NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

Dentists, General

SOC 29-1021.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full scope of general dentistry practice — from supervised clinical entry through independent complex care to organizational leadership — across private, group, community health, and institutional settings.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, and safety glasses) — apply and verify correct usage before each patient encounter in a supervised clinical setting.
  2. Dental examination instruments and diagnostic x-ray equipment — operate under attending supervision to perform initial oral assessments in a general dentistry clinic.
  3. Patient dental and medical histories — collect and document accurately using office suite software during intake procedures in a clinical practice.
  4. Basic anesthetic protocols — assist in preparing and administering local anesthetics under direct supervision during routine dental procedures.
  5. Dental air turbines and hand instruments — handle and maintain with appropriate sterile technique under the guidance of a licensed dentist in a clinical environment.
  6. Preliminary treatment plans — draft for straightforward cases such as simple restorations under supervising dentist review in a general practice setting.
  7. Preventive oral health education — deliver standardized instructions to patients regarding brushing, flossing, and diet in a general dentistry office.
  8. Antibiotic and analgesic prescriptions — prepare for supervising dentist co-signature following established formulary guidelines in a clinical practice.
  9. Dental radiographic images — interpret common findings such as caries and bone loss with direct faculty or senior clinician guidance in a supervised clinic.
  10. Clinical time and appointment schedules — manage personal patient caseload under oversight to maintain on-time flow in a general dentistry practice.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Full-mouth examinations — conduct independently using dental instruments, digital x-rays, and diagnostic software to identify caries, periodontal disease, and soft-tissue anomalies in a general practice.
  2. Infection control and PPE compliance — enforce protocol for self and assisting staff across all patient encounters in a private or group dental office.
  3. Local and regional anesthetic techniques — administer with confidence across a range of block and infiltration methods to manage patient pain during routine and moderately complex procedures.
  4. Individualized treatment plans — formulate for common conditions including restorative, endodontic, and periodontal needs based on clinical findings in a general dentistry setting.
  5. Dental appliances and surgical implements — select and use appropriately for extractions, crown preparations, and other routine procedures with minimal oversight.
  6. Disease diagnoses — document accurately using dental practice management software and communicate findings clearly to patients and referring specialists.
  7. Prescription management — write and review antibiotic, antifungal, and analgesic prescriptions in accordance with evidence-based guidelines and state regulations.
  8. Patient counseling — adapt preventive care instructions and treatment rationale to individual patient literacy levels and motivational readiness in a community dental clinic.
  9. Clinical problem solving — apply inductive reasoning to non-routine presentations such as atypical pain or ambiguous radiographic findings in a solo or small-group practice.
  10. Staff coordination — direct dental assistants and hygienists on daily clinical tasks and instrument preparation to maintain safe and efficient patient care.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex oral diagnoses — evaluate multifactorial conditions including advanced periodontal disease, occlusal dysfunction, and oral lesions autonomously using comprehensive diagnostic data in a full-scope general dentistry practice.
  2. Comprehensive treatment planning — develop, sequence, and present multi-phase restorative and surgical treatment plans for patients with complex systemic and oral health interactions.
  3. Advanced pain management — select and administer appropriate anesthetic techniques, including intraosseous and intrapulpal methods, for challenging patient anatomies or anxious patients in a general or specialty-adjacent practice.
  4. Surgical and restorative procedures — perform extractions, implant placements, endodontic therapy, and complex crown-and-bridge work using dental air turbines, hand instruments, and surgical implements with a high degree of precision.
  5. Diagnostic imaging interpretation — analyze cone-beam CT scans, periapical, and panoramic radiographs to detect pathology, assess bone volume, and plan implant or surgical cases without specialist referral when appropriate.
  6. Evidence-based prescribing — manage antimicrobial stewardship by selecting the narrowest-spectrum effective agents and educating patients on adherence and side effects across a diverse patient population.
  7. Patient behavior and health literacy — apply social perceptiveness and motivational interviewing to overcome barriers to preventive care and treatment acceptance in underserved or medically complex patient populations.
  8. Medical emergency preparedness — recognize and respond to systemic emergencies such as anaphylaxis, syncope, or cardiac events in the dental office using current ACLS-aligned protocols.
