Typical Tasks
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
Record treatment information in patient records.
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Social
Working with people
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Dependability
Self-Control
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
What key skills are needed for this job?
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Instructing
Active Learning
Monitoring
Expected Knowledge
Customer and Personal Service
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 Dentistry
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 Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Common Activities
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
