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.

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.
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
Clean and polish removable appliances.
Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +18.0%

National: +8.4%

Education

Post-Secondary Certificate

Job Zone:

Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Moderately High ($36,000 - $49,999)

Median Earnings:

National

$46,540.00

State

$48,000.00

Regional

Dental Assistants

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Education

Required Level of Education

Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 46.04%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 28.61%
Some College Courses = 17.06%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 8.29%

Related Work Experience

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 27.35%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 21.43%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 15.52%
None = 13.09%
Over 10 years = 11.20%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 8.40%
Up to and including 1 month = 3.01%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 36.78%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 17.88%
None = 15.47%
Up to and including 1 month = 12.93%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 7.81%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 6.47%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 1.82%
Over 10 years = 0.85%

On-the-Job Training

Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 41.88%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 28.98%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 10.95%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.35%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 6.17%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 1.82%
Over 10 years = 0.85%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Tasks

Core 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.
Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
Clean and polish removable appliances.
Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.
Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Clean teeth, using dental instruments.
Fabricate and fit orthodontic appliances and materials for patients, such as retainers, wires, or bands.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Dental laboratory air abrasion units (Air abrasion units)
Air compressors
Teeth cleaning devices or accessories (Air/water syringes)
Amalgam carriers
Dental amalgamators (Amalgamators)
Dental depth gauges (Apex locators)
Dental articulators or accessories (Articulators)
Dental syringes or needles or syringes with needles (Aspirating syringes)
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Autoclaves)
Orthodontic pliers (Band seating pliers)
Dental laboratory lathes or accessories (Bench lathes)
Dental bite blocks or wings or tabs (Bite blocks)
Dental radiology film (Bitewing film holders)
Dental burs (Burs)
Dental lasers (Caries detection aids)
Dental syringes or needles or syringes with needles (Cartridge syringes)
Chemical or gas sterilizers (Chemiclaves)
Dental scissors (Collar scissors)
Dental laboratory vacuum units or supplies (Computerized pressure/vacuum casting systems)
Orthodontic pliers (Contouring orthodontic pliers)
Dental forceps (Cotton forceps)
Dental scissors (Crown scissors)
Dental examination chairs or related parts or accessories (Dental chairs)
Orthodontic pliers (Dental crimping pliers)
Dental cutting or separating discs (Dental cutting instruments)
Dental probes (Dental explorers)
Combination furniture sets for dental procedures (Dental furniture units)
Dental hand pieces or accessories (Dental handpieces)
Dental lasers (Dental laser systems)
Orthodontic pliers (Dental pliers)
Dental retainers
Dental spatulas
Dental tweezers
Dental wedges or sets (Dental wedges)
Dental film processors (Dental x ray film processors)
Dental x ray units (Dental x ray machines)
Dental laboratory casting machines or its parts or accessories (Denture model presses)
Dental finishing or polishing kits (Denture, acrylic and porcelain polishing kits)
Dental probes (Double-ended probes)
Dental hand pieces or accessories (Electric endodontic handpieces)
Dental hand pieces or accessories (Electric general dentistry handpieces)
Dental hand pieces or accessories (Electric surgical handpieces)
Electronic blood pressure units (Electronic blood pressure devices)
Dental hygiene instruments (Electronic calculus detectors)
Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Electrosurgery units)
Dental saliva ejectors or oral suction devices or supplies (Evacuator systems)
Dental forceps (Extracting forceps)
Dental filler contouring instruments (Filling instruments)
Dental operatory retraction cords (Gingival retraction cords)
Periodontal curettes (Gracey curettes)
Orthodontic appliance clasps (Headgear)
Dental forceps (Hemostatic forceps)
Cosmetic dentistry curing lights or accessories (High-intensity lights)
Dental hand pieces or accessories (High-speed handpieces)
Dental saliva ejectors or oral suction devices or supplies (High-velocity evacuators)
Dental impression trays (Impression trays)
Dental instrument sharpening accessories (Instrument sharpening devices)
Orthodontic pliers (Intraoral detailing pliers)
Dental x ray units (Intraoral x ray equipment)
Medical radiological shielding aprons or masks or drapes (Lead aprons)
Cosmetic dentistry curing lights or accessories (Light curing units)
Mercury blood pressure units (Manual blood pressure cuffs)
Bands for dental matrix (Matrix bands)
Dental laboratory model trimmers or accessories (Model trimmers)
Dental dam supplies (Molar clamps)
Dental syringe accessory kits (Needle holders)
Dental syringes or needles or syringes with needles (Needles)
Orthodontic pliers (Offset utility pliers)
Orthodontic setter bands (Orthodontic band pushers)
Orthodontic setter bands (Orthodontic band slitters)
Orthodontic brackets
Orthodontic pliers
Dental tooth separators (Orthodontic separators)
Medical gas cylinders or related devices (Oxygen tanks)
Dental x ray units (Panoramic x ray equipment)
Personal computers
Dental matrices or sets (Posterior matrices)
Dental laboratory vacuum units or supplies (Power vacuum mixers)
Dental finishing or polishing discs (Prophylaxis angles)
Medical radiological shielding aprons or masks or drapes (Protective shielding equipment)
Dental pulp or vitality testers (Pulp testers)
Medical radiation dosimeters (Radiation dosimeters)
Dental elevators (Root elevators)
Dental hand pieces or accessories (Rotary handpieces)
Dental dam supplies (Rubber dam clamp forceps)
Dental dam supplies (Rubber dam punches)
Dental dam supplies (Rubber dams)
Dental saliva ejectors or oral suction devices or supplies (Saliva ejectors)
Dental scalers or accessories (Scalers)
Dental probes (Single-ended periodontal probes)
Dental hand pieces or accessories (Slow-speed dental handpieces)
Dental forceps (Splinter forceps)
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Steam cleaning equipment)
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Steam sterilizers)
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Sterilizers)
Orthodontic pliers (Straight utility pliers)
Dry heat or hot air sterilizers (Thermal disinfectors)
Medical radiological shielding aprons or masks or drapes (Thyroid collars)
Dental forceps (Tongue forceps)
Orthodontic pliers (Torqueing pliers)
Ultrasonic cleaning equipment (Ultrasonic sterilization units)
Periodontal curettes (Universal curettes)
Dental formers (Vacuum formers)
Dental x ray apparatus parts or kits or accessories (X ray machine cones)

