[Core] [63% incumbents] Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
  DWAs: Clean medical equipment. | Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use. | Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
  DWAs: Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
  DWAs: Operate medical equipment.

[Core] [63% incumbents] Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
  DWAs: Make patient-assistive devices or device models.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Record treatment information in patient records.
  DWAs: Maintain medical records.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
  DWAs: Inventory medical supplies or equipment.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
  DWAs: Interview patients to gather medical information. | Record vital statistics or other health information.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
  DWAs: Administer basic health care or medical treatments.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
  DWAs: Make patient-assistive devices or device models.

[Core] [62% incumbents] Clean and polish removable appliances.
  DWAs: Clean medical equipment.

[Core] [61% incumbents] Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
  DWAs: Explain technical medical information to patients.

[Core] [61% incumbents] Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
  DWAs: Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.

[Core] [61% incumbents] Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
  DWAs: Schedule patient procedures or appointments. | Maintain medical records. | Process medical billing information.

[Core] [61% incumbents] Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
  DWAs: Make patient-assistive devices or device models.

[Supplemental] [61% incumbents] Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.
  DWAs: Make patient-assistive devices or device models. | Fit patients for assistive devices.

[Supplemental] [60% incumbents] Clean teeth, using dental instruments.
  DWAs: Administer basic health care or medical treatments.

--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:3.88 lvl:3.38) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:3.38 lvl:3.12) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Learning (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Monitoring (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Writing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Mathematics (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:4.54 lvl:5.07) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:4.41 lvl:4.76) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  English Language (imp:3.76 lvl:3.61) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Administration and Management (imp:3.47 lvl:3.61) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Administrative (imp:3.45 lvl:3.67) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.32 lvl:3.57) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Sales and Marketing (imp:3.31 lvl:2.63) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Production and Processing (imp:3.06 lvl:2.43) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.93 lvl:3.11) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Psychology (imp:2.71 lvl:2.46) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Education and Training (imp:2.58 lvl:2.45) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Biology (imp:2.38 lvl:1.69) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Economics and Accounting (imp:2.35 lvl:1.99) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:2.32 lvl:1.77) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Mathematics (imp:2.16 lvl:1.41) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.08 lvl:1.38) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Telecommunications (imp:2.07 lvl:1.54) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Communications and Media (imp:2.06 lvl:1.69) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Law and Government (imp:2.02 lvl:1.02) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Chemistry (imp:1.92 lvl:1.76) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.83 lvl:1.40) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Mechanical (imp:1.77 lvl:1.08) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.73 lvl:1.02) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Foreign Language (imp:1.72 lvl:0.89) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Transportation (imp:1.70 lvl:0.84) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Design (imp:1.67 lvl:0.80) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.39 lvl:0.82) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Physics (imp:1.34 lvl:0.58) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Building and Construction (imp:1.31) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Geography (imp:1.13) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Food Production (imp:1.10) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Fine Arts (imp:1.05) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  History and Archeology (imp:1.05) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi

