This occupation is part of the Healthcare Support cluster
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About the Job
Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.
It is also Called
- Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
- Certified Registered Dental Assistant
- Dental Aide
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Nurse
- Dental Office Manager
- Dentist Attendant
- Expanded Dental Assistant
- Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA)
- Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
What They Do
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
- Clean and polish removable appliances.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: CRS.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Conventional interests, but also prefer Realistic and Social environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Support and Working Conditions in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- 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.
- 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.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Listening - 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.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Education Required
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $36,660.00 with most people making between $23,990.00 and $52,260.00
Outlook
During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 43,700 people in California. It is projected that there will be 49,000 employed in 2020.
This occupation will have about 530 openings due to growth and about 920 replacement openings for approximately 1,450 total annual openings.
Similar Occupations
- Dental Hygienists
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Radiologic Technologists
- Dietetic Technicians
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Radiologic Technicians
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Endoscopy Technicians
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
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