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Updated on: March 27, 2026

Lately, we have received a steady stream of questions about what actually belongs on a dentist’s CV. This guide will show you how to create a professional dentist CV: what to include and to provide professional references.

This is simply for the purpose of CV content. Formatting is not included. When it comes to building your CV, the most important rule is to keep it simple. Just because you know how to do some fancy formatting graphics and tables, doesn’t mean you should. You want the hiring manager to focus entirely on your content and career achievements, rather than the design of the page.

The Difference Between a Dental Resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

It helps to first understand the difference between these two common application documents.

• A Resume acts as a brief, high-level summary of your career.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) provides a complete, detailed record of your professional and academic history.

Most dental practices looking to hire expect to see a resume at the very minimum. However, practice owners and hiring managers almost always prefer a complete CV. A full CV gives them a much deeper understanding of your clinical skills, continuing education, and overall professional background.

Letters of recommendation, copies of your dental licenses, and proof of certifications can wait until later in the hiring process. Do not provide these extra documents at the time of your initial application. Wait until the practice explicitly asks for them, which usually happens after a successful interview.

Essential Sections to Include in Your CV

Creating a standout dentist CV requires a strategic approach to organizing your professional background. Hiring managers and practice owners look for specific details to assess your clinical capabilities and cultural fit. Here is a breakdown of the essential sections you need to include to make a strong impression.

Contact Information and Professional Details

Start your Dentist CV with clear, up-to-date contact details so practices can easily reach you. Be sure to include:

• Name, DMD/DDS
• ADDRESS
• City State, Zip
• Home Phone
• Cell Phone
• Email address
• Website (if applicable)

Dental Licenses (Active and Inactive)

Clearly display your current credentials so potential employers know you are legally cleared to practice dentistry. Be sure to include:

• State – Licenses number
• DEA license

For additional guidance on state board licensure questions, you can always visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website to find the most recently updated contact information.

Professional Career Goals

Open the main body of your Dentist CV with a brief, impactful objective. Consider including:

• Clinical strengths and areas of expertise
• Career aspirations
• Practice environment your seeking

Education

List your academic history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent dental degree. Be sure to include:

• Dental School, City, State, Graduation Year, notable honors
• Undergrad School, City, State, Graduation Year, notable honors
• Do not include high school or early education. If you have another post-graduate degree you should list it.
• Always list degrees starting from most recent to the oldest.

Residency and/or Notable CE

• Program Name, City, State, Month/Year completed
• Notable CE may be LVI, Kois, Spears, etc.

Practice Ownership and/or Employment History

Detail your practical experience in a clear, organized manner. For each position, be sure to include:

• Business Name
• Position
• Month and year start thru Month and year end
• Achievements, strengths, productions, notable skills.

Recruiter Tip: Quantify your experience wherever possible. Including metrics like number of patients treated, procedures performed, or production values. This helps practice owners clearly see the value you bring to their team.

Professional Honors

List fellowships, distinguished awards, etc.

Professional Membership

List organizations/study clubs you are part of and offices held. Include location.

Community Service

List community organizations you are involved in and offices held. Include location.

References

Prepare a solid list of at least three and no more than five professional references to share when requested. Always ask your references for permission before listing them on your Dentist CV and notify them each time you submit there information to a practice. Choose individuals who can confidently vouch for your clinical character and work ethic, such as:

• Professional Colleagues
• Supervisors
• Respected community members

For each reference, be sure to include:

• Name
• Professional Title
• Company
• Address (city, state, zipcode)
• Phone number
• Email (if available)
• Website (if available)
• Your relationship to this person

Creating an effective dentist CV is all about clarity, organization, and thoughtful detail. The tips and insights shared here were developed by the expert Dental Recruiters at ETS Dental, who have helped over 5,200 Dentists and Dental Specialists find their dream opportunity at no cost to the candidate. Our goal is to help dentists navigate the dental hiring landscape with practical strategies and confidence. By following these recommendations you give practice owners exactly what they need to evaluate your candidacy. Take these tips and make them your own; a clear, well-crafted CV can set you apart in a competitive field and help you take the next step in your dental career with confidence.

Ready to find your next position? Search our job board and take the next step in your dental journey!