--- ABILITIES ---
  Near Vision (imp:4.12 lvl:4.00) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Oral Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:3.88) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.75 lvl:3.38) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.50 lvl:3.38) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.38 lvl:3.25) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Information Ordering (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Written Expression (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.12 lvl:3.38) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Time Sharing (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Control Precision (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.88 lvl:2.38) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Far Vision (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Originality (imp:2.62 lvl:2.50) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Number Facility (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Visualization (imp:2.38 lvl:2.62) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Trunk Strength (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Static Strength (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.12 lvl:1.75) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Stamina (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Depth Perception (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Memorization (imp:2.00 lvl:2.12) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Response Orientation (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Reaction Time (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Rate Control (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.75 lvl:1.38) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.75 lvl:1.12) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.50 lvl:0.38) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.38 lvl:0.25) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:4.55 lvl:5.17) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:4.49 lvl:5.08) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Working with Computers (imp:4.45 lvl:4.01) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.37 lvl:5.30) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:4.18 lvl:4.43) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:4.17 lvl:4.86) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.10 lvl:4.61) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:4.02 lvl:4.90) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.02 lvl:4.38) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:4.00 lvl:4.34) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.92 lvl:4.51) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.91 lvl:4.25) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:3.85 lvl:5.07) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.81 lvl:3.75) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.75 lvl:4.30) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.57 lvl:4.33) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.57 lvl:4.57) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.57 lvl:3.82) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Processing Information (imp:3.54 lvl:4.05) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.54 lvl:3.46) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.40 lvl:3.69) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.34 lvl:3.50) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.32 lvl:3.08) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.28 lvl:3.68) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.26 lvl:3.46) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.20 lvl:3.61) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.19 lvl:3.03) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.17 lvl:3.63) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.16 lvl:3.51) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:3.14 lvl:3.09) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:3.05 lvl:3.19) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:2.98 lvl:2.96) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.95 lvl:3.04) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:2.84 lvl:3.20) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.79 lvl:3.11) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.75 lvl:2.86) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.72 lvl:2.98) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.47 lvl:2.65) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.39 lvl:2.46) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:2.19) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.67) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Dependability (imp:2.50) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cooperation (imp:2.43) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:2.06) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Cautiousness (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Integrity (imp:1.92) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Empathy (imp:1.86) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Social Orientation (imp:1.79) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Self-Control (imp:1.70) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Sincerity (imp:1.69) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.52) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Optimism (imp:1.42) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.20) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Perseverance (imp:1.18) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Humility (imp:1.12) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.02) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Cooperation (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Adaptability (imp:0.99) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Initiative (imp:0.92) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:0.49) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:0.14) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Innovation (imp:0.02) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Instructing (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Coordination (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Time Management (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Persuasion (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.38 lvl:2.00) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Operation and Control (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.88 lvl:1.25) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:1.00) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Programming (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 387,790
  annual_median    : $48,070
  annual_pct10     : $37,130
  annual_pct25     : $44,340
  annual_pct75     : $58,090
  annual_pct90     : $62,250
  annual_mean      : $50,200
  hourly_median    : $23.11

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Minnesota ($65,270)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($35,910)
  dispersion_ratio : 1.818x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (53 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:  374,080  median: $  48,020
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    5,870  median: $  55,270
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:    4,090  median: $  49,120
  Educational Services                     emp:    3,070  median: $  48,270
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      200  median: $  45,630
  Manufacturing                            emp:      130  median: $  52,290
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:       90  median: $  50,020
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:       50  median: $  71,800

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (8 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:  374,080  median: $  48,020
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    5,870  median: $  55,270
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:    4,090  median: $  49,120
  Educational Services                     emp:    3,070  median: $  48,270
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      200  median: $  45,630
  Manufacturing                            emp:      130  median: $  52,290
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:       90  median: $  50,020
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:       50  median: $  71,800

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Dental assistant
match_score        : 0.9697
wikidata_qid       : Q489933
word_count         : 3,599
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_assistant
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T21:53:28.454690Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
Dental assistants  are members of the dental team. They support a dental operator (such as a dentist or other treating dental auxiliary) in providing more efficient dental treatment. Dental assistants are distinguished from other groups of dental auxiliaries (such as dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental technicians) by differing training, roles and patient scopes.


== History ==


=== The first dental assistant ===
 
C. Edmund Kells, a pioneering dentist operating from New Orleans, enlisted the first dental assistant, Malvina Cueria. The dental field was initially dominated by males, but after this first addition of a female, it was then acceptable for women to seek dental treatment without their husbands. This led to dental assistants of that era also being known as "Ladies in Attendance". Thanks to the addition of women to dentistry, the profession flourished with more and more women seeking treatment and more patients overall receiving care.


=== The first association ===
It was not until almost four decades later that in 1923 the first dental assistant association was founded by Juliette Southard, named the American Dental Assistant Association and it is still in practice now. It began with just five members, now reaching more than 10,000.