  9. Interdisciplinary collaboration — coordinate with physicians, oral surgeons, and orthodontists through detailed referral letters and shared records to deliver integrated care for medically compromised patients.
  10. Dental practice technology — configure and utilize electronic health record and medical software platforms to optimize clinical documentation, billing accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Clinical quality standards — establish and continuously refine evidence-based protocols for diagnosis, treatment planning, and infection control across an entire dental organization or multi-site practice.
  2. Organizational treatment philosophy — articulate and champion a comprehensive, patient-centered care model that integrates preventive, restorative, and surgical disciplines at an institutional or network level.
  3. Workforce development — mentor, evaluate, and advance the clinical competencies of associate dentists, residents, and allied dental staff through structured feedback and continuing education programs.
  4. Strategic case complexity management — accept and lead care for the most complex, high-risk patient presentations — including those with systemic comorbidities or maxillofacial pathology — that exceed routine practice scope.
  5. Regulatory and ethical leadership — interpret evolving dental practice laws, prescribing regulations, and infection control standards and translate them into actionable compliance frameworks for the practice or institution.
  6. Health economics and practice administration — oversee budgeting, revenue cycle management, and accounting software reporting to ensure the financial sustainability of a dental organization while maintaining care quality.
  7. Community oral health advocacy — design and lead population-level preventive programs, school-based screenings, or public health initiatives that reduce the burden of dental disease across a defined community.
  8. Curriculum and educational program design — develop and deliver postgraduate or continuing education curricula for dental professionals aligned with competency-based frameworks and accreditation requirements.
  9. Research and innovation integration — critically appraise emerging clinical science, materials, and technologies — such as digital impressioning, AI-assisted diagnostics, and laser dentistry — and drive evidence-based adoption within the organization.
  10. Interprofessional leadership — represent dentistry in health system governance, hospital credentialing committees, or policy bodies to advance oral-systemic health integration at the organizational or policy level.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted radiograph review — uses AI-powered imaging software to flag potential caries, bone loss, or anomalies on digital x-rays, then independently confirms or overrides each finding with clinical examination Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Patient record summarization — prompts an AI tool to condense lengthy medical histories into structured intake summaries, reviewing every output for clinical accuracy before incorporating it into the treatment record Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Treatment plan drafting — directs an AI clinical decision-support system to generate candidate treatment sequences based on diagnostic findings, then applies judgment to select, modify, or reject the plan based on patient-specific factors Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Evidence retrieval delegation — hands off clinical questions about drug interactions, anesthetic dosing, or emerging protocols to an AI research assistant, then cross-references outputs against peer-reviewed literature and formulary guidelines before acting WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Patient communication drafting — tasks an AI writing tool with producing patient-facing explanations of procedures and post-operative instructions, then edits for accuracy, appropriate reading level, and practice tone Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Diagnostic reasoning augmentation — integrates AI-generated differential diagnoses into the clinical workflow, using them as a structured checklist while retaining sole authority over the final diagnosis based on tactile, visual, and radiographic evidence Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Procedure time optimization — leverages AI scheduling and workflow analytics to identify inefficiencies in chair time and supply usage, then redesigns appointment templates accordingly, capturing a substantial share of the 82.5% time-saving potential reported across AI-assisted dental tasks Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Continuing education acceleration — uses AI to synthesize new clinical guidelines and systematic reviews into practice-relevant summaries, evaluating the outputs critically before updating in-office protocols WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Informed-consent documentation — directs an AI tool to draft procedure-specific consent language, then audits each document for regulatory compliance and patient comprehension before signature Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI system evaluation and adoption governance — assesses new AI diagnostic or imaging platforms against clinical validation standards, leads practice-level decisions about which tools to adopt, and establishes protocols governing when AI outputs trigger mandatory human review Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Complex case AI choreography — orchestrates multiple AI tools (imaging analysis, pharmacological interaction checkers, implant-planning software) across a single complex restorative or surgical case, sequencing their outputs and adjudicating conflicts using clinical expertise as the authoritative arbiter Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Peer and team AI skill development — trains dental hygienists, assistants, and associate dentists in responsible AI tool use, defining scope boundaries that preserve the clinician's irreplaceable judgment and decision-making role in patient care WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 475
Augment share: 47.5%
Time saved: 82.5%
AI autonomy: 3.34
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Judgment and Decision Making
