29-1292.00 Bright Outlook

Dental Hygienists

Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Industry:Health Care and Social Assistance
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Technology Tools

Henry Schein DentrixMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • Record and review patient medical histories.
  • Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
  • Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
  • Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
  • Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
  • Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
  • Expose and develop x-ray film.
  • Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
  • Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
  • Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
  • Maintain patient recall system.
  • Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
  • Administer local anesthetic agents.
  • Remove excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.
  • Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
  • Make impressions for study casts.

Skills

Active Listening
69%
Speaking
63%
Critical Thinking
63%
Social Perceptiveness
53%
Writing
53%
Service Orientation
53%
Monitoring
53%
Reading Comprehension
50%
Time Management
50%
Persuasion
50%
Active Learning
50%
Instructing
50%
Coordination
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Operations Monitoring
47%
Complex Problem Solving
47%
Learning Strategies
44%
Science
35%
Negotiation
35%
Quality Control Analysis
35%
Operation and Control
31%
Troubleshooting
31%
Management of Personnel Resources
31%
Systems Evaluation
28%
Equipment Maintenance
28%
Mathematics
25%
Systems Analysis
25%
Repairing
22%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Technology Design
22%
Operations Analysis
19%
Equipment Selection
16%
Management of Financial Resources
13%
Programming
10%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Medicine and Dentistry
90%
Customer and Personal Service
74%
Psychology
50%
English Language
45%
Education and Training
40%
Computers and Electronics
39%
Public Safety and Security
37%
Chemistry
36%
Law and Government
33%
Biology
32%
Sociology and Anthropology
30%
Production and Processing
30%
Mathematics
29%
Sales and Marketing
27%
Administration and Management
26%
Personnel and Human Resources
25%
Communications and Media
24%
Therapy and Counseling
24%
Mechanical
22%
Administrative
20%
Philosophy and Theology
14%
Foreign Language
14%
Telecommunications
13%
Transportation
11%
Physics
11%
Geography
6%
Engineering and Technology
6%
Economics and Accounting
6%
Design
4%
Food Production
3%
Building and Construction
3%
History and Archeology
2%
Fine Arts
0%

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Abilities

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

Work Activities

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
90%
Assisting and Caring for Others
87%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
82%
Documenting/Recording Information
79%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
76%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
76%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
75%
Handling and Moving Objects
74%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
74%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
72%
Getting Information
72%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
71%
Working with Computers
71%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
69%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
68%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
67%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
67%
Selling or Influencing Others
66%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
65%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
64%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
63%
Performing General Physical Activities
62%
Processing Information
62%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
61%
Analyzing Data or Information
60%
Scheduling Work and Activities
59%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
59%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
59%
Thinking Creatively
59%
Developing and Building Teams
54%
Training and Teaching Others
54%
Coaching and Developing Others
51%
Performing Administrative Activities
50%
Controlling Machines and Processes
50%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
44%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
44%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
44%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
43%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
29%
Staffing Organizational Units
28%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
16%

Work Context

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

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

100%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

100%

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?

100%

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?

100%

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?

99%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

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

99%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

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

99%

Physical Proximity

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

89%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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

85%

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?

84%

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?

83%

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?

83%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

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

78%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

77%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

77%

Freedom to Make Decisions

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

75%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

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

75%

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?

74%

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?

72%

Time Pressure

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

69%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

60%

Consequence of Error

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

59%

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?

56%

Exposed to Contaminants

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

54%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

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

53%

Level of Competition

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

50%

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?

49%

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?

43%

E-Mail

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

42%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

31%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

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

30%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

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

28%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

28%

Conflict Situations

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

27%

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?

26%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

24%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

23%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

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

22%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

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

19%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

18%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

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

17%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

14%

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.)

10%

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?

9%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

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

9%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

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

7%

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)?

5%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

4%

Public Speaking

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

2%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

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

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%

Outdoors, Under Cover

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

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

Associate's degree

75%

Professional degree

13%

Post-baccalaureate certificate

9%

Interests

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.

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

69

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

61

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

55

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

11

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,

3

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
89%
Dependability
88%
Cooperation
81%
Cautiousness
77%
Empathy
72%
Integrity
69%
Social Orientation
69%
Self-Control
65%
Sincerity
65%
Stress Tolerance
59%
Optimism
50%
Achievement Orientation
47%
Self-Confidence
46%
Perseverance
43%
Humility
38%
Initiative
37%
Adaptability
30%
Intellectual Curiosity
29%
Innovation
19%
Leadership Orientation
12%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
4%

Work Values

Relationships
95%
Support
67%
Independence
61%
Working Conditions
58%
Achievement
56%
Recognition
45%

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