RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Dental Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the most common errors that keep hiring managers from calling you.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps dentists pinpoint frequent resume pitfalls and provides actionable fixes to improve interview chances.
Identify the most common dentist resume errors
Learn ATS‑compatible wording for dental credentials
See before‑and‑after examples tailored to dental practice
Get a quick‑action checklist for a polished resume
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing or Incomplete Licensure InformationHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t verify your legal ability to practice
- ATS filters often require a license keyword
- Lack of details raises doubts about compliance
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Licensure section
- List state, license number, and expiration date
- Use the exact phrase "Dental License"
❌ Before
Licensed Dentist, State Board
✓ After
Licensed General Dentist, State Board of Dentistry, License #D123456, Expires 06/2026
ATS Tip
Include the keyword "Dental License" and the license number in a separate line
Detection Rules
Look for missing "License" or "Certification" fields
Check for absence of expiration date
Resumly Tip
Add a Licensure section with state, number, and expiration to satisfy both humans and ATS.
Vague Patient Care DescriptionsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Fails to demonstrate clinical competence
- Provides no measurable impact for recruiters
- ATS may miss procedure‑specific keywords
How to fix
- Quantify procedures performed per month or year
- Mention specific dental services (e.g., crowns, root canals)
- Add patient satisfaction or outcome metrics
❌ Before
Provided dental care to patients.
✓ After
Performed 150+ restorative procedures monthly, achieving 98% patient satisfaction scores.
ATS Tip
Use keywords like "restorative procedures", "root canal", and "patient satisfaction"
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or specific procedures
No mention of measurable outcomes
Resumly Tip
Replace generic statements with quantified dental services and results.
Listing Irrelevant Software SkillsLOW
Why it hurts
- Consumes valuable space with non‑essential info
- ATS may downgrade relevance if dental software is missing
- Hiring managers look for practice‑management tools
How to fix
- Remove generic Office suite listings unless directly used
- Add dental‑specific software such as Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or digital radiography platforms
- Mention proficiency level (e.g., advanced)
❌ Before
Proficient in Microsoft Office
✓ After
Proficient in Dentrix Practice Management and digital radiography software (Advanced)
ATS Tip
Use exact product names like "Dentrix" and "Eaglesoft"
Detection Rules
Software list includes only generic office apps
No dental‑specific software mentioned
Resumly Tip
Swap generic software for dental‑specific tools to boost relevance.
Omitting Continuing EducationMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Dental field requires ongoing learning; omission suggests stagnation
- ATS often scans for recent courses to gauge up‑to‑date knowledge
- Employers value commitment to professional development
How to fix
- Add a "Continuing Education" section
- List course title, provider, and completion year
- Highlight advanced or specialty courses
❌ Before
(No entry)
✓ After
Continuing Education: Advanced Endodontics, American Dental Association, 2023; Invisalign Certified Provider, Align Technology, 2022
ATS Tip
Use the heading "Continuing Education" and include year for each course
Detection Rules
Missing "Continuing Education" heading
No recent courses listed
Resumly Tip
Show recent dental courses to demonstrate commitment to best practices.
Inconsistent Formatting and FontsLOW
Why it hurts
- Creates an unprofessional appearance
- ATS parsers may misread irregular bullet styles or fonts
- Hiring managers may struggle to scan information quickly
How to fix
- Choose a single professional font (e.g., Arial 11 or Calibri 11)
- Use uniform bullet symbols throughout
- Maintain consistent spacing and margin sizes
❌ Before
Mixed fonts – headings in Times New Roman, body in Arial; bullets alternate between • and –
✓ After
All text in Calibri 11; bullet points consistently use •; headings bolded, same size throughout
ATS Tip
Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman to ensure readability
Detection Rules
Multiple font families detected
Mixed bullet characters present
Resumly Tip
Standardize font and bullet style for a clean, ATS‑friendly layout.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Licensure & Certifications, Clinical Experience, Education, Continuing Education, Professional Affiliations, Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Dentist_Resume
Consistency
Length: One to two pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include full name, phone, email, and LinkedIn URL
- Add a Professional Summary with 3‑4 lines highlighting specialty and years of practice
- List Dental License number, state, and expiration date
- Detail clinical experience with specific procedures and patient outcomes
- Show recent continuing education courses
- Mention dental practice management software proficiency
- Use consistent font (Arial 11) and bullet style
- Proofread for spelling, grammar, and dental terminology
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: General Dentistry, Endodontics, Restorative Dentistry, Patient Care, HIPAA, OSHA, Dental Radiography, Dentrix, Eaglesoft
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Professional Experience" and "Licensure & Certifications"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current dentist resume text
- Remove outdated software skills
- Add specific dental procedures and metrics
- Standardize date format to MM/YYYY
- Highlight licensure number and expiration
Ready to perfect your dentist resume? Get expert help now!
Start My Free Review