Score: 60 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient history intake — elicits chief dental complaint and symptom timeline through structured questioning during initial examination appointments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment explanation — describes basic procedures such as fillings or extractions using accessible, non-technical language to reduce patient anxiety O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Preventive care instruction — delivers personalized oral hygiene guidance on brushing, flossing, and dietary habits with clear demonstrations and patient confirmation of understanding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prescription communication — conveys antibiotic or pain management instructions verbally and in writing, ensuring patients understand dosage, duration, and contraindications O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdisciplinary referral — drafts written referral notes to specialists such as orthodontists or oral surgeons with sufficient clinical detail to support continuity of care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Treatment plan presentation — presents multi-step restorative or periodontal treatment plans to patients, integrating diagnostic findings, radiographic evidence, and cost considerations in plain language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Informed consent dialogue — conducts informed consent conversations that address procedure risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes, confirming patient comprehension before proceeding O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Staff clinical briefing — communicates chairside instructions to dental assistants and hygienists with precision during procedures, minimizing error and procedural delay Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Health literacy leadership — designs patient education protocols for the practice that adapt communication style to literacy level, age, and cultural background, reducing missed diagnoses due to miscommunication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Community oral health advocacy — presents dental health education to community groups, schools, or public health forums, translating clinical knowledge into actionable public messaging O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentorship communication — coaches dental students or new associates on clinical communication techniques, providing structured feedback on patient interaction quality and documentation clarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership11 statements
Emerging
  1. Chairside team coordination — takes responsibility for directing the sequence of chairside tasks among dental assistant and hygienist during routine procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Clinical accountability — assumes ownership of treatment decisions made for assigned patients, including follow-up outcomes and documentation accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Practice workflow direction — establishes daily clinical priorities and delegates patient preparation, sterilization, and instrument setup tasks to appropriate team members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Junior staff development — guides dental assistants and hygienists toward improved technique and patient interaction skills through observation-based feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Infection control leadership — champions adherence to PPE and sterilization protocols across the clinical team, modeling correct use of masks, gloves, and safety glasses O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Clinical team leadership — leads a multi-role dental team including assistants, hygienists, and front-office staff toward coordinated delivery of patient care aligned with treatment plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice standard setting — establishes and enforces clinical quality benchmarks for examination thoroughness, radiographic interpretation, and treatment documentation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis management during procedures — takes decisive leadership when intraoperative complications arise, directing team response calmly and ensuring patient safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational vision leadership — defines the strategic clinical direction of a dental practice or group, aligning staff development, technology adoption, and patient care philosophy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Profession mentorship — mentors dental students, residents, or associate dentists through structured clinical supervision, advancing the competence of the next generation of practitioners Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Quality improvement initiative leadership — leads practice-wide initiatives to reduce adverse events, improve patient satisfaction scores, or integrate evidence-based protocols across all providers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition10 statements
Emerging
  1. Diagnostic self-monitoring — recognizes the limits of personal diagnostic confidence and identifies when to seek a second opinion or order additional radiographic views Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuing education awareness — identifies personal knowledge gaps in emerging procedures such as implants or digital impressions and selects appropriate CE courses to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Treatment outcome reflection — reviews completed cases to evaluate whether treatment planning decisions aligned with clinical findings and patient-reported outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedural skill self-assessment — evaluates personal technical proficiency in specific procedures such as endodontic access or crown preparation and adjusts practice strategy accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Clinical reasoning audit — systematically reviews patterns in missed diagnoses or retreatment cases to identify recurring cognitive errors in examination or treatment planning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy calibration — selects and adjusts continuing education formats — hands-on workshops, peer study groups, or journal review — based on self-identified learning effectiveness for different skill types Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Stress-performance awareness — monitors the effect of procedural complexity, patient volume, and time pressure on personal decision-making quality and adjusts scheduling accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling — teaches dental students and associates to recognize and correct their own diagnostic reasoning biases through structured case debriefs and reflective journaling protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence integration strategy — develops a personal systematic process for evaluating new clinical research, filtering it for applicability, and integrating validated findings into practice protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cognitive load management — designs clinical workflows and appointment structures that reduce decision fatigue, preserving diagnostic accuracy across high-volume patient days Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Differential diagnosis formulation — generates an initial list of possible diagnoses based on clinical