Dental Assistants

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Receiving and preparing patients
  • Arranging and handing instruments, medication, and other dental requisites to Dental Practitioners
  • Preparing dental materials and processing X-rays
  • Using suction devices and water sprays
  • Performing routine maintenance on equipment
  • Sterilising and preventing cross infection of equipment
  • May advise patients on dental health education and post-operative care and procedures
  • May act as receptionist for Dental Practitioners
  • May perform billing and other clerical tasks

Key values of workers in Dental Assistants

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Top skills required for workers in Dental Assistants

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • 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.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.