Introduction
A CV, while it may seem to be a very clinical document, is not just that. It says a lot about you. Things as basic as the formatting and alignment show the committee the kind of applicant you are. So the CV is not merely a list of qualifications. And when it comes to applying for advanced standing dental programs, it’s one of the first documents the admissions committee will see.
But here’s the thing: They don’t want to see a generic document. They want to see you, your journey, your clinical exposure, your academic curiosity, and your commitment to dentistry in all forms.
So, how do you write a CV that actually gets noticed? Let’s break it down section by section.
First, What Should Your CV Include?
Let’s break down the core sections your dental CV should have, and more importantly, why they matter.
Personal Information and Contact Information
This should go right at the top. Clean and easy to find.
Include:
Full name
Phone number (with country code if international)
Professional email address
LinkedIn profile (only if it’s updated and dental-specific)
Optional: Address (city, state, and country)
Pro tip: Don’t waste valuable space on headers like “Curriculum Vitae.” Start with your name.
Education
This is the backbone of your academic identity. Start with your most recent degree and work backwards. For each one, include:
- Degree earned (e.g., BDS, DDS, DMD)
- University or dental school name
- City and country
- Graduation month and year
- Honors or distinctions (e.g., class rank, cum laude, gold medals)
- Relevant coursework (only if especially impressive or relevant)
For example:
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): ABC Dental College, Mumbai, India
March 2021
Ranked 2nd in class of 100
If you’ve taken coursework or done a project that’s especially relevant to dentistry, like a thesis on biomaterials or an anatomy dissection lab, absolutely mention it. It shows depth and curiosity. Lastly, but most importantly, if you have any academic achievements, highlight them under the relevant degree and give a brief description.
Dental Experience
This section is where you shine as a future clinician. Be clear, specific, and organized. This is often the heart of a dental CV. Show not just what you did, but the depth and breadth of your hands-on experience.
For each experience, include:
- Title/Role (e.g., Dental Intern, General Dentist, Associate Dentist)
- Clinic/Hospital name
- City and country
- Dates (Month/Year to Month/Year)
- Description of your responsibilities, procedures performed, patient volume, and specialties observed
For example:
General Dentist
SmileCare Dental Clinic, Delhi, India
July 2021 – August 20231. Treated 10–15 patients daily across general and restorative dentistry.
2. Performed over 300 restorative procedures, including Class I–V composite fillings.
3. Assisted in minor oral surgeries and managed post-op care
4. Handled pediatric cases and patients with dental anxiety using non-pharmacologic techniques.
5. Used digital radiography and intraoral scanners (3Shape)
There are certain things that you want to highlight while talking about the experiences. They are:
- Variety of procedures (restorative, endodontic, surgical)
- Special populations (children, geriatric, anxious patients)
- Technology use (CAD/CAM, RVG, lasers)
- Teamwork or leadership (mentoring, collaborating with assistants or specialists)
Also, if you’ve worked in departments like oral surgery, prosthodontics, or periodontics, say so. Mentioning things like “assisted in a condylectomy” or “managed post-op care for periodontal flap surgeries” shows you’re comfortable with complexity.
Observerships and Shadowing
Especially important if you’re an international dentist with limited U.S. exposure. While assisting is the best form of showing that you have good exposure and hands-on experience in US dentistry, shadowing and observerships are the next best thing. Here is what you should talk about:
- Dentist’s name and specialization
- Clinic or university
- Dates
- Number of hours
- Key procedures or cases observed
For example:
Observer, Dr. Lisa Warren (Prosthodontist)
BrightSmile Dental, Chicago, IL | Jan – March 20241. Shadowed 120 hours
2. Observed full-mouth rehabilitations, implant placement, and shade-matching in aesthetic cases
CV building and LOR FAQs answered for US Dental Schools
Non-Dental Experience
This might surprise you, but non-dental roles matter too, as long as they show relevant skills.
Think leadership, communication, multitasking, and responsibility.
For example:
“Managed a team of 10 volunteers during a public health awareness drive.”
“Worked part-time as a science tutor for undergraduates.”
These roles show you’re more than just your dental skills. They show you’re capable, organized, and adaptable.
Community Service & Volunteering
Dental schools love applicants with a service mindset. If you’ve volunteered at dental camps, participated in oral hygiene drives, or worked with underserved communities, include it.
Be specific about your role and the impact.
For example:
“Led a dental screening camp in rural Maharashtra, reaching 300+ patients in two days.”
“Volunteered at SmileBright Foundation to educate children on brushing techniques.”
Also, consistency counts. A one-time camp is great, but if you’ve done it regularly, that commitment speaks volumes.
Research Experience
If you’ve done dental research, don’t hold back. This section shows you’re curious, analytical, and engaged with the field beyond just clinical work.