signs, patient-reported symptoms, and basic radiographic findings during examination Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence evaluation — distinguishes between patient-reported anecdotal information and clinically verified findings when formulating a preliminary treatment direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Diagnostic evidence weighing — integrates clinical examination findings, periodontal charting, radiographic analysis, and patient history to narrow and confirm diagnoses with increasing accuracy O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Treatment option analysis — evaluates restorative, endodontic, surgical, and no-treatment options against patient-specific factors including medical history, anatomy, and patient preference Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Medication risk assessment — analyzes contraindications, allergies, and drug interactions before writing prescriptions for antibiotics, analgesics, or local anesthetics O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex treatment planning — synthesizes multi-system oral health findings into a sequenced, prioritized treatment plan that accounts for systemic health conditions, occlusion, and long-term prognosis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Anomaly identification — detects subtle radiographic or soft-tissue abnormalities inconsistent with normal variation and critically evaluates whether findings warrant biopsy, referral, or watchful monitoring O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Risk-benefit clinical judgment — applies structured clinical reasoning to determine whether immediate intervention or conservative management better serves patient outcomes given current evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Diagnostic reasoning leadership — trains dental team members and students to apply systematic clinical reasoning frameworks, reducing diagnostic errors across the practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol evaluation — critically appraises existing clinical protocols against current peer-reviewed literature and recommends evidence-based updates to practice-wide treatment standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic-oral interface reasoning — integrates knowledge of systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppression into complex dental treatment decisions, modifying care plans to minimize systemic risk O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration11 statements
Emerging
  1. Chairside team participation — works cooperatively with dental assistants during procedures, coordinating instrument passing and patient management to maintain procedural efficiency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Hygienist care coordination — communicates examination findings and updated treatment priorities to the dental hygienist to ensure consistent patient care across appointments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Specialist referral collaboration — coordinates with oral surgeons, endodontists, and orthodontists through shared clinical documentation and mutual case communication to support comprehensive patient care O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Front-office clinical alignment — collaborates with administrative staff to reconcile scheduling, insurance pre-authorization, and patient communication with clinical treatment timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Medical provider collaboration — liaises with patients' physicians to clarify medical histories, anticoagulant management, or pre-procedural antibiotic prophylaxis requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multidisciplinary case coordination — leads collaborative case conferences involving hygienists, dental assistants, specialists, and administrative staff to align on complex patient treatment sequences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation in care teams — mediates differences of clinical opinion or workflow disputes among team members, preserving collaborative function and patient care quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Public health collaboration — partners with community health organizations, school programs, or mobile dental clinics to extend oral health services, contributing clinical expertise to collaborative outreach efforts O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Interprofessional practice model development — builds formal collaboration structures between the dental practice and medical providers, enabling integrated care for patients with complex systemic-oral health needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research collaboration — contributes clinical data, case observations, or protocol participation to multi-site dental research studies, supporting evidence generation for the profession Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Team culture cultivation — establishes a collaborative clinical culture that encourages mutual accountability, shared learning from adverse events, and cross-role respect within the dental practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character11 statements
Emerging
  1. Infection control compliance — consistently applies standard precautions including mask, glove, and eyewear use on every patient contact, regardless of perceived risk level O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient confidentiality — protects patient dental and medical records in accordance with HIPAA requirements, refraining from inappropriate disclosure in clinical and social settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Honest diagnostic disclosure — communicates unfavorable diagnostic findings, including disease progression or treatment failure, to patients with transparency and without minimization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scope of competence integrity — refers patients to specialists when clinical cases exceed personal proficiency rather than proceeding with insufficient expertise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional punctuality and reliability — maintains consistent appointment schedules, minimizing patient wait times and honoring commitments to clinical team members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical treatment recommendation — recommends only clinically indicated procedures, resisting financial incentives to over-treat or under-treat patients in fee-for-service or capitation environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability for adverse outcomes — acknowledges procedural complications or treatment failures directly to patients, provides remediation, and documents incidents with factual accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cultural and patient dignity respect — maintains respectful, non-judgmental demeanor toward patients regardless of oral hygiene status, socioeconomic background, dental anxiety, or cultural differences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership modeling — establishes and upholds explicit ethical standards within the practice, addressing insurance fraud, unnecessary treatment, or unprofessional conduct directly and consistently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional advocacy — participates in dental association governance, public health policy, or workforce ethics committees to advance ethical standards across the profession Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Patient advocacy under systemic pressure — defends patients' access to necessary care when systemic barriers such as insurance denials or administrative constraints threaten treatment adequacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity11 statements