Technologies Include:

Accounting software

Intuit Quicken software

Electronic mail software

Email software

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Medical software

Henry Schein Dentrix software
Kodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMS
Patterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft
The Systems Workplace TDOCS

Office suite software

Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

Word processing software

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Special Requirements

No certification needed for dental assistant.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

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. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
88.50	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.
85.25	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.
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.
61.75	Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
61.25	Administrative	Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
58.00	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
57.75	Sales and Marketing	Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
51.50	Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Skills

%	Subject	Description
72.00	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.
59.50	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
56.25	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
53.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
53.00	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
53.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
53.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
53.00	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
50.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
50.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
50.00	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
68.75	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
62.50	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
59.50	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
56.25	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	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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 that there is a problem.
53.00	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.
53.00	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.
53.00	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
50.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
50.00	Control Precision	The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
50.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50.00	Time Sharing	The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
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™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
88.75	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
87.25	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
86.25	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
84.25	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
79.50	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
79.25	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.
77.50	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
75.50	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
75.50	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
75.00	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
73.00	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
72.75	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
71.25	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
70.25	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
68.75	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
64.25	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.
64.25	Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
64.25	Coaching and Developing Others	Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
63.50	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
63.50	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
60.00	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
58.50	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
58.00	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
57.00	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
56.50	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
55.00	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
54.75	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
54.25	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
54.00	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
53.50	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
53.00	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 materials.
51.25	Selling or Influencing Others	Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
49.50	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
88.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
88.50	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
88.50	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
86.00	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
85.25	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
84.00	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
83.25	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
79.00	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
78.00	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
75.25	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
74.75	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
73.25	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
72.50	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
71.00	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.
67.00	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
62.50	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

