dentistry-lecturer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — dentistry lecturer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1021.00 (Dentists, General).

Task statements

• [Core] Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
• [Core] Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
• [Core] Manage business aspects such as employing or supervising staff or handling paperwork or insurance claims.
• [Core] Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
• [Core] 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.
• [Core] Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
• [Core] Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
• [Core] Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
• [Core] Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
• [Core] Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.
• [Core] Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
• [Core] Analyze or evaluate dental needs to determine changes or trends in patterns of dental disease.
• [Core] Treat exposure of pulp by pulp capping, removal of pulp from pulp chamber, or root canal, using dental instruments.
• [Core] Eliminate irritating margins of fillings and correct occlusions, using dental instruments.
• [Core] Perform oral or periodontal surgery on the jaw or mouth.
• [Core] Remove diseased tissue, using surgical instruments.
• [Core] Apply fluoride or sealants to teeth.
• [Core] Bleach, clean, or polish teeth to restore natural color.
• [Core] Plan, organize, or maintain dental health programs.
• [Core] Produce or evaluate dental health educational materials.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust prostheses or other assistive devices.
• Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
• Advise patients on preventive care techniques.
• Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
• Design medical devices or appliances.
• Design public or employee health programs.
• Develop medical treatment plans.
• Diagnose dental conditions.
• Direct healthcare delivery programs.
• Examine mouth, teeth, gums, or related facial structures.
• Fabricate medical devices.
• Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
• Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
• Operate on patients to treat conditions.
• Prepare healthcare training materials.
• Prescribe medications.
• Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
• Supervise patient care personnel.
• Treat dental problems or diseases.