If you’re applying for a trainee dental nurse job, your CV is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on a dental practice. But it’s not just about ticking the right boxes — creating a CV that stands out visually and shows your commitment to learning and developing your skills is crucial. As someone who’s been on both sides of the interview table, I can tell you that employers appreciate a well-thought-out, engaging CV. Here’s how you can craft the perfect CV to get noticed.
Make Your CV Visually Appealing
First impressions count, and while the content of your CV is essential, the presentation also matters. A plain, black-and-white CV can easily blend into the pile, making it harder to stand out. Many employers appreciate CVs that are visually appealing — professional, but with a touch of creativity.
One tool I recommend is Canva, which offers free, customizable CV templates. With Canva, you can create a CV that’s both engaging and easy to read, showcasing your personality while keeping things professional. A well-designed CV can help catch the eye of employers, especially when it’s clear and organised.
My own CV, before I started running Dental Nurse Network, was created using InDesign, which required IT skills, and it included a professional photo. Interviewers often commented positively on its design and layout. While having IT skills helped me create a polished CV at the time, the good news is that with tools like Canva, you don’t need technical skills to create a beautiful, professional CV. Canva makes it easy for anyone to design something that stands out.
While some employers may prefer a more traditional format, a creative layout often leaves a strong, positive impression. Even in more formal settings, a thoughtfully crafted CV can stand out if you get it right.
Include Your Personal Details
At the top of your CV, include your full name, phone number, email address, and location (you don’t need to provide your full address — just the town or city). If you have a LinkedIn profile or an online CV, make sure to add those too, as they can give employers more insight into your background.
When it comes to your email address, make sure it’s professional — something like This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Avoid informal or outdated email addresses, as they may give the wrong impression.
Also, some email providers can have issues with delivering or receiving emails. In my experience, Gmail tends to be the most reliable with fewer issues regarding delivery. A dental practice might email you back, and you don’t want to miss a response due to email provider issues. While Gmail is a solid choice, feel free to use any provider that reliably sends and receives messages.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement (or career objective) is a brief introduction that highlights who you are and why you’re the right fit for the role. Keep it focused and tailored to the specific position you’re applying for.
Example:
“I am an enthusiastic and compassionate individual and am eager to start my career as a trainee dental nurse. I am passionate about learning and growing in the dental field, and I am dedicated to providing excellent patient care. I am committed to developing my skills and becoming a valuable member of the dental team.”
Highlight Relevant Skills (Even If You’re New to Dental Nursing)
Even if you’re new to dental nursing, you still have valuable skills to showcase. Highlight any transferable skills from previous jobs, such as customer service, communication, teamwork, or organisation. These are all crucial in a dental setting as well.
If you don’t yet have any dental nursing experience, that’s okay! You can still demonstrate your commitment to learning about the profession. There are plenty of free and affordable resources online where you can take introductory courses or brush up on relevant skills.
Showcase Your Education and Qualifications
Your education section should be concise and focused. List any qualifications, starting with the most recent. If you’re currently studying or completing a course, mention the expected completion date. Even if your qualifications aren’t dental-specific, they can still demonstrate your learning ability and dedication.
Make Your Work Experience Relevant
Even if you’ve never worked in a dental practice, think about roles where you developed skills that apply to dental nursing. Customer service, communication and organisation are all key elements of the job. Describe how your previous experiences helped you build these abilities.
Show How You’re Developing Yourself
Even if you don’t have direct experience in dental nursing, there are many ways to demonstrate your commitment to the role. One of the best ways to stand out is to show that you’ve taken the initiative to learn about the role of a dental nurse.
For example, at Dental Nurse Network, we offer a wide range of articles on the responsibilities and skills required to be a successful dental nurse. By reading these articles and gaining insight into the profession, you can show potential employers that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the job.
Additionally, our Introduction to Dental Nursing course is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to learning, even if you’re just starting out. If the course isn’t an option for you at this stage, consider buying a dental nursing book online. Doing so will not only make you stand out but also give you a head start on understanding the role, making you better prepared when you begin the NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing or another qualification.
There are also many free dental nursing resources available online. Taking advantage of these can help you learn more about the profession and demonstrate your initiative.
While waiting for job interviews, you could also improve your IT skills, which can be useful in many dental practices that use dental computer systems for patient management and scheduling. Although not essential, good IT skills can give you an edge. You could also take short courses in communication, which are crucial for working effectively in a dental setting. There are plenty of free or affordable learning opportunities online that will help you build your CV and demonstrate your initiative.
By showing employers that you’ve taken steps to educate yourself about dental nursing, you’ll position yourself as someone who’s proactive and ready to succeed in the role.
Tailor Your CV to Each Job and Practice
When applying for jobs, it’s important to personalise your CV and cover letter for each role. Do some research about the practice you’re applying to and reflect that in your application. This could be as simple as mentioning their mission or values, or explaining why you’re excited to work with them.
If you can, try to find out the practice’s name and email them directly with your CV and cover letter. On platforms like Indeed, managers can easily be flooded with applications, so showing extra effort and persistence can help you stand out. Indeed also offers options to complete free tests to highlight your skills or leave voice recordings — I definitely recommend doing all you can to showcase your strengths.
Perseverance goes a long way — I got my first job as a dental nurse because I wouldn’t stop calling the practice! Your dedication and effort will not go unnoticed.
Proofread and Be Sure to Include References
Before sending your CV, make sure it’s error-free. Spelling or grammar mistakes can give the wrong impression, so double-check everything. There are plenty of free editing tools available online that can help you catch errors, but it’s also a good idea to get someone proficient in English to review your CV as well. I often see errors in CVs, and with all the free editing software out there, there’s no reason not to take the time to get it right.
You can end your CV with the statement “References available upon request”, or you can list your references if you’ve already obtained permission from your referees.
Persistence and Commitment Pay Off
Your CV is more than just a list of qualifications — it’s your opportunity to show your commitment to learning and growing in the role of a dental nurse. Take advantage of the wealth of online learning resources, and don’t be afraid to show your perseverance when applying to practices.
Remember, even if you don’t have dental experience yet, you can develop relevant skills while you apply for jobs. Show that you’re willing to go the extra mile, whether it’s improving your communication, taking online courses, or even following up with potential employers. When you show initiative, managers take notice!
It’s also crucial to make sure you’re applying to the right practice — one that will fully support you in your dental nurse training. Not every practice is the same, so take the time to find a workplace that will invest in your growth and development. Most practices will support your training, but they also need to see a strong commitment from you in return. Show them that you’re ready to put in the effort to learn and grow, and you’ll find the right fit.
Additional Resources for Trainee Dental Nurses
For more tips, guidance, and resources to help you succeed in your dental nursing career, check out these helpful tools and articles:
