Virginia Career VIEW

Dental Assistants

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

Tasks Include:

  • 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.
  • Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
  • Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +36.2%

National: +35.8%

 

Education

Post-Secondary Certificate

Job Zone:

Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Mid Range ($28,000 - $35,999)

Average Earnings:

 

National

$34,140.00

State

$36,136.65

Regional


 


 

Dental Assistants

Description


Career Cluster: Health Science

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

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Education


Required Level of Education
Related Work Experience
On-Site or In-Plant Training
On-the-Job Training

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Supplemental Tasks Include:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Technologies Include:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Special Requirements


No certification needed for dental assistant.



The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
 
 

Dental Assistants

Additional Resources


Information about career opportunities and accredited dental assistant programs is available from:

Commission on Dental Accreditation
American Dental Association
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Suite 1814
Chicago, IL 60611
http://www.ada.org

For information on becoming a Certified Dental Assistant and a list of State boards of dentistry, contact:

Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.
676 North Saint Clair
Suite 1880
Chicago, IL 60611
http://www.danb.org

For general information about continuing education for dental assistants, contact:

American Dental Assistants Association
203 North LaSalle St.
Suite 1320
Chicago, IL 60601
http://www.dentalassistant.org

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
 

Dental Assistants

Knowledge
% Subject Description
82.25 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.
77.50 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.
69.00 English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Skills
% Subject Description
62.50 Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
59.50 Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
59.50 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.
56.25 Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
53.00 Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
50.00 Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00 Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
50.00 Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Abilities
% Subject Description
65.50 Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
65.50 Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
65.50 Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
62.50 Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
59.50 Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
59.50 Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
56.25 Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
56.25 Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
53.00 Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
53.00 Category Flexibility The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
53.00 Information Ordering The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53.00 Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
53.00 Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
53.00 Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
53.00 Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
53.00 Selective Attention The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50.00 Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Work Activities
% Subject Description
83.00 Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
73.00 Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
72.75 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
71.75 Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
65.75 Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
63.25 Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
63.25 Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
62.75 Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
62.25 Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
62.00 Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
62.00 Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
59.25 Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
58.50 Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
58.25 Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
57.25 Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
57.00 Documenting/Recording Information Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
54.50 Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
53.50 Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
52.25 Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
51.25 Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
51.25 Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
50.75 Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
49.75 Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
49.50 Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Work Styles
% Subject Description
87.75 Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
87.75 Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
86.75 Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
83.75 Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
81.75 Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical.
77.75 Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
76.75 Social Orientation Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
76.25 Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
75.75 Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
74.25 Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
66.75 Leadership Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
66.25 Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
65.75 Achievement/Effort Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
62.75 Persistence Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
58.00 Innovation Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
55.25 Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Work Values
% Subject Description
83.33 Relationships Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
77.83 Support Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
52.83 Working Conditions Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Work Context
% Subject Description
100.00 Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
97.20 Physical Proximity To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
95.00 Contact With Others How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
92.20 Face-to-Face Discussions How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
90.40 Work With Work Group or Team How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
89.80 Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
88.40 Importance of Being Exact or Accurate How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
86.20 Exposed to Disease or Infections How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
81.60 Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
80.80 Telephone How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
79.80 Structured versus Unstructured Work To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
76.00 Responsible for Others' Health and Safety How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
75.80 Exposed to Radiation How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
74.60 Frequency of Decision Making How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
74.40 Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
73.40 Indoors, Environmentally Controlled How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
72.80 Importance of Repeating Same Tasks How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
70.60 Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
69.60 Freedom to Make Decisions How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
68.00 Spend Time Walking and Running How much does this job require walking and running?
67.80 Spend Time Standing How much does this job require standing?
67.00 Coordinate or Lead Others How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
65.80 Exposed to Contaminants How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
65.60 Deal With External Customers How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
63.40 Time Pressure How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
62.00 Exposed to Hazardous Conditions How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
60.40 Letters and Memos How often does the job require written letters and memos?
59.40 Responsibility for Outcomes and Results How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
59.20 Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
59.20 Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
57.00 Spend Time Sitting How much does this job require sitting?
55.80 Consequence of Error How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
55.20 Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
53.60 Frequency of Conflict Situations How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
50.00 Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Earnings Benefits
Region Entry Level Average Experienced
United States $22,680.00 $34,140.00 $47,090.00
Virginia $24,605.19 $36,136.65 $52,535.04
 
Region Entry Level Average Experienced
Bay Consortium $24,870.67 $35,590.48 $50,249.01
Capital Region Workforce Partnership $22,429.61 $33,496.98 $45,945.49
Central VA/Region2000 $22,079.00 $29,677.81 $37,773.14
Crater Area No Data No Data No Data
Greater Peninsula $25,864.73 $32,624.52 $43,445.65
Hampton Roads $24,505.88 $33,020.72 $40,950.88
New River/Mt. Rogers $22,927.14 $31,759.15 $40,742.14
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington $27,279.31 $43,102.14 $60,112.57
Piedmont Workforce $26,286.27 $33,798.94 $41,350.13
Shenandoah Valley $22,980.85 $29,153.93 $36,612.91
South Central $16,361.91 $24,927.42 $38,114.63
Southwestern Virginia $22,195.54 $28,055.50 $35,675.59
West Piedmont $18,851.61 $28,113.26 $36,617.97
Western Virginia $21,763.87 $31,850.35 $42,081.74


The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
 

Dental Assistants

Employment Projections
National 2008 2018 % Change
United States 295,300 400,900 + 35.8%
 
State 2008 2018 % Change
Virginia 7,622 10,381 + 36.2%
 
Region 2008 2018 % Change
Bay Consortium 441 595 + 34.9%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership 1,042 1,402 + 34.5%
Central VA/Region2000 172 237 + 37.8%
Crater Area 110 140 + 27.3%
Greater Peninsula 545 732 + 34.3%
Hampton Roads 1,141 1,548 + 35.7%
New River/Mt. Rogers 236 317 + 34.3%
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington 2,619 3,628 + 38.5%
Piedmont Workforce 357 496 + 38.9%
Shenandoah Valley 386 535 + 38.6%
South Central 63 84 + 33.3%
Southwestern Virginia 0 0 + 0.0%
West Piedmont 138 186 + 34.8%
Western Virginia 224 295 + 31.7%


The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Workforce Connection.
 

Dental Assistants

Related Occupations
Related Occupations

 

Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

View Videos

The following videos are available for this occupation:


En Español:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.
 

Dental Assistants

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:



The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.
 

Dental Assistants

Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
Proficiency Rating
Assisting and Caring for Others 4.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public 4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.0
Getting Information 4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others 3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material 3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 3.5
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings 3.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events 3.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 3.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 3.5
Handling and Moving Objects 3.5
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People 3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 3.5
Documenting/Recording Information 3.5
Developing and Building Teams 3.0
Interacting With Computers 3.0
Controlling Machines and Processes 3.0
Processing Information 3.0
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others 3.0
Scheduling Work and Activities 3.0
Performing General Physical Activities 3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others 3.0
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization 3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information 3.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment 3.0
Training and Teaching Others 3.0
Selling or Influencing Others 3.0
Thinking Creatively 3.0
Performing Administrative Activities 2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies 2.5
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others 2.5
Coaching and Developing Others 2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment 2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources 2.5
Analyzing Data or Information 2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates 2.5
Staffing Organizational Units 2.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment 1.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment 1.5


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 

Dental Assistants

Titles

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
 
 

Dental Assistants

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