Selected Geography: Florida

Standard Occupational(SOC) Code: 319091
Standard Occupational(SOC) Title: Dental Assistants

Assist dentist, set up patient and equipment, and keep records.

Wages for Year 2010
Entry Average Experienced
$25,921.00$34,291.41$38,476.10

Occupational Projections
2017 Projected
Employment
Annual
Growth Rate
Annual
Total Openings
19,9713.34%782

Skills Description
Active ListeningGiving 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 ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Knowledge Description
Medicine and DentistryKnowledge 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 ServiceKnowledge 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.
English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
ClericalKnowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
ChemistryKnowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.


Experience Definition
Overall ExperienceSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
EducationThese occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Related Occupations
Dental Hygienists
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
Orthodontists
Prosthodontists
Radiologic Technicians
Radiologic Technologists
Surgical Technologists


Source: Agency for Workforce Innovation - Labor Market Statistics
Occupational Informational Network(O*Net v7.0)