Emerging
  1. Treatment adaptation — modifies standard restorative approaches when patient anatomy, dental anxiety, or material availability requires an alternative technique to achieve acceptable clinical outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient engagement innovation — introduces novel chairside communication strategies such as visual aids, intraoral camera views, or analogies to improve patient understanding of treatment rationale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Custom treatment sequencing — designs individualized, creative treatment sequences for complex patients combining periodontal, restorative, and prosthodontic phases in non-standard order to optimize outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prosthetic problem solving — develops creative solutions for atypical prosthodontic cases involving compromised bone, limited vertical dimension, or unusual aesthetic demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Workflow innovation — redesigns appointment flow or instrument organization to reduce chairside time waste and improve procedural efficiency without compromising quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Interdisciplinary treatment innovation — synthesizes techniques across dental disciplines to create novel treatment approaches for complex cases that fall outside standard protocol guidelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient experience design — reimagines the patient journey from intake through post-treatment follow-up, introducing creative touchpoints that reduce dental anxiety and increase treatment acceptance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Technology integration — creatively incorporates emerging tools such as digital scanning, CAD/CAM milling, or cone beam CT imaging into existing workflows, expanding diagnostic and restorative capability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Clinical protocol innovation — develops new practice-specific protocols or chair-side techniques that improve upon established standards, documenting and sharing findings with the broader dental community Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice model reinvention — conceives and implements innovative practice models such as integrated medical-dental care, tele-dentistry triage, or mobile preventive programs that expand access and redefine service delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentored innovation culture — cultivates an environment within the practice where dental team members are encouraged to experiment with process improvements and clinical innovations through structured pilot testing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset11 statements
Emerging
  1. Constructive feedback receptivity — accepts clinical feedback from supervisors, mentors, or peers on examination technique or patient communication without defensiveness, applying suggestions in subsequent appointments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedural challenge engagement — approaches unfamiliar or technically demanding procedures as learning opportunities rather than risks to avoid Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Continuing education commitment — pursues mandatory and voluntary continuing education in areas of clinical weakness or emerging technique, integrating new skills into active patient care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Complication learning — analyzes cases involving unexpected complications such as instrument separation or post-operative infections to extract procedural lessons and prevent recurrence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Technology adoption persistence — persists through the learning curve of new diagnostic or treatment technologies, investing practice time to achieve proficiency before dismissing tools as impractical Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Peer learning engagement — participates actively in study clubs, peer review groups, or case presentation forums to learn from colleagues' clinical experiences and challenge personal assumptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Evolving standard integration — updates clinical protocols in response to new evidence-based guidelines for areas such as caries management, antibiotic stewardship, or implant placement, overriding prior habit Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Patient outcome-driven improvement — systematically reviews patient satisfaction data and clinical outcome metrics to identify and act on personal growth areas in communication or technique Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture institutionalization — builds practice-wide structures for continuous learning including regular case reviews, skills workshops, and explicit recognition of improvement efforts among all clinical staff Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Specialty skill expansion — pursues advanced training in implantology, sleep dentistry, or other adjunct specialties beyond general dentistry scope, expanding the range of services deliverable to patients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Failure-forward leadership — publicly models learning from clinical setbacks or practice-level failures, normalizing growth-oriented reflection across the dental team and reducing blame culture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness11 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedural attention management — maintains focused attention on operative field details such as margin depth, pulp proximity, and soft tissue position during restorative procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient anxiety recognition — notices verbal and non-verbal cues of patient distress during examination or treatment and pauses to acknowledge and address the patient's emotional state Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intraoperative present-moment focus — sustains deliberate attention on tactile and visual