental healthcare.
Use specific examples to show your value early on. Have you supported emergency dental treatments during tight timeframes? Helped implement a new sterilisation protocol that improved clinic flow? These details demonstrate that you’re not only capable, but proactive—and that your impact goes beyond the basics of the role.
Dear Mr. Henson,
My name is Jessie Cherrington. I am excited to apply for the role of Dental Assistant at Sparkling Smiles Whangarei. Having followed Sparkling Smiles' reputation for creating a family-friendly and comfortable environment for patients of all ages, I am especially enthusiastic about applying to a company with such a strong commitment to creating positive dental experiences. My training in the Dentistry program at the University of Otago has instilled in me not only a comprehensive understanding of clinical procedures but also a deep appreciation for the human element in dental care.
Dear James,
I am writing to apply for the dental assistant position I saw online. I have done some work in a dental clinic before and think I would be a good fit. I am friendly, organised, and want to learn more. I hope you will consider me for this job.
Dental assistant cover letter body
After a strong introduction, the body of your cover letter is your chance to show how you build, iterate, and deliver results. Structure your content clearly so the reader can see your impact:
- Begin with a paragraph outlining your product achievements and experience
- Follow with a paragraph connecting your values and approach to the company’s mission or products
- Wrap up with a conclusion that reaffirms your interest and invites further discussion
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
We recommend covering the following key points in your first body paragraph:
-
Clinical experience:
Describe your experience in dental clinics or practices. Clinical experience could include patient preparation, sterilisation procedures, and radiography. Mention your familiarity with tools and workflows common in New Zealand practices, including digital charting systems or NZDA-aligned protocols. Whether you’ve worked in a private clinic, mobile dental service, or with a DHB, be specific about the setting and your responsibilities. -
Technical and administrative skills:
Discuss your knowledge of dental instruments and procedures, as well as administrative tasks such as booking appointments, managing patient records, and handling ACC forms or recalls. If you’re trained in infection prevention, radiographic imaging, or CPR/first aid, don’t forget to expand upon these details! -
Patient care and communication:
Explain how you support patients throughout their visit. Compassion, discretion, and great communication are vital in New Zealand’s dental sector. Share an example of how you helped create a positive experience for someone anxious or supported a clinician with a high-needs patient. -
Health and safety awareness:
Briefly highlight your understanding of health and safety standards, including compliance with the Dental Council of New Zealand’s infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance. Mention if you’ve helped implement or maintain hygiene protocols, audit tools, or PPE management. -
Teamwork and collaboration:
Highlight your ability to work in partnership with dentists, hygienists, and practice managers. A strong team culture is a cornerstone of many dental practices, so show that you contribute to smooth day-to-day operations, support your team during busy clinics, and bring a positive, proactive attitude.
Before writing your cover letter, spend a few minutes reading the dental clinic’s website or social media. Many New Zealand practices share their approach to patient care, community outreach, or team values, and referencing these specifics shows initiative and helps your letter feel personalised and sincere.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation
In your second body paragraph, take the opportunity to show that you’ve looked into the employer and are genuinely aligned with what they stand for. This isn’t just about listing skills, but highlighting how you fit within the company’s culture.
Explore their website, values, or mission, and identify something that speaks to you personally. For example, if you were applying to Lumino The Dentists, a well-regarded provider known for its patient-first approach and accessible care, you might say:
The Otago dental program, renowned for its thoroughness and patient-centred philosophy, uniquely shaped my approach to supporting both dentists and patients. We were encouraged to develop not just technical proficiency but also strong communication and empathy skills. These are qualities I believe are paramount in creating a comfortable and reassuring environment for individuals visiting the dentist.
I am confident in my ability to efficiently manage chairside assistance, maintain impeccable hygiene standards, and provide genuine, friendly support that helps patients feel at ease from the moment they walk through your doors. During my practical placements, which comprised over 300 hours of hands-on experience, I consistently received positive feedback for my calm demeanour and ability to anticipate the needs of both the dentist and the patient.
Beyond the technical and procedural aspects, I am a firm believer in the power of a warm smile and clear communication to alleviate any anxieties patients may have. My academic experience reinforced the importance of building rapport and ensuring each individual feels heard and cared for. One memorable experience involved helping a particularly nervous child feel comfortable during their first filling by explaining each step in simple terms and offering encouragement. I am eager to bring this patient-focused mindset to Sparkling Smiles Whangarei, contributing to a positive and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and confident in the care they receive.
By offering tailored examples and drawing clear connections between your background and the company’s mission, you demonstrate genuine interest and potential to contribute meaningfully.
Call to action & conclusion: a strong close
Close your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering your application and expressing genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to support their team and contribute to positive patient experiences.
End with a respectful and culturally considerate sign-off, such as “Kind regards,” “Ngā mihi nui,” or “Warmest regards,” followed by your full name and contact details.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the potential of joining the dedicated team at Sparkling Smiles and contributing to your reputation for exceptional dental care in Whangarei. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my unique blend of training and warm personality can benefit your practice at your earliest convenience.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jessie Cherrington
Key Takeaways
A well-crafted dental assistant cover letter highlights your clinical skills, patient care abilities, and alignment with the values of the dental practice.
Keep your letter structured, compassionate, and concise—showcasing both your experience and your commitment to supporting oral health in Aotearoa.
If you're ready to create a professional dental assistant cover letter, try our cover letter builder and take the next step toward your career in New Zealand’s growing oral health sector.