== Roles ==
The dental assistant's role is often thought to be to support the dental operator by typically passing instruments during clinical procedures. However, in fact, their role extends much further to include: providing patients help with their oral hygiene skills, preparing the patient for treatment, sterilising instruments, assisting during general anaesthetic dental procedures, positioning suction devices, exposing dental radiographs, taking dental impressions, recording patient notes and administration roles such as scheduling appointments, ensuring compliance with OSHA and CDC standards, maintaining sterilization logs, and conducting regular operatory disinfection.


=== Infection control ===
It was customary for oral health care workers and dental assistants in the 1980s to practice oral health care without wearing gloves, masks or eye protection. This was at a crucial time due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spreading rapidly at a global rate. At the time, the transmission risks associated with bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B were not fully understood, and personal protective equipment (PPE) was not yet standard in most clinical settings. However, the increased awareness and understanding of these infectious diseases by the late 1980s and early 1990s led to significant changes in infection control protocols across health care fields, including dentistry. However, in 2018 gloves, masks and eye protection have become part of the standard infection control guidelines which has been implemented in all oral health care settings as a means of preventing the spread of infectious disease. Infection control in oral health care not only protects the patient but it also protects the oral health care workers. This includes: dentists, dental specialists, oral health therapists, dental hygienists and dental assistants.
Dental assistants play a crucial role in maintaining high levels of infection control in the oral health care setting. The dental assistant is the major link between oral health care workers and the patient. To perform infection control responsibilities well, the dental assistant must have the appropriate education, training and work experience. Examples of infection control protocols that the dental assistant needs to follow in an oral health setting include:


=== Hand hygiene ===
Hand hygiene aims to reduce the number of microorganisms on hands. Antimicrobial agents such as alcohol-based hand rub or antimicrobial soap and water are effective agents to remove most antimicrobial bacteria on hands in dental settings.


=== Personal protective equipment (PPE) ===
Gloves, gown, hair net and eye protection are essential barrier protection items that enable the dental assistant to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases to themselves, other dental co-workers and patients. Gloves and masks need to be disposed after each patient, eyewear can be disposable or reusable and gowns need to be replaced if visibly soiled. Lastly, footwear must include leather closed toe shoes; this minimises the risk of sharps injury.


=== Surgical procedures and aseptic technique ===
It is crucial to wear sterile gloves when the dental assistant is assisting in surgery with the oral health care clinician. Hand hygiene using antimicrobial soap and water is imperial to maintaining adequate infection control in this setting, as this minimises the risk of infection.


=== Management of sharps injury ===
It is crucial that sharp instruments which include: needles, scalers, scalpels, burs, orthodontics bands and endodontic files need to be handled with care and appropriate techniques to minimise any potential sharps injury. Sharps also need to be disposed accordingly into the sharps containers, separate from other disposable bins. The dental assistant needs to be aware of what is required to go into the sharps containers and what is not. This minimises the chance of spreading infectious diseases.


=== Management of clinical waste ===
It is imperative that when performing change over, that the dental assistant is able to distinguish the difference between medical related waste compared to contaminated waste. Contaminated waste needs to be placed in a leak proof thick yellow bag with a biohazard symbol label.


=== Environment ===
The dental assistant should put on utility gloves when cleaning working surfaces during the changeover between patients. Each person in the dental office needs to have his or her own pair/s of utility gloves. They must also be able to distinguish between clean and dirty zones as this minimises the spread of infectious diseases between co-workers and patients. Additionally, plastic barriers are placed on: instruments such as; hand pieces connected to the chair, overhead lights, amalgamators, x-ray machines, mixing materials and other miscellaneous dental instruments, materials or appliances. One of the roles that the dental assistant participates in is changing these plastic barriers after each patient has left that surgery. This ensures that the surgery is set up ready for the next patient.

