How to write a dental assistant cover letter?

Unless you know the basics of writing a cover letter, curating an impressive dental assistant cover letter can be a hassle.

That’s why many job seekers don’t even consider sending a cover letter with their resumes even though studies show that 56% of employers want candidates to attach one.

So, what does this mean for you?

Your dental assistant cover letter can very well increase your chances of being noticed by employers and getting shortlisted.

However, not just any thoughtless letter will make this possible for you.

Your dental assistant cover letter has to be tailored in compliance with the clinic/hospital you are targeting, to make an actual difference in your candidacy.

Read on to learn more about dental assistant cover letters and the following related FAQS:

• What is a dental assistant cover letter?
• How to write a cover letter for dental assistant job?
• What is the job of a dental assistant?
• How to write a cover letter for dental assistant with no experience?
• What is a good dental assistant cover letter sample?

Also read: A guide for writing a job-winning dental assistant resume

What is a Dental Assistant Cover Letter?

A dental assistant cover letter is a document that supports your resume when you send out applications for job vacancies.

Yes, it is extra work but as stated earlier, it can boost your chances of getting a callback for an interview.

And while your dental assistant resume cannot provide explanations or give a more in-depth insight into your career trajectory, a cover letter can.

Through your dental assistant cover letter, you can:

• Explain your reasons for having career gaps or an incomplete degree
• Mention any referral that you may have
• Provide your reasons for wanting to work for the particular clinic/hospital
• Talk more about your accomplishments and how you can use those experiences to benefit the clinic/hospital

However, you must ensure that your dental assistant cover letter is only a page long with no grammatical errors or spelling mistakes.

Also read: How to write a brilliant cover letter for your resume in 2022?

Dental Assistant Duties

To draft a great dental assistant cover letter, you must be aware of the expectations and responsibilities that come with the role.

You will be able to showcase yourself as the best candidate for the job through your cover letter if drafted the right way.

The following are some of the general dental assistant duties:

• Assisting the dentist with various dental procedures like fillings, extractions, and crowns
• Preparing patients for dental procedures and treatments while ensuring their comfort
• Setting up necessary equipment and tools before the patient’s treatment
• Sterilizing tools, instruments, and ensuring compliance with state regulations
• Performing administrative tasks like answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, responding to emails and queries, etc.
• Apprising patients with post-op guidelines, safety, and proper oral hygiene practices
• Overseeing and maintaining inventory of medical supplies and tools
• Keeping an accurate record of patient details and their medical history
• Ensuring hygiene of the overall clinic and cleaning up after patient treatments

Now, the mentioned list is only a generalized version of the responsibilities of a dental assistant and the duties can vary in every job listing.

You must, therefore, always refer to the job listing while writing your dental assistant cover letter so that you have a clear understanding of the recruiters’ requirements.

Accordingly, you can draft your letter in a way that demonstrates how you can meet those requirements and double up your chances of getting hired.

Also read: Dental assistant top interview Q&As

How to Write a Dental Assistant Cover Letter?

Here are some tips and guidelines you must follow to make sure that your dental assistant cover letter hits the mark:

1. Choose a Suitable Cover Letter Template

The format that you choose for your dental assistant cover letter is equally important as the content of your letter.

The spacing, font size, and template design dictate how your cover letter appeals to the recruiter, and if your dental assistant cover letter template is not a suitable one, the recruiter might not consider reading it altogether.

Here’s what you can do to ensure that your cover letter follows the right format:

• Provide 1” margins on all sides of the letter
• Ensure that the contents of your letter are aligned to the left side of the page to comply with the guidelines of a standard business letter format
• Pick 1 or 1.15 line spacing
• Use double spaces between paragraphs
• Choose 10-12 points font size
• Select a font type that is reader-friendly and professional

2. Provide Correct Details in Your Dental Assistant Cover Letter Header

The header of your dental assistant cover letter must include the following details:

• Your full name with an initial of your middle name (if you have one)
• A functional contact number with ISD code and a “+” sign before the number
• A professional email address
• Your current location (state and city)
• A link to your online portfolio or website
• Your current job title/designation

Also read: Dos and don'ts of a cover letter heading

3. Personalize the Salutation of Your Dental Assistant Cover Letter

Consider doing ample research about your employer to find the name of the hiring manager so that you can directly address your dental cover letter with his/her name.

