_____ Conventional Occupations: Dental Assistants
databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifi -
cations. Modify existing databases and database man-
agement systems or direct programmers and analysts
to make changes. Plan, coordinate, and implement
security measures to safeguard information in com-
puter fi les against accidental or unauthorized damage,
modifi cation, or disclosure. Work as part of project
teams to coordinate database development and deter-
mine project scope and limitations. Write and code
logical and physical database descriptions and spec-
ify identifi ers of database to management system or
direct others in coding descriptions. Train users and
answer questions. Specify users and user access lev-
els for each segment of databases. Approve, sched-
ule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing
of new products and improvements to computer sys-
tems such as the installation of new databases. Review
project requests describing database user needs to
estimate time and cost required to accomplish proj-
ect. Develop standards and guidelines to guide the
use and acquisition of software and to protect vul-
nerable information. Review procedures in database
management system manuals for making changes to
database. Develop methods for integrating diff erent
products so they work properly together such as cus-
tomizing commercial databases to fi t specifi c needs.
Develop data models describing data elements and
how they are used, following procedures and using
pen, template, or computer software. Select and enter
codes to monitor database performances and to cre-
ate production databases. Establish and calculate
optimum values for database parameters, using man-
uals and calculators. Revise company defi nition of
data as defi ned in data dictionary. Review workfl ow
charts developed by programmer analysts to under-
stand tasks computer will perform, such as updat-
ing records. Identify and evaluate industry trends in
database systems to serve as a source of information
and advice for upper management.
GOE—Interest Area/Cluster: 11. I n for m at ion
Te c h n o l o g y. Work Group: 11.02. I n for m at ion Te c h-
nology Specialties. Ot her Jobs in " is Work Group:
Computer and Information Scientists, Research;
Computer Operators; Computer Programmers;
Computer Security Specialists; Computer Software
Engineers, Applications; Computer Software Engi-
neers, Systems Software; Computer Support Special-
ists; Computer Systems Analysts; Computer Systems
Engineers/Architects; Network Designers; Network
Systems and Data Communications Analysts; Soft-
ware Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers; Web
Administrators; Web Developers.
Skills: Programming; Systems Analysis; Systems
Evaluation.
Education and Training Programs: Computer
and Information Sciences, General; Computer Sys-
tems Analysis/Analyst; Data Modeling/Warehousing
and Database Administration; Computer and Infor-
mation Systems Security; Management Information
Systems, General. Related Knowledge/Courses:
Computers and Electronics; Telecommunications;
Clerical Practices; Communications and Media;
Engineering and Technology; Mathematics.
Work Env ironment : Indoors; noisy; sitting; using
hands on objects, tools, or controls; repetitive
motions.Dental Assistants
! Personality Code: CRS
! Education/Training Required: Moderate-
term on-the-job training
! Annual Earnings: $31,550
! Beginning Wage: $21,550
! Earnings Growth Potential: Low
! Growth: 29.2%
! Annual Job Openings: 29,482
! Self-Employed: 0.0%
! Part-Time: 35.7%Assist dentist, set up patient and equipment, and
keep records. Prepare patient, sterilize and disinfect
instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare mate-
rials, and assist dentist during dental procedures.
Expose dental diagnostic X rays. Record treatment
information in patient records. Take and record med-
ical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.Conventional–
D