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™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
97.60	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?
96.20	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?
95.40	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
92.00	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
90.00	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
89.40	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
89.20	Exposed to Radiation	How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
88.40	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
87.40	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
86.20	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?
86.00	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
79.20	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
78.60	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?
77.20	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
77.00	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
76.40	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
76.00	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body	How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
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?
73.80	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
73.80	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
73.60	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?
73.60	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
70.80	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
70.40	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
68.80	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?
68.80	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
66.80	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
66.40	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
66.40	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?
63.80	Public Speaking	How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
62.20	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
62.00	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?
61.00	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
60.00	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
56.60	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
52.00	Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions	How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
51.60	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$35,470.00	$46,540.00	$54,430.00
Virginia	$35,530.00	$48,000.00	$50,770.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	$40,130.00	$48,850.00	$55,390.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$37,730.00	$46,060.00	$51,110.00
Central VA/Region2000	$33,490.00	$39,690.00	$47,000.00
Crater Area	$36,460.00	$45,790.00	$49,440.00
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$36,140.00	$47,450.00	$50,450.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	$31,640.00	$37,440.00	$45,170.00
Northern Virginia	$42,660.00	$49,280.00	$55,580.00
Piedmont Workforce	$36,390.00	$46,460.00	$51,420.00
Shenandoah Valley	$34,310.00	$43,590.00	$47,310.00
South Central	$32,460.00	$43,180.00	$45,500.00
Southwestern Virginia	$33,500.00	$37,360.00	$43,790.00
West Piedmont	$32,530.00	$39,980.00	$45,580.00
Western Virginia	$33,970.00	$44,380.00	$49,440.00

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	376,500	408,000	+8.4%
Virginia	8,147	9,617	+18.0%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	375	457	+21.9%
Bay Consortium	385	460	+19.5%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	1,317	1,584	+20.3%
Central VA/Region2000	195	217	+11.3%
Crater Area	199	225	+13.1%
Greater Peninsula	515	586	+13.8%
Hampton Roads	1,201	1,370	+14.1%
New River/Mt. Rogers	249	269	+8.0%
Northern Virginia	2,326	2,856	+22.8%
Piedmont Workforce	359	427	+18.9%
Shenandoah Valley	393	462	+17.6%
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	240	264	+10.0%

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Health Science Videos
Overview
Occupations

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; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Dental Care, General
Dental Hygiene
Medical Care and Treatment, General
Not Occupationally Qualified, General

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

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
Getting Information	4.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	4.5
Working with Computers	4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	4.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Documenting/Recording Information	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	3.5
Handling and Moving Objects	3.5
Coaching and Developing Others	3.5
Processing Information	3.5
Training and Teaching Others	3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	3.5
Developing and Building Teams	3.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.5
Analyzing Data or Information	3.0
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	3.0
Performing General Physical Activities	3.0
Selling or Influencing Others	3.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	3.0
Performing Administrative Activities	3.0
Controlling Machines and Processes	3.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	3.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	3.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.5
Staffing Organizational Units	2.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.5
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	2.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Titles

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
Certified Registered Dental Assistant
Dental Aide
Dental Assistant
Dental Nurse
Dental Office Manager
Dentist Attendant
Expanded Dental Assistant
Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA)
Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)
Hygiene Assistant
Oral And Maxiofacial Surgical Assistant
Oral Surgery Assistant
Orthodontic Assistant
Orthodontist Assistant
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Surgical Dental Assistant

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Dental Assistants

Related Schools

Centura College-Norfolk
Danville Community College
ECPI University
Fortis College-Norfolk
Fortis College-Richmond
Germanna Community College
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Mountain Empire Community College
Northern Virginia Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Wytheville Community College

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)