These infection control procedures and protocols not only apply to the dental assistant, but to all co-workers in the oral health care setting. However, the dental assistant is the major connection between the patient and the oral health care clinician. Therefore, it is imperative that they follow these guidelines to minimise the risk of spreading possible infectious diseases to co-workers, patients and themselves.


=== Sterilisation, disinfectant and antiseptic ===
Dental assistants play a large role in ensuring that the reusable dental instruments used daily in dental practices are sterilized adequately after each use. Sterilization is an essential part of the infection control protocol. This can be defined as free of all life forms where the elimination of considerable number of the most heat resistant spores (bacterial and mycotic) is the basic criteria sterilization. Sterilization process consists of

Autoclaving where moist heat kills bacteria by denaturation of high protein- containing bacteria at 250F (121 °C) for 15 to 20 minutes or 270 F for 3 minutes. Biological monitors and Process indicators are 2 methods used to ensure the effectiveness of sterilization process.
Biological monitor (spore test) where bacterial spores are placed in strips or envelops along with the instruments. This method shows that the microorganisms have been eradicated and must be conducted weekly.
Process indicators; where the load has reached a certain temperature, the indicators change their colour.
Dry heat sterilization which requires a higher temperature and longer time (1–2 hours

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Dentist (similarity: 0.5833)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dentist
  QID: Q27349
  Extract: A dentist, also known as a dental doctor, dental physician, dental surgeon, is a health care professional who specializes in dentistry, the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. The dentist's supporting team aids in providing oral health services. The dental team includes dental 

  Title: Dentistry (similarity: 0.5385)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dentistry
  QID: Q12128
  Extract: Dentistry, also known as dental medicine and oral medicine, is the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. It consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the mouth, most commonly focused on dentition as well as t

  Title: Hospital corpsman (similarity: 0.4118)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital_corpsman
  QID: Q1034117
  Extract: A hospital corpsman (HM) or corpsman is an enlisted medical specialist of the United States Navy, who may also serve in a U.S. Marine Corps unit. The corresponding rating within the United States Coast Guard is Health Services Technician (HS). The U.S. Navy Hospital Corps was created on 17 June 1898

  Title: CDA (similarity: 0.2000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDA
  QID: Q359778
  Extract: CDA, Cda, or CdA may refer to:

  Title: Women in dentistry (similarity: 0.4000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_dentistry
  QID: Q7806477
  Extract: There is a long history of women in dentistry. Women are depicted as assistant dentists in the Middle Ages. Prior to the 19th century, dentistry was largely not yet a clearly defined and regulated profession with formal educational requirements. Individual female dentists are known from the 18th cen

