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Dental Hygienists

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.

  • Record and review patient medical histories.97
  • Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.95
  • Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.95
  • Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.95
  • Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.92
  • Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.89
  • Expose and develop x-ray film.88
  • Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.87
  • Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.87
  • Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.87
  • Maintain patient recall system.85
  • Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.83
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  • Administer local anesthetic agents.73
  • Remove excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.71
  • Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.50
  • Make impressions for study casts.44

Skills

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

  • Active Listening69

    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.

  • Critical Thinking63

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Speaking63

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • 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.

  • Writing53

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Active Learning50

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Coordination50

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Instructing50

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Judgment and Decision Making50

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Persuasion50

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

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  • Reading Comprehension50

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Time Management50

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Complex Problem Solving47

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Operations Monitoring47

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Learning Strategies44

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Negotiation35

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Quality Control Analysis35

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Science35

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Management of Personnel Resources31

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Operation and Control31

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Troubleshooting31

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Equipment Maintenance28

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • 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.

  • Mathematics25

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Systems Analysis25

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Management of Material Resources22

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Repairing22

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

  • Technology Design22

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Operations Analysis19

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Equipment Selection16

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • Management of Financial Resources13

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • 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.

  • Medicine and Dentistry90

    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.

  • Customer and Personal Service74

    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.

  • Psychology50

    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.

  • English Language45

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • 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.

  • Computers and Electronics39

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Public Safety and Security37

    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.

  • Chemistry36

    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.

  • Law and Government33

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Biology32

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Production and Processing30

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Sociology and Anthropology30

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

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  • Mathematics29

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Sales and Marketing27

    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.

  • Administration and Management26

    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.

  • Personnel and Human Resources25

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Communications and Media24

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Therapy and Counseling24

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Mechanical22

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Administrative20

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Foreign Language14

    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.

  • Philosophy and Theology14

    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.

  • Telecommunications13

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Physics11

    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.

  • Transportation11

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Economics and Accounting6

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Engineering and Technology6

    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.

  • Geography6

    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.

  • Design4

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Building and Construction3

    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.

  • History and Archeology2

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Fine Arts0

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness72

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Finger Dexterity72

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Near Vision72

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Problem Sensitivity72

    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.

  • Oral Comprehension69

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression69

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Manual Dexterity56

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Speech Clarity56

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition56

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Inductive Reasoning53

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Written Comprehension53

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Category Flexibility50

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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  • Control Precision50

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Deductive Reasoning50

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Flexibility of Closure50

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Information Ordering50

    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).

  • Perceptual Speed50

    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.

  • 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).

  • Visual Color Discrimination50

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Written Expression50

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Far Vision47

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Fluency of Ideas47

    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).

  • Visualization47

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • 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.

  • Extent Flexibility41

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Auditory Attention31

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium28

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Hearing Sensitivity28

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Mathematical Reasoning28

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Memorization28

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Number Facility28

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • 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.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed28

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Depth Perception25

    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 Strength25

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Gross Body Coordination25

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Reaction Time25

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Static Strength25

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Rate Control22

    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.

  • Response Orientation19

    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.

  • Explosive Strength6

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Dynamic Flexibility0

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Glare Sensitivity0

    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.

  • Spatial Orientation0

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

  • Speed of Limb Movement0

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships90

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others87

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public82

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Documenting/Recording Information79

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems76

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge76

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others75

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates74

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Handling and Moving Objects74

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Getting Information72

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People72

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards71

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

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  • Working with Computers71

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials69

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others68

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events67

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings67

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Selling or Influencing Others66

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work65

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization64

    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.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies63

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Performing General Physical Activities62

    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.

  • Processing Information62

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information61

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Analyzing Data or Information60

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others59

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others59

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities59

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Thinking Creatively59

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Developing and Building Teams54

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Training and Teaching Others54

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Coaching and Developing Others51

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes50

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Performing Administrative Activities50

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates44

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources44

    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.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment29

    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.