Include:
- Project title
- Your role (PI, co-investigator, assistant)
- Institution or lab
- Dates
- A short 1–2 line description
- Status (published, in progress, under review)
- Conferences or presentations (posters/orals)
For example:
Co-author, “Efficacy of Herbal Alternatives in Periodontal Therapy”
XYZ Dental College, India | Jan 2021 – Dec 20211. Conducted a clinical trial comparing chlorhexidine and neem-based mouthwashes.
2. Under review at the Indian Journal of Dental Research
In addition to research papers, you can also add the following things:
- Poster presentations
- Case reports (even if not published yet)
- Any publications (list in APA or MLA style if applicable)
And don’t forget to mention tools or technologies used, digital scanning, SEM analysis, patient survey design, anything that shows technical and academic rigor.
Remember, even if your work didn’t get published, the experience still counts. What did you explore? What did you learn? That’s what matters.
Certifications and Licensure
This section tells the admissions committee that you’re serious about your professional development and proves you’re qualified and proactive. So the following this should ideally be included therein:
- National and international dental licenses
- Board exams passed (NBDE/INBDE)
- Credential evaluations (WES/ECE)
- CPR, HIPAA, OSHA, and Infection Control training
- Invisalign or any other product-specific certifications
- Country-specific registrations (e.g., DCI in India, GDC in the UK)
For example::
1. National Board Dental Examination Part I & II (Passed 2023)
2. Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association, 2024
3. ECE Credential Evaluation – GPA: 3.97/4.0
Also, if you’ve had your credentials evaluated by agencies like ECE or WES, list that too. It shows you’ve done your homework and are prepared for the U.S. system.
Continuing Dental Education (CDE) and Hands-On Courses
This is where you show initiative and passion. CDEs prove that you’re not just doing the bare minimum. You’re actively staying up to date with techniques and technologies.
For each course, list:
- Course title
- Provider or platform
- Duration or CE hours
- Date
- Key learnings or skills
For example:
Advanced Endodontic Therapy
Indian Dental Association, Online | 15 CDE Hours | April 2024
Focused on modern rotary instrumentation, apex locators, and obturation techniques.
Do not list down each CE Course that you have undertaken. Choose 3–5 that are:
- U.S.-based or ADA-approved (if possible)
- Recent (within the last 2 years)
- Relevant to the specialties or technologies you’re interested in
Also, if you’ve taken hands-on courses (especially in the U.S.), highlight them. It signals that you’re already adapting to a different dental environment.
Awards and Recognitions
Awards are proof that others recognize your skills and contributions, whether academic, clinical, or personal. When you mention them, discuss:
- Name of the award
- Who gave it
- Why you got it
For example:
“Recipient of the ‘Star Intern’ award for outstanding patient care and professionalism during clinical training.”
These add color to your CV and help paint a more complete picture of your journey.
Extracurriculars
This is your bonus section. It’s your chance to show who you are outside of dental school.
Think leadership, initiative, and consistency. Were you part of a college sports team? Did you help organize cultural fests or science fairs? These show energy, people skills, and time management.
And if you’ve done something unique, like playing classical guitar or running a blog on oral health, mention it. These things humanize your profile and make you memorable.
Common Mistakes That Can Ruin an Otherwise Good CV
- Too long or too vague. Stick to 1–2 pages. Prioritize quality over quantity. Cut fluff.
- Messy formatting. Use consistent fonts, bullet points, and clear headings.
- Typos or grammar errors. These signal carelessness. Always proofread.
- Missing dates. Always include months and years for each experience.
- Copy-paste jobs. Avoid generic statements. Your CV should feel uniquely yours.
- Overstating achievements. Be confident, but honest. Integrity matters.
A Few Final Things to Remember
- Use reverse chronological order in every section.
- Highlight impact and outcomes, not just tasks.
- Align your CV with what each program values (clinical excellence, community outreach, research).
- Use action words: performed, managed, assisted, observed, collaborated.
- If you have a gap in your timeline, address it briefly and show what you did during that time (courses, shadowing, etc.).
For Schools That Need a Specific CV Format
Not all dental schools are the same. Some love community outreach. Others focus more on research. Take time to look through each program’s website, mission statement, or even talk to current students. And for schools that need a
If a program emphasizes service, move your volunteering section up and flesh it out. If it’s a research-heavy school, lead with your academic or research work.
Doing this extra step can make a huge difference and shows that you’re genuinely invested in joining that program, not just any program.
Conclusion
Your CV is your voice before you ever speak. It’s a professional handshake, a highlight reel, and a story all rolled into one.
If you treat it as just a boring list, it’ll read like one. But if you treat it as your personal pitch, clear, confident, and honest, it can open doors.
So keep it tight, stay true to your journey, and let your passion for dentistry shine through.
