The role of an NHS Dental Surgeon is both prestigious and highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to provide essential oral healthcare to patients across the UK. NHS Dental Surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, from routine check-ups to complex surgical treatments, ensuring the oral health of the community is maintained to the highest standards. Beyond the intrinsic satisfaction of helping others, the role comes with a competitive salary, typically ranging from £38,000 for early-career positions to over £80,000 for experienced specialists, depending on your grade, experience, and location. Given the responsibilities and high standards expected, crafting an interview-winning NHS Dental Surgeon CV template
is critical for securing your ideal position.
Understanding the NHS Dental Surgeon Role
Before diving into CV writing, it’s crucial to understand the job description. NHS Dental Surgeons are expected to:
Diagnose and treat dental conditions and diseases
Perform surgical procedures such as extractions, root canals, and implants
Provide preventative care advice to patients
Maintain accurate patient records and adhere to NHS protocols
Collaborate with a team of dental professionals to ensure high-quality care
The role demands a combination of technical skill, attention to detail, and excellent patient communication. Employers look for candidates who can demonstrate both clinical expertise and a professional, compassionate approach.
Why a Strong CV is Essential
A compelling CV is your first impression. In a competitive field like NHS dentistry, a CV example that clearly highlights your qualifications, experience, and achievements can make the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked. A strong CV should be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific NHS role you are applying for.
Key Sections for an NHS Dental Surgeon CV Template
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should be concise, yet impactful. It’s your opportunity to summarise your professional background, areas of expertise, and career aspirations. Focus on your clinical skills, patient care experience, and your commitment to NHS values. For example:
“Dedicated NHS Dental Surgeon with 5 years’ experience in general and surgical dentistry, committed to delivering high-quality patient care and advancing oral health within the NHS framework.”
Professional Experience
Highlight your clinical roles in chronological order, emphasising achievements and responsibilities rather than just duties. Use action verbs like “performed,” “managed,” “implemented,” and “led” to convey impact. Include details such as:
Number of patients treated per week
Types of procedures performed
Special projects or improvements introduced in the clinic
Example:
Senior Dental Surgeon – XYZ NHS Trust | 2019–Present
Performed complex extractions and root canal treatments for 50+ patients per week
Implemented a new patient record system, reducing errors by 30%
Mentored junior dental staff and supervised clinical training programs
Education and Qualifications
Include all relevant degrees, certifications, and postgraduate training. Mention the institution, year of completion, and any distinctions or honours. Highlight NHS-specific training, such as clinical audits or regulatory compliance courses.
Skills
List both clinical and soft skills, including:
Surgical dentistry expertise
Patient communication and care
Team leadership and mentoring
Time management and organisational skills
Familiarity with NHS protocols and dental software
Professional Memberships
Include memberships with professional bodies like the British Dental Association (BDA) or General Dental Council (GDC) registration status.
Tips for Graduates Writing Their First NHS Dental Surgeon CV
Graduates should focus on academic excellence, placements, and any practical experience gained during training. Highlight internships, dental outreach programs, or research projects that demonstrate your readiness for a clinical role.
Advice for Mid-Level Professionals
If you have several years of experience, emphasise your clinical achievements, leadership roles, and contributions to team efficiency. Show measurable results, such as patient satisfaction scores, reduction in procedural errors, or mentorship success.
Advice for Senior Management Roles
For those seeking senior or consultant-level positions, highlight strategic initiatives, management experience, budget oversight, and training programs led. Your CV should demonstrate both clinical excellence and leadership acumen.
General CV Structure
Personal Details and Contact Information
Professional Summary / Personal Statement
Key Skills
Professional Experience
Education and Qualifications
Professional Memberships
Awards and Recognitions (if applicable)
References (optional, can be “available upon request”)
Do’s and Don’ts on an NHS Dental Surgeon CV
Do:
Tailor your CV to the specific NHS role
Use strong action verbs and measurable achievements
Keep the CV concise (2–3 pages)
Include relevant professional memberships and certifications
Ensure formatting is clean, professional, and easy to read
Don’t:
Include irrelevant work experience
Use jargon or abbreviations that may not be universally understood
Exaggerate your experience or skills
Forget to proofread for spelling and grammatical errors
Submit a generic CV without personalising it to the NHS role
Final Thoughts
Creating a high-impact CV template for NHS Dental Surgeon roles requires attention to detail, clear presentation of your clinical achievements, and a confident, professional tone. Whether you are a graduate, mid-career professional, or senior manager, the right CV can open doors to interviews and ultimately your dream NHS role.
Ready to make your CV and LinkedIn profile truly stand out? Book an appointment with our expert team to get personalised guidance and elevate your professional brand: Book Your Appointment. With over 25 years of career coaching experience, we’ll help you craft a winning NHS Dental Surgeon CV that gets results.
