This guide will take your cover letter from generic template to interview magnet. We’ll reveal exactly how to start with maximum impact, prove your worth through quantified clinical achievements, and finish with confidence. Plus, you’ll discover insider tips on what Australian dental practices are really looking for, complete with real examples that actually work. Whether you’re a new graduate seeking your first position or bringing your dental nursing expertise to a larger practice, we’ve got you covered.
Dental Nurse Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Sarah Thompson
[email protected]
0429 543 876
linkedin.com/in/sarahthompson
Brisbane, QLD
8 October 2025
Dr Rachel Foster
Principal Dentist
Sunshine Coast Dental Care
12 Ocean Street
Maroochydore, QLD 4558
Dear Dr Foster,
When I discovered that Sunshine Coast Dental Care is seeking a Dental Nurse to support your busy general practice, I recognized this was precisely the opportunity I’ve been working toward. As someone who assisted with 1,800+ patient appointments annually at Brisbane Family Dental—achieving 96% patient satisfaction ratings, maintaining zero cross-contamination incidents through meticulous sterilization protocols, and improving appointment efficiency by 18% through streamlined instrument preparation—I’m thrilled at the prospect of combining clinical support excellence and compassionate patient care for your established practice.
Over the past three years as a Dental Nurse working throughout Brisbane’s dental sector, I’ve repeatedly delivered results that match perfectly with your needs. I’ve provided chair-side assistance during examinations, restorative procedures, extractions, and minor oral surgery, prepared and maintained instruments and materials ensuring efficient clinical workflows, processed and mounted dental radiographs following radiation safety protocols, sterilized instruments using autoclave procedures and maintained infection control standards, managed patient reception duties including scheduling appointments and processing payments, and maintained accurate clinical records and inventory management systems. My background spanning general dentistry, pediatric care, and cosmetic procedures has shown me that exceptional dental nursing merges technical competence with patient reassurance—precisely what you require for smooth, patient-centered dental practice operations.
What really attracts me to Sunshine Coast Dental Care is your family-friendly approach and your reputation for gentle, comprehensive dental care. I hold a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, current CPR and First Aid certification, and have completed additional training in dental radiography and infection control through Australian Dental Association courses. I’m proficient with practice management software including Exact and Dental4Windows, digital radiography systems, and autoclave sterilization protocols. I maintain current vaccination records and police clearance. I’m convinced that dental nurses aren’t merely assistants—we’re essential team members who ensure clinical efficiency, maintain impeccable hygiene standards, provide patient comfort during procedures, and create welcoming environments that ease dental anxiety.
I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my proven ability to provide efficient chair-side support while delivering compassionate patient care can enhance Sunshine Coast Dental Care’s practice operations. Thank you for reviewing my application, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Kind regards,
Sarah Thompson
[email protected]
0429 543 876
linkedin.com/in/sarahthompson
How to Format a Dental Nurse Cover Letter
- Length: Max 1 page (3–5 paragraphs)
- Font: Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman (10–12pt)
- Spacing: Single or 1.15 line spacing
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- File format: PDF
What to Include in a Dental Nurse Cover Letter (Australia)
Your Dental Nurse cover letter needs to follow a results-focused structure that showcases both clinical competence and patient care:
- Contact Details
- Salutation (Dear Dr [Name] or Dear Practice Manager)
- Opening paragraph – your hook and intent
- Middle – why you’re the best fit (skills + experience)
- Closing – call to action + sign off
Right vs Wrong Example
Right Opening: “When Melbourne Orthodontic Specialists announced expansion requiring experienced dental nurses to support complex orthodontic treatments—assisting with bracket placement and adjustments, managing patient comfort during lengthy procedures, and coordinating appointment scheduling for 100+ active patients—I instantly recognized where my background assisting 1,200+ orthodontic procedures, maintaining zero instrument preparation errors across 18 months, and receiving Patient Care Excellence award for calming anxious pediatric patients could advance your commitment to exceptional orthodontic care while ensuring efficient practice operations.”
Wrong Opening: “I am writing to apply for the Dental Nurse position that was advertised online. I have my Certificate III and am looking for work. I believe I would be a good fit for your practice.”
