Activities | Perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They assist dentists, set up patient and equipment, and keep records. |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090201090946im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Outlook | Faster-than-average-job growth |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090201090946im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Median Income | $30,200 per year in 2006 |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090201090946im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Work Context & Conditions | Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment. Their work area is usually near the dental chair so that they can arrange instruments, materials, and medication and hand them to the dentist when needed. |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090201090946im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Minimum Education Requirements | Academic High School Program
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090201090946im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Skills | Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Time Management, Equipment Maintenance, Active Learning, Coordination, Reading Comprehension, Speaking |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090201090946im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Abilities | Oral Expression, Near Vision, Written Expression, Oral Comprehension |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090201090946im_/http://science-education.nih.gov/icons/ecblank.gif) |
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Interviews | Christopher Beadle |
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