Dental Assistant | National Career College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 31-9091.00

Skills

Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionService OrientationActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessInstructing

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementAdministrative

Abilities

Near VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingWritten ExpressionProblem SensitivityArm-Hand Steadiness

Tasks

Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or
Record treatment information in patient records.
Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.

Technology

Electronic mail softwareMedical softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareAccounting software

Tools

Air abrasion unitsAir compressorsAir/water syringesAmalgam carriersAmalgamatorsApex locatorsArticulatorsAspirating syringesAutoclavesBand seating pliersBench lathesBite blocksBitewing film holdersBursCaries detection aids

Work Values

RelationshipsSupportWorking ConditionsIndependenceAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: high31-9091.00	Dental Assistants	title_inference	$47,300 median$61,780 top	+6.39%	2,440

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: emerging (Level 1)(based on Course)

Instrument trays and sterilization equipment — set up and operate under direct supervision in a clinical dental operatory.
Patient records and treatment documentation — enter basic treatment information into electronic health records with guidance from a supervising dentist.
Dental diagnostic x-ray equipment — expose and process radiographs under direct supervision following established radiation safety protocols.
Medical and dental histories — collect and record patient health information using standardized intake forms in a dental office setting.
Vital signs measurement tools — take and record patient blood pressure and pulse under supervision prior to routine dental procedures.
Dental supply inventory — monitor stock levels and notify the lead assistant or office manager when supplies require reordering.
Postoperative care instructions — deliver written and verbal instructions prescribed by the dentist to patients following standard procedures.
Infection control materials and personal protective equipment — apply disinfection and sterilization protocols following OSHA and CDC guidelines in a clinical setting.
Oral hygiene demonstration aids — introduce basic brushing and flossing techniques to patients under the guidance of the supervising dentist.
Office suite and word processing software — complete basic administrative tasks such as scheduling and correspondence in a dental practice environment.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.