68E Dental Specialist

OVERVIEW
The Dental Specialist is primarily responsible for assisting Army National Guard dentists in examining and treating patients, as well as helping to manage dental offices.

JOB DUTIES

• Prepare dental operatory; select and arrange instruments; measure and record temperature, blood pressure and pulse; and assist dentist during patient exams
• Assist with administration of anesthesia, and in the placement and removal of sutures
• Prepare restorative and impression materials
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and operate resuscitative equipment

TRAINING
Job training for a Dental Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and eight weeks and two days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, TX, including practicing dental care tasks. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Preventive dentistry
• Dental office procedures
• Radiology (X-ray) techniques
• Dental hygiene procedures

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in biology and chemistry
• Interest in helping others
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Ability to follow spoken instructions and detailed procedures

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 91

Learn more about the ASVAB. 

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a future at dental offices or clinics. You'll be qualified to assist dentists in the treatment of patients, and to provide support as a dental assistant or dental hygienist.

With your extensive Army National Guard training and some additional study, you may qualify for certification either with the American Medical Technologists as a registered dental assistant or with the Dental Assisting National Board as a certified dental assistant.