Dentists

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

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

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Dentists, General — one of 5 occupations here: Dentists, General, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Orthodontists, Prosthodontists, Dentists, All Other Specialists.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.100
Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.98
Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.96
Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.96
Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.96
Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.93
Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.91
Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.90
Manage business aspects such as employing or supervising staff or handling paperwork or insurance claims.89
Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.88
Remove diseased tissue, using surgical instruments.86
Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.86

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Apply fluoride or sealants to teeth.82
Eliminate irritating margins of fillings and correct occlusions, using dental instruments.80
Perform oral or periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth.79
Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.78
Plan, organize, or maintain dental health programs.78
Bleach, clean, or polish teeth to restore natural color.78
Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping, removal of pulp from pulp chamber, or root canal, using dental instruments.76
Produce or evaluate dental health educational materials.67
Place or restore dental implants.—

Skills

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

Critical Thinking78
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making78
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning75
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening75
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.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Service Orientation75
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination69
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management69
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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Management of Personnel Resources66
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Science66
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Persuasion63
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Writing63
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Instructing53
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Financial Resources50
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources50
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operation and Control50
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Quality Control Analysis44
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Mathematics41
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring41
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operations Analysis38
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Selection35
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance16
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing16
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

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

Medicine and Dentistry100
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 Service81
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.
Biology80
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Administration and Management69
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.
English Language66
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Chemistry63
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.
Personnel and Human Resources60
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Psychology60
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 Training47
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administrative46
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Law and Government43
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Sales and Marketing43
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.

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Computers and Electronics42
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting42
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Production and Processing39
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Public Safety and Security38
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.
Engineering and Technology35
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.
Mathematics32
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Communications and Media29
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Design28
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical27
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Foreign Language21
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.
Physics21
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.
Sociology and Anthropology17
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling14
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Building and Construction12
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Telecommunications10
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Philosophy and Theology8
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.
Transportation8
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography5
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.
History and Archeology4
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Finger Dexterity85
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Near Vision85
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity81
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.
Arm-Hand Steadiness78
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision78
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Deductive Reasoning78
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering75
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).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

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Category Flexibility69
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Manual Dexterity69
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Flexibility of Closure66
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention66
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression63
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas60
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 Coordination56
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.
Perceptual Speed53
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 Discrimination53
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Originality50
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.
Mathematical Reasoning47
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Wrist-Finger Speed47
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception44
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.
Response Orientation44
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.
Auditory Attention41
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Extent Flexibility41
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Far Vision41
The ability to see details at a distance.
Reaction Time41
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Hearing Sensitivity35
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
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.
Rate Control25
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.
Dynamic Strength22
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Spatial Orientation19
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Stamina19
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength19
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Gross Body Coordination16
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium13
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Explosive Strength3
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Speed of Limb Movement3
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
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.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Assisting and Caring for Others91
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 Public91
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Getting Information86
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information82
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems82
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships81
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge81
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards78
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings70
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates69
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing and Building Teams68
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People66
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing Administrative Activities66
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Training and Teaching Others66
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates65
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others63
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Performing General Physical Activities63
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.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others63
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Analyzing Data or Information62
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Coaching and Developing Others62
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials62
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources62
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Scheduling Work and Activities62
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies61
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Processing Information58
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively58
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization57
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.
Handling and Moving Objects57
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Working with Computers57
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information56
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Staffing Organizational Units56
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others55
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Selling or Influencing Others54
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Controlling Machines and Processes53
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others50
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment39
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 Equipment36
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.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment31
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.
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 Detail100
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.
Cautiousness80
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity76
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control75
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Empathy69
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Achievement Orientation68
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.
Stress Tolerance68
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation66
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity66
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence58
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Social Orientation57
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Sincerity55
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Initiative45
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Optimism44
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Innovation41
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Leadership Orientation40
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Adaptability34
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity33
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Humility22
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

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

Investigative75
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.
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.
Social57
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.
Conventional45
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.
Enterprising17
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.
Artistic3
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.

Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom100%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others99%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day98%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important98%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day98%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day88%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually89%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom80%
- Some freedom20%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)88%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility77%
- High responsibility23%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important82%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day90%

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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day91%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results79%
- Important results12%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important67%
- Very important21%
- Important11%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility69%
- High responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility17%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually60%
- More than half the time31%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious72%
- Serious13%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually54%
- More than half the time31%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually50%
- More than half the time25%
- About half the time20%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important72%
- Fairly important15%
E-Mail
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day31%
- Once a week or more but not every day53%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important64%
- Not important at all13%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day61%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Never23%
Exposed to Radiation
- Every day54%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never22%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day53%
- Never22%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Never11%
Conflict Situations
- Every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week42%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
Time Pressure
- Every day31%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week54%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive41%
- Moderately competitive30%
- Slightly competitive15%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day43%
- Never43%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day31%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Never51%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day28%
- Never62%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time56%
- Never14%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never55%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time13%
- Less than half the time57%
- Never28%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day20%
- Never71%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never63%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours38%
- Less than 40 hours62%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important13%
- Fairly important13%
- Not important at all65%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never69%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated22%
- Not at all automated67%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time22%
- Never68%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never88%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)15%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)85%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never89%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never100%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never100%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

Doctoral degree
Post-doctoral training

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
AlphaDent, eClinicalWorks EHR software, Henry Schein Dentrix, Windent SQL
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
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

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
Develop medical treatment plans.
Examine mouth, teeth, gums, or related facial structures.
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
Adjust prostheses or other assistive devices.
Design medical devices or appliances.
Fabricate medical devices.
Advise patients on preventive care techniques.
Treat dental problems or diseases.
Diagnose dental conditions.

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Supervise patient care personnel.
Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
Operate on patients to treat conditions.
Prescribe medications.
Design public or employee health programs.
Direct healthcare delivery programs.
Prepare healthcare training materials.

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