  • Staffing Organizational Units28

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment16

    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.

  • Dependability88

    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.

  • Cautiousness77

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Empathy72

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Integrity69

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Social Orientation69

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Self-Control65

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Sincerity65

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Stress Tolerance59

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Optimism50

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Achievement Orientation47

    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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  • Self-Confidence46

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Perseverance43

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Humility38

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

  • Initiative37

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Adaptability30

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity29

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

  • Innovation19

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Leadership Orientation12

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity4

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

  • Social73

    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.

  • Realistic71

    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.

  • Investigative59

    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.

  • Conventional55

    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.

  • Enterprising12

    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.

  • Artistic2

    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.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day100%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • Continually or almost continually100%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually100%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Every day100%
  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others97%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Every day97%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day97%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Very close (near touching)84%
    • I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)14%
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important59%
    • Very important24%
    • Important14%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day68%
    • Once a week or more but not every day16%
    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results55%
    • Important results23%
    • Moderate results22%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important64%
    • Very important17%
    • Important12%
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  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom29%
    • Some freedom53%
    • Limited freedom16%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Every day72%
    • Never20%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • Continually or almost continually44%
    • More than half the time29%
    • About half the time22%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom19%
    • Some freedom64%
    • Limited freedom14%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • Continually or almost continually37%
    • More than half the time31%
    • About half the time29%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important54%
    • Very important17%
    • Important14%
    • Not important at all12%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important68%
    • Fairly important14%
    • Not important at all16%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day59%
    • Once a month or more but not every week17%
    • Never23%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day33%
    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week37%
    • Never19%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious39%
    • Serious21%
    • Fairly serious14%
    • Not serious at all19%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Once a week or more but not every day40%
    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month30%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Every day49%
    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
    • Never34%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility23%
    • Moderate responsibility27%
    • Limited responsibility43%
  • Level of Competition

    • Highly competitive18%
    • Moderately competitive57%
    • Slightly competitive17%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Very important31%
    • Important23%
    • Fairly important19%
    • Not important at all18%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Every day31%
    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Never50%
  • E-Mail

    • Every day19%
    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
    • Once a month or more but not every week17%
    • Never42%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • About half the time28%
    • Less than half the time57%
    • Never12%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Moderate responsibility23%
    • Limited responsibility37%
    • No responsibility29%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Every day25%
    • Never70%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Every day28%
    • Never70%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month40%
    • Never31%
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

    • Every day25%
    • Never73%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • Less than half the time82%
    • Never14%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • 40 hours39%
    • Less than 40 hours58%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • Continually or almost continually18%
    • Less than half the time13%
    • Never69%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Once a month or more but not every week28%
    • Once a year or more but not every month19%
    • Never53%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Moderately automated31%
    • Not at all automated63%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Every day16%
    • Never82%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Never78%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Important14%
    • Not important at all82%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Once a year or more but not every month16%
    • Never79%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • Less than half the time21%
    • Never74%
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Once a year or more but not every month21%
    • Never77%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
    • Never84%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Never95%
  • Public Speaking

    • Never98%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • 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%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Never100%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Never100%
  • 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.

  • Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
  • Professional degree
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Medical software

    Dental office management software, Henry Schein Dentrix, Open Dental, Patterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft

  • Spreadsheet software

    Microsoft Excel

  • Electronic mail software

    Email software

  • Office suite software

    Microsoft Office software

  • Word processing software

    Microsoft Word

  • Internet browser software

    Web browser software

  • Billing and invoicing software

    Dental billing software

  • Calendar and scheduling software

    Scheduling 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.

  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Examine mouth, teeth, gums, or related facial structures.
  • Treat dental problems or diseases.
  • Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
  • Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
  • Process x-rays or other medical images.
  • Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
  • Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
  • Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
  • Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.
  • Schedule appointments.
  • Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
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  • Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
  • Direct healthcare delivery programs.
  • Fabricate medical devices.
O*NET in-it

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

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