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : High confidence due to comprehensive O*NET data, exact Wikipedia match, clear role definition, and substantial employment statistics from BLS. The occupation has well-defined boundaries and established career pathways.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T20:14:35.379747+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,641
tokens_output        : 4,238
cost_usd             : $0.046455
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Dental assistant
wikipedia_note       : The Wikipedia entry confirms dental assistants as dental team members who support dental operators in providing efficient treatment, distinguishing them from other dental auxiliaries by their specific training and patient scope. This aligns with the O*NET description of performing limited clinical duties under dentist direction.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Dental Assistants are healthcare support professionals who perform limited clinical duties under dentist supervision, including equipment preparation, patient care, and treatment assistance. They serve as the primary support team for dental offices, handling both clinical tasks like taking X-rays and applying fluoride treatments, and administrative responsibilities like patient records and supply management. According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, the median annual wage is $48,070 with 387,790 professionals employed nationwide.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A dental assistant begins their day by sterilizing instruments and preparing treatment rooms for patient appointments. They take patients' medical histories and vital signs, then assist the dentist during procedures by passing instruments, managing suction, and ensuring patient comfort. Throughout the day, they expose diagnostic X-rays, apply protective fluoride coatings to teeth, and fabricate temporary restorations from preliminary impressions. Administrative tasks include recording treatment information in patient records using software like Henry Schein Dentrix, ordering dental supplies, and maintaining equipment inventory. The role requires constant attention to infection control protocols and patient safety procedures.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel as dental assistants typically possess strong conventional and realistic tendencies, with significant social orientation for patient care. They demonstrate exceptional dependability and attention to detail, as these are critical safety requirements in healthcare settings. Strong near vision abilities and oral communication skills are essential for assisting with precise dental procedures and explaining treatment instructions to patients. Those who succeed show genuine service orientation and social perceptiveness, as they spend significant time working directly with patients who may be anxious or in discomfort. The role suits detail-oriented professionals who can multitask effectively between clinical duties and administrative responsibilities.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most dental assistants enter the field through post-secondary certificate programs (46.0% of practitioners), which typically take 9-12 months to complete and cover dental anatomy, radiography, and infection control. High school graduates (28.6%) can also enter through on-the-job training, though formal education is increasingly preferred. Some states require certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) for expanded functions. Clinical externships during training programs provide essential hands-on experience in real dental office environments.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Experienced dental assistants can advance to supervisory roles, specialized positions like oral surgery assistance, or expanded function roles with additional certification allowing them to perform more complex procedures. Many transition to dental hygiene programs, which require additional education but offer higher wages and greater clinical autonomy. Some pursue dental office management positions, leveraging their comprehensive understanding of dental practice operations. The strong foundation in healthcare and patient care also facilitates transitions to other medical assisting roles or healthcare administration positions.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The dental assistant field shows strong employment with 387,790 positions nationwide and a median annual wage of $48,070 (BLS OEWS May 2025). Geographic variation is moderate with a 1.82x ratio between highest-paying Minnesota ($65,270) and lowest-paying Puerto Rico ($35,910). The overwhelming majority (96.5%) work in healthcare and social assistance settings, primarily dental offices. Wage ranges from $37,130 (10th percentile) to $62,250 (90th percentile) reflect experience levels and geographic location. The field benefits from consistent demand for dental services and an aging population requiring increased oral healthcare. Technology integration, particularly practice management software and digital imaging, is driving skill requirements evolution.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Dental assistants face low automation risk due to the highly interpersonal nature of patient care and the need for human judgment in clinical assistance. While digital X-ray systems and electronic records have streamlined some tasks, core activities like patient preparation, chairside assistance during procedures, and infection control require human expertise and adaptability. The emphasis on patient communication, manual dexterity for instrument handling, and real-time clinical decision support makes this role largely automation-resistant.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [career_pathway] Dental Hygienists (29-1292.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Strong advancement pathway with shared dental knowledge (4.8 level) and patient care focus, representing natural career progression.
    data: shared Medicine and Dentistry knowledge at 4.8 level
    data: both in healthcare support vertical
    data: similar patient interaction skills
  [skill_overlap] Medical Assistants (31-9092.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: High similarity in customer service (4.5 importance) and administrative duties with shared healthcare support focus.
    data: Customer and Personal Service importance 4.5
    data: same Job Zone 3
    data: similar administrative knowledge requirements
  [task_similarity] Ophthalmic Medical Technicians (29-2057.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles emphasize near vision abilities (4.1 importance) and assisting practitioners with medical procedures.
    data: Near Vision importance 4.1
    data: both assist medical practitioners
    data: similar patient preparation duties
  [riasec_cluster] Surgical Assistants (29-9093.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared conventional and realistic RIASEC patterns with emphasis on assisting healthcare practitioners.
    data: both show high Conventional orientation
    data: similar Assisting and Caring for Others work activities
    data: healthcare support roles
  [knowledge_overlap] Dental Laboratory Technicians (51-9081.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared dental knowledge and experience with dental materials through fabrication of temporary restorations and impressions.
    data: Medicine and Dentistry knowledge overlap
    data: both work with dental materials
    data: fabrication task similarities

