MyMajors Career Profile

Typical Tasks

Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.

Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.

Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.

Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.

Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.

What kind of work is this?

Investigative

Studying, Research based work

Realistic

Practical, Physical Work

Social

Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Dependability

Concern for Others

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Judgment and Decision Making

Critical Thinking

Speaking

Reading Comprehension

Active Listening

Complex Problem Solving

Expected 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.

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.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.

Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.

Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Typical Education Required