31-9091.00 Bright OutlookApprenticeship

Dental Assistants

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Healthcare Support
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Health Care and Social Assistance
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Technology Tools

Henry Schein DentrixMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software

Key Tasks

  • Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
  • Record treatment information in patient records.
  • Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
  • Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
  • Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
  • Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
  • Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
  • Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
  • Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
  • Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
  • Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
  • Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
  • Clean teeth, using dental instruments.
  • Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
  • Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
  • Clean and polish removable appliances.

Skills

Active Listening
72%
Speaking
60%
Reading Comprehension
56%
Active Learning
53%
Social Perceptiveness
53%
Instructing
53%
Service Orientation
53%
Monitoring
53%
Writing
50%
Complex Problem Solving
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Coordination
47%
Judgment and Decision Making
47%
Time Management
44%
Operations Monitoring
41%
Persuasion
38%
Negotiation
38%
Quality Control Analysis
38%
Learning Strategies
38%
Systems Analysis
35%
Management of Personnel Resources
31%
Mathematics
28%
Operation and Control
28%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Systems Evaluation
28%
Science
25%
Troubleshooting
25%
Equipment Selection
25%
Repairing
22%
Equipment Maintenance
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Operations Analysis
19%
Technology Design
19%
Programming
10%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
89%
Medicine and Dentistry
85%
English Language
69%
Administration and Management
62%
Administrative
61%
Sales and Marketing
58%
Computers and Electronics
58%
Production and Processing
52%
Personnel and Human Resources
48%
Psychology
43%
Education and Training
40%
Biology
35%
Economics and Accounting
34%
Therapy and Counseling
33%
Mathematics
29%
Telecommunications
27%
Communications and Media
27%
Public Safety and Security
27%
Law and Government
26%
Chemistry
23%
Engineering and Technology
21%
Mechanical
19%
Sociology and Anthropology
18%
Foreign Language
18%
Transportation
18%
Design
17%
Philosophy and Theology
10%
Physics
9%
Building and Construction
8%
Geography
3%
Food Production
3%
History and Archeology
1%
Fine Arts
1%

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Abilities

Near Vision
78%
Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
72%
Speech Recognition
69%
Written Comprehension
63%
Deductive Reasoning
60%
Information Ordering
56%
Speech Clarity
53%
Problem Sensitivity
53%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Written Expression
53%
Selective Attention
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Control Precision
50%
Time Sharing
50%
Manual Dexterity
50%
Far Vision
47%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Fluency of Ideas
44%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Originality
41%
Extent Flexibility
38%
Visualization
35%
Flexibility of Closure
35%
Trunk Strength
35%
Number Facility
35%
Auditory Attention
31%
Stamina
28%
Depth Perception
28%
Static Strength
28%
Mathematical Reasoning
28%
Dynamic Strength
28%
Speed of Closure
28%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Hearing Sensitivity
25%
Memorization
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Reaction Time
22%
Response Orientation
22%
Speed of Limb Movement
19%
Gross Body Equilibrium
19%
Rate Control
19%
Spatial Orientation
13%
Dynamic Flexibility
10%
Explosive Strength
6%
Glare Sensitivity
3%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
89%
Assisting and Caring for Others
87%
Working with Computers
86%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
84%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
80%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
79%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
76%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
76%
Scheduling Work and Activities
75%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
73%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
73%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
71%
Documenting/Recording Information
70%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
69%
Handling and Moving Objects
64%
Coaching and Developing Others
64%
Processing Information
64%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
64%
Training and Teaching Others
64%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
60%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
59%
Developing and Building Teams
58%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
57%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
57%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
55%
Analyzing Data or Information
55%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
54%
Thinking Creatively
54%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
54%
Performing General Physical Activities
53%
Selling or Influencing Others
51%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
50%
Performing Administrative Activities
49%
Controlling Machines and Processes
46%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
45%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
44%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
43%
Staffing Organizational Units
37%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
35%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
30%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

97%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

95%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

94%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

90%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

88%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

87%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

87%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

86%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

84%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

83%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

83%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

74%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

73%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

72%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

71%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

71%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

70%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

68%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

67%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

67%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

67%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

67%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

64%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

63%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

61%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

61%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

59%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

58%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

58%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

55%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

53%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

53%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

51%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

50%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

46%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

40%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

40%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

36%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

34%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

28%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

26%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

23%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

21%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

20%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

16%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

15%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

14%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

14%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

12%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

3%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

1%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

0%

Education

Post-secondary certificate

46%

High school diploma or equivalent

29%

Some college, no degree

17%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

74

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

58

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

56

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

43

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

6

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
89%
Dependability
83%
Cooperation
81%
Cautiousness
69%
Integrity
64%
Empathy
62%
Social Orientation
60%
Self-Control
57%
Sincerity
56%
Stress Tolerance
51%
Optimism
47%
Achievement Orientation
40%
Perseverance
39%
Humility
37%
Self-Confidence
34%
Adaptability
33%
Initiative
31%
Intellectual Curiosity
16%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
5%
Innovation
1%
Leadership Orientation
0%

Work Values

Relationships
83%
Support
78%
Working Conditions
53%
Independence
45%
Achievement
39%
Recognition
33%

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