Dental Assistants

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.95
Record treatment information in patient records.94
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.92
Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.90
Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.90
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.90
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.84
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.83
Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.81
Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.80
Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.79
Pour, trim, and polish study casts.78

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Clean teeth, using dental instruments.76
Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.74
Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.70
Clean and polish removable appliances.69

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking60
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension56
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning53
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing53
Teaching others how to do something.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing50
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management44
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Operations Monitoring41
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Learning Strategies38
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Negotiation38
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion38
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Quality Control Analysis38
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Analysis35
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operation and Control28
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Equipment Selection25
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Science25
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance22
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing22
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis19
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service89
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and Dentistry85
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
English Language69
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management62
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Administrative61
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics58
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Sales and Marketing58
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Production and Processing52
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Personnel and Human Resources48
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Psychology43
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training40
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Biology35
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

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Economics and Accounting34
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Therapy and Counseling33
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Mathematics29
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Communications and Media27
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Public Safety and Security27
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications27
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Law and Government26
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Chemistry23
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Engineering and Technology21
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical19
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Foreign Language18
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sociology and Anthropology18
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation18
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Design17
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Philosophy and Theology10
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Physics9
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Building and Construction8
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Food Production3
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Geography3
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology1
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision78
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension63
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning60
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

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Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Fluency of Ideas44
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Multilimb Coordination44
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Originality41
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Extent Flexibility38
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Flexibility of Closure35
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Trunk Strength35
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visualization35
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception28
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Mathematical Reasoning28
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Stamina28
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Reaction Time22
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation22
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Gross Body Equilibrium19
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control19
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Speed of Limb Movement19
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Spatial Orientation13
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility10
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity3
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information89
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Assisting and Caring for Others87
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Working with Computers86
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events84
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials80
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public79
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems76
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings76
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Scheduling Work and Activities75
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People73
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work73
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge71
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information70
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships69
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Coaching and Developing Others64
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards64
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Handling and Moving Objects64
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Processing Information64
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others64
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others60
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others59
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing and Building Teams58
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information57
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others57
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Analyzing Data or Information55
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others55
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing Objectives and Strategies54
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates54
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Thinking Creatively54
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing General Physical Activities53
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Selling or Influencing Others51
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization50
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing Administrative Activities49
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Controlling Machines and Processes46
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Monitoring and Controlling Resources45
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment44
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment43
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Staffing Organizational Units37
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment35
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment30
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability83
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation81
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Cautiousness69
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity64
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Empathy62
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Social Orientation60
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Self-Control57
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity56
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Stress Tolerance51
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Optimism47
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Achievement Orientation40
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

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Perseverance39
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Humility37
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Self-Confidence34
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Adaptability33
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative31
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Intellectual Curiosity16
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Tolerance for Ambiguity5
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Innovation1
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Leadership Orientation0
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional74
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 human resources.
Realistic58
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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social56
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.
Investigative43
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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising6
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/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic0
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, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day88%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others81%
- Contact with others most of the time19%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)88%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)12%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important65%
- Very important30%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day66%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
Exposed to Radiation
- Every day84%
- Never11%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility70%
- High responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day69%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important56%
- Very important24%
- Important20%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important52%
- Very important28%
- Important19%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually83%
- Never17%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day74%
- Never26%

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Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important44%
- Very important25%
- Important18%
E-Mail
- Every day44%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Never17%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important42%
- Very important15%
- Important35%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually55%
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time12%
- Never12%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually38%
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time42%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day39%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never17%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day31%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day54%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never23%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time49%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually41%
- More than half the time12%
- About half the time32%
- Never12%
Conflict Situations
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Never11%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom16%
- Some freedom40%
- Limited freedom29%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom43%
- Limited freedom39%
Time Pressure
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Never23%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results37%
- Important results14%
- Moderate results14%
- Minor results18%
- No results17%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Never36%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility37%
- High responsibility18%
- Moderate responsibility13%
- No responsibility28%
Public Speaking
- Every day48%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never39%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day53%
- Never47%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day47%
- Never42%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day50%
- Never48%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious32%
- Fairly serious44%
- Not serious at all12%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never36%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never43%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time37%
- Never11%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day26%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never60%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive18%
- Moderately competitive31%
- Slightly competitive13%
- Not at all competitive36%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day26%
- Never71%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important14%
- Fairly important26%
- Not important at all51%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated20%
- Slightly automated44%
- Not at all automated33%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time11%
- Less than half the time31%
- Never48%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never72%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day14%
- Never83%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time27%
- Never63%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours25%
- Less than 40 hours74%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day13%
- Never86%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day12%
- Never88%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never88%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never98%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never99%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
Henry Schein Dentrix, Kodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMS, Patterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft, The Systems Workplace TDOCS
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
Accounting software
Quicken
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Internet browser software
Web browser software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
Clean medical equipment.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
Maintain medical records.
Explain technical medical information to patients.
Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
Operate medical equipment.
Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
Interview patients to gather medical information.
Record vital statistics or other health information.
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Process medical billing information.

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Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
Make patient-assistive devices or device models.
Fit patients for assistive devices.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology