Dental Assistants

• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
• Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
• Fabricate temporary restorations or custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
• Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
• Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
• Clean and polish removable appliances.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Dental Assistants.

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Dental Assistants.