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['dental assistant', 'dental aide', 'dental office assistant', 'certified dental assistant', 'expanded function dental assistant', 'dental nurse', 'dentist assistant', 'oral healthcare assistant']
  exclude_keywords : ['dental hygienist', 'dental technician', 'dentist', 'oral surgeon', 'orthodontist']
  title_patterns   : ['*dental assistant*', '*dental aide*', '*CDA*', '*dental office*', '*dentist assistant*']
  common_variations: ['Certified Dental Assistant', 'CDA', 'Dental Assistant', 'Expanded Function Dental Assistant', 'EFDA', 'Dental Aide', 'Dental Office Assistant', 'Registered Dental Assistant']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['dental', 'assistants', 'health', 'oral', 'tendency', 'equipment', 'others', 'patient', 'assistant', 'procedures', 'control', 'care', 'patients', 'assisting', 'medical', 'treatment', 'instruments', 'materials', 'infection', 'principles']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
dental                    212  0.04552  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  inference:10%  onet_tasks:3%
assistants                 49  0.01052  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  inference:12%
health                     47  0.01009  wikipedia            wikipedia:91%  dwas:6%  onet_dimensions:2%
oral                       46  0.00988  wikipedia            wikipedia:85%  onet_dimensions:7%  inference:7%
tendency                   42  0.00902  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
equipment                  38  0.00816  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:61%  dwas:16%  wikipedia:16%
others                     38  0.00816  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
patient                    37  0.00795  wikipedia            wikipedia:49%  inference:32%  dwas:14%
assistant                  35  0.00752  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  inference:6%
procedures                 29  0.00623  wikipedia            wikipedia:38%  onet_dimensions:28%  inference:17%
control                    29  0.00623  wikipedia            wikipedia:45%  onet_dimensions:41%  inference:10%
care                       29  0.00623  wikipedia            wikipedia:72%  inference:14%  onet_dimensions:7%
patients                   28  0.00601  wikipedia            wikipedia:61%  dwas:14%  onet_tasks:11%
assisting                  25  0.00537  wikipedia            wikipedia:84%  inference:12%  onet_dimensions:4%
medical                    23  0.00494  dwas                 dwas:70%  onet_tasks:9%  wikipedia:9%
treatment                  21  0.00451  wikipedia            wikipedia:57%  inference:24%  onet_dimensions:14%
instruments                17  0.00365  wikipedia            wikipedia:71%  onet_tasks:12%  inference:12%
materials                  17  0.00365  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:59%  wikipedia:29%  onet_tasks:12%
infection                  17  0.00365  wikipedia            wikipedia:82%  inference:18%
principles                 16  0.00344  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
providing                  16  0.00344  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  onet_dimensions:44%  inference:6%
dentist                    15  0.00322  wikipedia            wikipedia:60%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:20%
management                 15  0.00322  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:47%  wikipedia:27%  inference:20%
programs                   15  0.00322  wikipedia            wikipedia:47%  onet_dimensions:27%  inference:20%
needs                      15  0.00322  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:53%  wikipedia:47%
includes                   14  0.00301  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:86%  wikipedia:14%
teeth                      13  0.00279  wikipedia            wikipedia:77%  onet_tasks:15%  inference:8%
hand                       13  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:54%  wikipedia:46%
objects                    13  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  wikipedia:8%
performing                 13  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  wikipedia:31%  inference:8%
clinical                   13  0.00279  inference            inference:62%  wikipedia:38%
human                      12  0.00258  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:58%  wikipedia:25%  inference:17%
activities                 12  0.00258  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  wikipedia:17%  inference:8%
devices                    12  0.00258  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:42%  dwas:42%  wikipedia:17%
include                    12  0.00258  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  inference:8%
australia                  12  0.00258  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
states                     12  0.00258  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  inference:8%
records                    11  0.00236  wikipedia            wikipedia:27%  inference:27%  onet_tasks:18%
services                   11  0.00236  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:55%  wikipedia:27%  onet_tasks:9%
dentistry                  11  0.00236  wikipedia            wikipedia:91%  onet_dimensions:9%