feedback from instruments during complex procedures such as root canal shaping or surgical extractions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotion regulation under patient stress — manages personal frustration or tension during difficult patient interactions or unexpected procedural complications without displacing negative affect onto the patient or team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Intentional pacing — consciously paces procedure speed to match patient comfort level and tissue response rather than defaulting to scheduled time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Diagnostic perceptual attunement — applies heightened sensory awareness to detect subtle clinical findings including early carious lesions, soft tissue color changes, or occlusal wear patterns that routine scanning misses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. High-volume day awareness — monitors personal cognitive and physical state across a full clinical day, recognizing fatigue-related attention lapses and implementing micro-recovery strategies between patients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Mindful patient communication — conducts post-treatment consultations with full presence, setting aside time pressures to give patients complete, unhurried attention during questions about diagnosis or home care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindfulness practice integration — integrates intentional attention and emotional regulation practices into the daily clinical routine, demonstrating consistently measured responses under high-complexity or emergency conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team emotional climate awareness — monitors and responds to the emotional and attentional state of the dental team during high-stress procedures, making real-time adjustments to pacing, tone, and support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Mindfulness mentorship — guides dental students or associates in developing present-moment awareness and emotional regulation techniques specific to chairside dentistry, reducing procedural errors linked to inattention Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude11 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedural persistence — continues through technically challenging steps in routine procedures such as difficult local anesthetic delivery or uncooperative patient management without abandoning the clinical goal Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — proceeds with sound clinical judgment when diagnostic ambiguity remains, rather than delaying necessary care indefinitely in pursuit of perfect certainty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intraoperative complication management — maintains composure and methodical problem-solving when unexpected complications such as broken instruments, perforation, or uncontrolled bleeding occur mid-procedure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult patient interaction resilience — sustains professionalism and therapeutic focus through extended interactions with highly anxious, non-compliant, or confrontational patients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. High clinical demand endurance — sustains diagnostic accuracy and technical precision through full-day appointment schedules without significant degradation of care quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex case commitment — perseveres through multi-appointment complex restorative or surgical cases involving setbacks such as implant failure, failed endodontic treatment, or repeated anesthetic difficulty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adverse outcome navigation — maintains professional stability and clear clinical reasoning following a serious adverse patient event, continuing to provide quality care to subsequent patients without avoidance or paralysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic pressure resistance — upholds clinical and ethical standards under administrative, financial, or staffing pressures that incentivize shortcuts or reduced patient care time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Leadership under practice crisis — guides the dental practice and team through sustained operational adversity such as facility damage, public health emergencies, or staffing collapse, maintaining patient care continuity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Career-long resilience modeling — demonstrates sustained clinical commitment, professional engagement, and adaptive growth across the arc of a long career, modeling fortitude for trainees and colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Courageous patient advocacy — pursues the best clinical outcome for a patient despite resistance from insurance systems, specialists, or institutional policies, persistently advocating until appropriate care is delivered Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors60 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Dental Medicine Doctor (DMD) · Dental Officer · Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS) · Dentist · Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) · Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) · Endodontist · Family Dentist · General Dentist · Pediatric Dentist · Periodontist · Public Health Dentist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Judgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessTime ManagementActive LearningService OrientationCoordinationPersuasionScienceManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingWritingNegotiationLearning StrategiesManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Knowledge domains
Medicine and DentistryCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageBiologyPsychologyEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementPersonnel and Human ResourcesEconomics and Accounting
Abilities
Finger DexterityProblem SensitivityArm-Hand SteadinessInductive ReasoningNear VisionDeductive ReasoningControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionSpeech ClarityOral Expression
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessIntegritySelf-ControlEmpathy
Technology
Medical softwareAccounting softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareInternet browser softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
  2. 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.
  3. Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
  4. Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
  5. Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
  6. Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
  7. Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
  8. Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
CIP education codes
51.040151.050251.050960.010260.0106

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.