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OverviewNature of WorkKnowledge AreasSkills Utilized
Job ActivitiesAbilitiesJob ConditionsWork SatisfactionEducation/Training

Knowledge Areas

Learn about the most important knowledge areas for Dental Assistants. Also, find out how proficient you have to be in each knowledge area.

Importance*More Info
1.Medicine and Dentistry87
2.Customer and Personal Service73
3.English Language64
4.Clerical59
5.Chemistry51
6.Computers and Electronics42
7.Psychology41
8.Public Safety and Security40
* Importance out of 100

Score Key
  Importance for success in this profession
  Level of proficiency needed

Knowledge Area Scores

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.
87
68
Use a band-aidFill a tooth cavityPerform open heart surgery
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.
73
61
Process customer dry-cleaning drop offWork as a day care aide supervising 10 childrenRespond to a citizen's request for assistance after a major disaster
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
64
43
Write a thank you noteEdit a feature article in a local newspaperTeach a college English class
Clerical
Knowledge 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.
59
55
File letters alphabeticallyType 30 words per minuteOrganize a storage system for company forms
Chemistry
Knowledge 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.
51
47
Use a common household bug sprayUse the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water sourceDevelop a safe commercial cleaner
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
42
44
Operate a VCR to watch a pre-recorded training tapeUse a word processorCreate a program to scan computer disks for viruses
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.
41
40
Monitor several children on a playgroundUnderstand the impact of alcohol on human responsesTreat a person with severe mental illness
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
40
35
Use a seatbeltInspect a building site for safety violationsCommand a military operation