Des Moines Area Community College.

Dental Assistant Skills Grid

Reading Skills

Skill Level
1. Recognize common words and meanings. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
2. Recognize task-related words with technical meanings. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
3. Recognize meanings of common abbreviations, acronyms, codes, and symbols. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
4. Identify factual details within text. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
5. Follow sequential directions to complete a task REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
6. Determine the main idea of a passage. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
7. Use table of contents, index, appendices, glossary, section headings and subheadings. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
8. Locate pages, titles, paragraphs, figures, or charts needed to answer questions or solve problems. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
9. Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information in text or visuals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
10. Skim or scan to determine whether or not text contains relevant information. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
11. Cross-reference within and across source materials to select information to perform a routine. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
12. Use information entered on a form to complete a task. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
13. Combine information from multiple sources that contribute to the completion of a task. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
14. Select parts of text or visual materials to complete a task. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
15. Read column charts to obtain information. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
16. Locate chart information from a grid of rows and columns. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
17. Cross-reference charted material with text. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
18. Apply information from tables or graphs to locate malfunctions or select actions. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
19. Use flow charts and organizational charts to sequence events, arrive at a decision, or problem solve. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
20. Identify components within a schematic. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
21. Isolate problem components in schematics, tracing to cause of problem and interpreting symbols. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
22. Identify details, labels numbers, parts of an illustration, and parts from a key or legend. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program) MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
23. Follow sequenced illustrations as a guide. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
24. Interpret three-dimensional drawings of objects for assembly or disassembly. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
25. Determine meanings of figurative/idiomatic/technical usage of terms, using context clues as reference. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
26. Make inferences from text. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
27. Organize information from multiple sources. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
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Language Skills

Skill Level
1. Articulate words clearly when speaking. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
2. Make standard English usage choices. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
3. Adjust language level to the audience and the situation. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
4. Spell general vocabulary words correctly. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
5. Write key technical words accurately on forms. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
6. Spell task-related words and abbreviations correctly. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
7. Write complete sentences. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
8. Punctuate sentences correctly. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
9. Enter appropriate information onto a form. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
10. Record essential information in phrases or simple sentences. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
11. Transfer numbers, codes, dates and figures onto appropriate sections of forms. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
12. Select relevant details for a written communication. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
13. Outline a situation by identifying key ideas and support details. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
14. Write brief, descriptive accounts of activities or transactions performed. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
15. State general impressions of an event or situation as they relate to specific reporting goals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
16. Summarize events and dialogue in an accurate, complete, and objective manner. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
17. Summarize the major points presented in a written communication. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
18. Generate a written communication according to a specific format (e.g., memo). TAUGHT in the program
19. Write a report including necessary support documentation. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
20. Identify intent, target audience, and essential details. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
21. Generate a written communication, arranging sections logically. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
22. Write a brief justification for actions taken and provide good reasons for rejecting alternative actions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
23. Appraise a written communication and make adjustments to improve clarity. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
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Math Skills - Whole Numbers

Skill Level
1. Read and write whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
2. Round whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
3. Add whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
4. Subtract whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
5. Multiply whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
6. Divide whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
7. Apply divisibility tests. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
8. Use correct order of operations. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
9. Recognize prime and composite numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
10. Do calculations mentally. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
11. Estimate answers.  

Math Skills - Fractions

Skill Level
12. Read and write fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
13. Round to the nearest 1/2 or whole. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
14. Arrange fractions in order. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
15. Reduce fractions to lowest terms. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
16. Change mixed numbers to improper fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
17. Change fractions to equivalent fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
18. Add fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
19. Subtract fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
20. Multiply fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
21. Divide fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
22. Estimate answers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)

Math Skills - Decimals

Skill Level
23. Read and write decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
24. Round decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
25. Arrange decimals in order. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
26. Add decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
27. Subtract decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
28. Multiply decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
29. Divide decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
30. Change fractions to decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
31. Change decimals to fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
32. Use scientific notation. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Percent

