Typical Tasks
Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Social
Working with people
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Concern for Others
Integrity
Dependability
Cooperation
Self-Control
Adaptability/Flexibility
What key skills are needed for this job?
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Writing
Expected Knowledge
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.
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.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Common Activities
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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.