Entry-Level Dental Nurse Cover Letter Tips
- Highlight clinical placements and patient numbers assisted during training
- Showcase customer service experience demonstrating patient care abilities
- Demonstrate understanding of infection control, sterilization, and radiation safety
- Emphasize Certificate III in Dental Assisting completion and current certifications
- Reference any additional skills (reception duties, practice software, inventory management)
Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample for Dental Nurse
Right Entry-Level Approach: “As a recent Certificate III in Dental Assisting graduate from TAFE Queensland with comprehensive clinical experience, I’ve developed strong foundations in chair-side assistance through supporting 300+ patient treatments during placements across general and pediatric dental practices. I consistently received excellent feedback from supervising dentists for instrument preparation efficiency, infection control compliance, and patient communication skills. During my placement at Southside Family Dental, I assisted with diverse procedures including restorative work, extractions, and root canal treatments while managing patient anxiety through calm, reassuring communication. I hold current CPR and First Aid certification, completed additional training in dental radiography and mercury handling, and achieved distinction grades in infection control and clinical procedures. This blend of technical training and patient-centered approach demonstrated that effective dental nursing harmonizes clinical precision with compassionate care—capabilities I’m excited to contribute as I begin my professional career.”
Wrong Entry-Level Approach: “I just completed my dental nursing course and I’m looking for my first job. I learned a lot during training and placements. I’m a people person and would enjoy working with patients. Please consider me for this position.”
Top Mistakes to Avoid in a Dental Nurse Cover Letter
- Not mentioning Certificate III in Dental Assisting or current CPR certification
- Being vague about patient numbers assisted or appointment volumes managed
- Focusing only on clinical tasks without emphasizing patient comfort and communication
- Overlooking infection control knowledge, sterilization protocols, or radiation safety
- Not addressing administrative skills (reception, scheduling, billing, inventory)
- Generic applications without researching the practice’s services or patient base
- Forgetting to mention practice management software experience
How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Job Ad
- Match to their practice type (general family, pediatric, orthodontic, cosmetic, surgical)
- Address specific procedures they mention (implants, orthodontics, endodontics, extractions)
- Reference their patient demographic (children, families, aged care, special needs)
- Highlight relevant experience with their systems (digital radiography, specific software)
- Align with their practice values (patient comfort, efficiency, comprehensive care)
How to Sign Off Your Dental Nurse Cover Letter
- Use “Kind regards” or “Sincerely”
- Include full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn (optional)
Cover Letter Signature Example
Kind regards,
Emma Wilson
[email protected]
0438 765 234
linkedin.com/in/emmawilson-dentalnurse
How to Submit a Cover Letter in Australia
- Always attach as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise)
- Label file professionally (e.g. SarahThompson_CoverLetter.pdf)
- Include copies of Certificate III, CPR, and vaccination records if requested
- If submitting via email, include brief intro with immediate availability if applicable
Final Tips for Writing a Great Dental Nurse Cover Letter
- Lead with quantified outcomes (patient numbers, satisfaction ratings, efficiency improvements)
- Balance clinical skills with patient communication and comfort management
- Show commitment to infection control excellence and patient safety protocols
- Emphasize reliability, punctuality, and professional presentation standards
- Demonstrate teamwork ability and willingness to support all practice areas
- Mention flexibility for varied hours and adaptability to different procedures
More Resources for Job Seekers
Ready to nail your entire application? Check out our Resume Examples for the perfect complement to your cover letter. Prepare for success with our Common Interview Questions for dental and healthcare roles, and explore our Selection Criteria Templates for public dental service positions.
Remember, your cover letter should work alongside your resume to tell a compelling story about why you’re the dental nurse they need. Concentrate on specific clinical achievements that demonstrate both technical competence and patient-centered care, express genuine interest in their practice environment and patient community, and always emphasize how you’ll provide efficient chair-side support while ensuring patient comfort from day one. With Australia’s dental sector increasingly focused on patient experience, infection control excellence, and efficient practice operations, dental practices are seeking dental nurses who can balance clinical precision with warm patient communication and sterilization compliance with practice efficiency. Maintain your professional credentials through Certificate III in Dental Assisting and engage with continuing education through the Australian Dental Association and your state’s TAFE programs to ensure your application reflects current dental nursing expectations and professional standards.
