Occupation AtlasDental Assistants
O*NET · 31-9091.00
Dental Assistants
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Also called CDA · Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) · Certified Registered Dental Assistant · DA · Dental Aide · Dental Assistant (DA) · Dental Nurse · Dental Office Assistant
19 more
Dental Specialist · Dentist Attendant · EDDA · EFDA · Expanded Dental Assistant · Expanded Duties Dental Assistant · Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) · Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) · Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) · General Practical Dental Assistant · Oral Surgery Assistant · Ortho Assistant · Orthodontic Assistant (Ortho Assistant) · Orthodontic Dental Assistant · Orthodontist Assistant · Pediatric Dental Assistant · RDA · Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) · Surgical Dental Assistant
Compare with another occupationCompare with Dental Hygienists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CRSConventional · Realistic · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional5.43
- R Realistic4.48
- S Social4.37
- I Investigative3.55
- E Enterprising1.34
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (37%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (42%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Time ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- PersuasionImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- NegotiationImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- SciencebasicImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- RepairingImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
14 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.Importance 4.8
- Record treatment information in patient records.Importance 4.8
- Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.Importance 4.7
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.Importance 4.6
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.Importance 4.6
- Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.Importance 4.6
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.Importance 4.4
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.Importance 4.3
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.Importance 4.2
- Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.Importance 4.2
- Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.Importance 4.2
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.Importance 4.1
Show the other 4
- Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.Importance 4.0
- Clean and polish removable appliances.Importance 3.8
- Clean teeth, using dental instruments.Importance 4.0
- Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.Importance 3.8
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- AdministrativeImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.3Level 2.6
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
Show all 33
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- PsychologyImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- BiologyImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- MathematicsImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- ChemistryImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- MechanicalImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- TransportationImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
Show all 52
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Control PrecisionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- VisualizationImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- StaminaImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Rate ControlImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.4
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.1Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Processing InformationImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
10 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Henry Schein Dentrixhot
Hot (2; 1 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Other tools (7)
- Email software
- Kodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMS
- Open Dental
- Patterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft
- Quicken
- The Systems Workplace TDOCS
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Dental Hygienists
Average difference 0.2 points · Critical Thinking +0.5, Persuasion +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Embalmers
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +0.6, Instructing −0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Photographers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +1.0, Management of Personnel Resources +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Phlebotomists
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening −0.6, Learning Strategies +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Hearing Aid Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Evaluation +0.8, Persuasion +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design −0.8, Management of Material Resources −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Transportation Security Screeners
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design −0.8, Active Listening −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.7, Science +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.