Skill Level
33. Read and write percents. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
34. Change percents to decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
35. Change decimals to percents. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
36. Change percents to fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
37. Change fractions to percents. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
38. Use ratio and proportion. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
39. Compute a percent of a number. EX: What is 6% of 40? MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
40. Find what percent one number is of another. EX: 6 is what % of 8? MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
41. Find the base. EX: 8 is 10% of what? MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
42. Compute: discounts, markup, tax, commission. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
43. Compute simple interest. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
44. Compute compound interest. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
45. Compute percentages mentally. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)

Math Skills - Direct Measurement

Skill Level
46. Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
47. Use inches, feet, yards, miles. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
48. Measure to the nearest millimeter. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
49. Use millimeter, centimeter, meter, kilometer. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
50. Measure weight to the nearest ounce. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
51. Measure weight to the nearest gram. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
52. Measure angles to the nearest degree. TAUGHT in the program
53. Measure temperature (Fahrenheit). TAUGHT in the program
54. Measure temperature (Celsius). TAUGHT in the program
55. Measure perimeter. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
56. Measure circumference. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
57. Use an architect's/engineer's scale. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Computed Measurement

Skill Level
58. Convert from Metric to English units. TAUGHT in the program
59. Convert from English to Metric units. TAUGHT in the program
60. Compute areas of squares, rectangles, and parallelograms. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
61. Compute areas of triangles. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
62. Compute areas of trapezoids. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
63. Compute areas of circles. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
64. Use square inches, feet, and yards. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
65. Use square millimeters, centimeters, and meters. TAUGHT in the program
66. Compute volume of rectangular solids. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
67. Compute volume of cylindrical solids. TAUGHT in the program
68. Use cubic inches, feet, and yards. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
69. Use cubic millimeters, centimeters, and meters. TAUGHT in the program
70. Compute mass from volume and density. TAUGHT in the program
71. Find degree of precision/accuracy of calculations and measurements. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
72. Identify significant digits. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
73. Use the Pythagorean theorem. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
74. Do geometric constructions. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Statistics

Skill Level
75. Calculate mean. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
76. Find median. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
77. Find mode. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
78. Construct line, bar, circle, and picture graphs. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
79. Interpret graphs. TAUGHT in the program
80. Calculate simple probabilities. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Algebra

Skill Level
81. Use exponential notation. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
82. Use algebraic expressions (Ohms Law, gas laws, etc.). NOT APPLICABLE to the program
83. Simplify algebraic expressions. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
84. Solve linear equations. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
85. Have the equivalent of 1 year of High School algebra. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Trigonometry

Skill Level
86. Use trig tables. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
87. Compute missing angles of triangles using trig. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
88. Compute missing sides of triangles using trig. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Miscellaneous

Skill Level
89. Work with non-decimal numeration systems (binary, hexadecimal). NOT APPLICABLE to the program
90. Use a calculator for basic operations on whole numbers and decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
91. Use a calculator for basic operations with fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
92. Use special features of a calculator such as memory and constant. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
 
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Learning Skills

Skill Level
1. Use effective textbook study techniques. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
2. Take competent notes from lecture. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
3. Take tests in objective formats. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
4. Take essay tests. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
5. Locate materials in library. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
6. Plan a reasonable study schedule. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
7. Follow sequential instructions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
8. Develop sequential instructions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
9. Make accurate observations. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
10. Identify significant similarities and differences between two or more items. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
11. Classify or match items by their distinguishing features. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
12. Draw logical inferences based on observations. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
13. Identify cause and effect relationships. TAUGHT in the program
14. Given a problem, analyze the situation and identify and evaluate possible causes. TAUGHT in the program
15. Given a problem, identify and evaluate alternative solutions and arrive at a workable solution. TAUGHT in the program
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Computer Skills

Skill Level
1. Operate a microcomputer system. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
2. Demonstrate keyboarding skills. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
3. Use a word processing program. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
4. Use a desktop publishing program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
5. Use a spreadsheet program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
6. Use a data base program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
7. Use a graphics program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
8. Use a computer aided drafting program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
9. Use a computer assisted manufacturing program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
 
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