Career Starter - San-Joaquin County
Dental Assistants
Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.
Annual Median Wage:
$35,900.00 ($17.26 per hour)
Education:
Post-secondary certificate
Skills
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.
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.
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.
English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.
Education and Training Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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.
Work Tasks
Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
Clean medical equipment.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
Maintain medical records.
Interview patients to gather medical information.
Ladder
   
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
 
Certified Dental Assistant
Dental Assitant