Dentist CV Example & Writing Guide

CV Formatting For Dentists

As a dentist, optimising your CV to ensure it appears professional and tailored for the intended audience is essential. One effective approach is to arrange your CV in reverse chronological order. Reverse chronological order lists your employment history and educational achievements from most recent to least recent, and it is the most common CV format. Unsure of what to include or need further guidance? Don't worry! Our cvapp.nz guide is here to lend a hand and get you sorted quickly.

Personal Statements: illustrate your professional story

Your personal statement is positioned at the top of your CV, and it’s one of the first sections employers notice. Like the opening of a book, it should grab the attention of the reader and make them want to continue reading more about you. You should aim to keep it concise, ideally no more than four to five sentences, however don't be afraid to include any relevant details that help you stand out from other applicants. Whether it's your unique set of skills or your past experience, make sure to highlight what makes you different and valuable to potential employers.

Employment History: detail your dentistry experience 

After your personal statement comes your employment history. Your employment history section is the most important part of your CV. This is where you showcase your relevant experiences and demonstrate why you're the best fit for the job, including any internships or formal positions you've held. To make the most impact, we suggest organising your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent experience and working your way back. In this section, you should include the name of the company, the duration of your employment, and a summary of your roles and responsibilities during your time there. This is where you can really highlight your professional profile and hook potential employers in. Did you work as a dental assistant? Have you already had extensive experience working as a dentist? Include all of your details here!

CV Skills: your professional strengths 

As a healthcare professional, employers will be looking for exceptional candidates with a particular set of qualifications and specialised skills. From disease diagnosis to dental anatomy, you'll want to include skills that highlight why you're the ideal candidate for the role. It's not only the technical expertise that matters, though; soft skills like active listening and effective communication are equally vital for success in healthcare. We recommend a balance of both hard and soft skills, and with our A.I-powered skills suggestion tool, we make this easy! Check out our skill section example below:

Education: a toolkit for success

When it comes to securing a career as a dentist, your educational credentials play an essential role in helping you secure your next job. Potential employers are likely to pay close attention to your academic background to ensure that you meet the educational requirements to become a dentist as according to New Zealand law. You'll want to include the details behind the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree programme you've completed, including the institution you've received your degree from, the years you attended this institution, and any other relevant details. You'll typically want to detail your qualifications in this section from most recent to least recent. Additionally, if you have any exceptional academic accomplishments or scholarships, adding them will heighten your chances of getting noticed by employers.