O*NET Career Intelligence

Dental Assistants

SOC 31-9091.00

Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

Zone 3 Healthcare Support

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Active Listening

3.5

Reading Comprehension

3.4

Speaking

3.4

Critical Thinking

3.1

Service Orientation

3.1

Active Learning

3.0

Monitoring

3.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.0

Knowledge Areas 8

Medicine and Dentistry

4.5

English Language

4.2

Customer and Personal Service

4.0

Education and Training

3.4

Psychology

3.1

Production and Processing

2.9

Clerical

2.9

Sales and Marketing

2.7

Key Tasks

1Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.

2Record treatment information in patient records.

3Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.

4Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.

5Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.

Also Known As

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Certified Registered Dental Assistant Dental Aide Dental Assistant (DA) Dental Nurse Dental Office Manager Dentist Attendant Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) Expanded Function Dental Assistant Oral Surgery Assistant