This right here is the key to leveling up your cover letter and immediately grabbing the recruiter’s attention because most candidates will not bother making this extra effort.

Instead of writing generic salutations like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”, personalize it by writing “Dear Mr./Ms. (their last name)”.

Hiration Pro Tip: Avoid using “Mrs.” or “Miss” to address a female hiring manager and always use “Ms.” or their professional title such as “Dr.” or “Prof.” (if they have one).

Also read: How to address a cover letter

4. Write a Catchy First Paragraph

The first paragraph of your dental cover letter should serve as an intriguing introduction to your professional self, highlighting the best of your accomplishments.

If you have any referrals, you can also mention the same in this first paragraph.

Ensure to focus on the proven track record of your skills and write the years of professional experience that you have.

5. Demonstrate How You Can Meet the Recruiter’s Requirements

Remember the research that you did to find the hiring manager’s name and the job listing you set aside for reference?

Leverage that information here and tailor the contents of your dental assistant cover letter to demonstrate how you can meet the requirements of the recruiter.

For instance, if in the job listing, they have listed developing dental radiographs as one of the top duties of the candidate, ensure to write about your experience in taking a patient’s dental radiographs.

Likewise, ensure to keep the medical establishment (who you’re drafting your dental cover letter to/for) in the loop and talk about how you identify with their values and work culture.

Doing so will not only show the recruiters that you’ve customized your dental assistant cover letter especially for their establishment but will also help them envision you as the perfect candidate.

Keep the body of your dental assistant cover letter concise and avoid fluff. Highlight only your most notable and relevant achievements.

Also, be wary of grammatical errors and minor spelling mistakes. Proofread your dental assistant cover letter thoroughly.

6. End Your Dental Assistant Cover Letter with a CTA

After slaving away writing a compelling dental assistant cover letter, you need to seal the deal and end your letter urging the recruiters for a callback.

Not a desperate plea, but a strong Call to Action that instigates a positive response.

Here’s an example:

“Enclosed for your consideration is my resume. I'd appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my suitability and qualifications with you on call or in person. I am available at 444 3333 5555 or xyz@hiration.com.
Sincerely,
XYZ”

Also read: How to draft a stellar dentist resume

Dental Assistant Cover Letter with No Experience

The fundamentals while writing an entry-level dental assistant cover letter are the same as that of an experienced dental assistant cover letter.

Right from the format to how you personalize and refer to the job listing to tailor the content of your dental assistant cover letter, you must follow the same approach.

The only difference here is, rather than writing about past work experiences, you must talk about your academic achievements, internships, volunteer experiences, and vocational training that you may have had.

Write about your sincere desire to put the knowledge and skills that you have acquired through your education to practice, and don’t forget to keep the recruiter in the loop.

Also read: How to write an impressive cover letter for students

Dental Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Key Points from the Blog

• Assisting the dentist with dental treatments and performing administrative tasks are some of the general duties of a dental assistant.
• Your dental assistant cover letter template must have a proper format with appropriate font size & type, spacing, and margins.
• Personalize your dental assistant cover letter by addressing the letter with the hiring manager’s name.
• Highlight your most noteworthy achievements in your dental assistant cover letter to demonstrate how you can meet the requirements of the recruiters.
• Keep your dental cover letter concise and proofread the letter thoroughly.
• End your dental assistant cover letter with a CTA.
• If you are writing an entry-level dental assistant cover letter, focus on highlighting your academic achievements and the knowledge & skills that you have acquired through your education.

Simplify the process of writing your dental assistant cover letter by using Hiration’s AI-powered cover letter builder. If you have any queries, you can reach out to us at support@hiration.com.