Orthodontist Resume Examples and Tips

Orthodontists address dental problems like teeth alignment, jaw development and cavities, with tasks including designing, fabricating, and installing orthodontic appliances to realign teeth and jaws.

Use our pro tips and resume examples to build the resume that nabs you the right orthodontist job position.

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Orthodontist

Top 4 Characteristics of a Best-in-Class Orthodontist Resume

  1. Summary In a few sentences, your summary statement will give an overview of your top work experiences, achievements and skills, emphasizing key traits that fit what the job needs, such as communication skills or patient education.
  2. Skills Focus on a balance of hard skills, such as knowledge of specific orthodontic appliances, and soft (intangible) skills that show how you approach your work, such as a pleasant demeanor, teamwork, or an entrepreneurial spirit.
  3. Work history Give examples of how you’ve successfully used your best skills, using numbers and details when possible. For example: “Examined and fitted 30 patients a week for braces and other orthodontic appliances.” 
  4. Education Feature your dentistry degree front and center here, along with the name and location of the institution where you received your accreditation. You should also include any additional training or certifications you’ve gained, such as an ABO Board certification.

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Find the Right Template for your Resume

Get an edge on other job applicants by giving your resume a polished, professional look using these templates.

Artistic

With subtle diving lines between sections and a striking two-tone header, this layout brings a bit of flair to your resume without sacrificing readability.

Standout

This template arranges section headings on the left for easy navigation. The dot-graphic layout and monogram header design provides a unique look.

Pacific

Straightforward and streamlined, this design features a strong header, with plenty of leeway to customize your content, depending on if you want to emphasize skills or work history.

Choose from our complete assortment of free resume templates to build your own resume in minutes.

Do’s and Don’ts for Your Resume

  • DO make sure your resume addresses the job’s needs.A “one size fits all” resume will never present your best case for a job. Instead, customize your resume for each job based on the job’s requirements, as you’ll find in the job description. For example, if the job calls for “designing and creating tooth molds,” list skills (e.g., “tooth mold design and creation”) and experiences (e.g., “Designed and created tooth molds for patients”) that fit. For more tips on customizing your resume, see How to Create a Targeted Resume.
  • DO use bullet points and short phrases.A resume that’s wall-to-wall text isn’t just an eyesore, but it risks losing the interest of hiring managers. Use short, crisp bullet points and phrases to describe your skills and work experience rather than long sentences. Give your statements punch by starting them with energetic verbs such as “managed” or “oversaw,” rather than more passive phrases like “Responsible for.”
  • DO use a straightforward layout for your resume.In the same vein, present your resume in a layout that’s organized and easy to read. Some use unorthodox resume fonts and graphic elements to stand out, but it can confuse readers (as well as the applicant tracking systems they use to scan resumes). Each section should be clearly outlined to make your resume more readable. Our Resume Builder can help create a resume that is properly formatted and easy to scan.
  • DON’T lie or exaggerate.Stretching the truth about your credentials can result in consequences that go beyond losing a job. Be honest and straightforward about your abilities and qualifications, and if you think you’re short on certain qualifications, make it up in other ways — mention skills and experiences that show you can quickly pick up new training.
  • DON’T get overlong with your resume.A recruiter spends only a few seconds reviewing a resume on average, so aim for a length of two pages at most. Limit yourself to your last 10 years of work history, highlight 8-10 of your best skills instead of laundry-listing them, and for each previous job you’ve had, come up with three bullet points highlighting your accomplishments and top responsibilities.