Dentist, Dentist Surgeon Onboarding Checklist

Dentist, Dentist Surgeon Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Dentist, Dentist Surgeon starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Healthcare onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Dentist, Dentist Surgeon, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Dentist, Dentist Surgeon onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Dentist, Dentist Surgeon Onboarding Checklist

1. Credentialing and Licensing: This task involves obtaining the necessary credentials and licenses to practice dentistry in the specific state or country. The dentist or dentist surgeon is responsible for completing the required paperwork and submitting it to the appropriate licensing board or regulatory agency.

2. Orientation and Introduction: The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be provided with a comprehensive orientation to the company, including an introduction to the team, office policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the office manager or a designated team member.

3. Familiarization with Equipment and Technology: Dentistry relies heavily on advanced equipment and technology. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should receive training on the various dental instruments, machinery, and software systems used in the practice. This training is usually conducted by a senior dentist or a dental assistant.

4. Review of Patient Records and Treatment Plans: It is crucial for the new dentist or dentist surgeon to review the existing patient records and treatment plans to gain an understanding of the patients’ oral health history and ongoing treatments. This task is typically performed by the dentist or dentist surgeon themselves, with assistance from the office staff.

5. Introduction to Support Staff: The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be introduced to the support staff, including dental assistants, hygienists, and administrative personnel. This allows for effective collaboration and communication within the dental team. The office manager or senior dentist usually facilitates these introductions.

6. Shadowing and Observing: To familiarize themselves with the practice’s workflow and patient management, the new dentist or dentist surgeon should spend time shadowing and observing experienced dentists. This task is typically coordinated by the office manager or senior dentist.

7. Review of Infection Control and Safety Protocols: Infection control and safety protocols are of utmost importance in a dental practice. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should receive training on these protocols, including proper sterilization techniques and the use of personal protective equipment. This training is usually conducted by the office manager or a designated infection control coordinator.

8. Introduction to Practice Management Software: Dental practices often utilize practice management software for scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should receive training on the specific software used in the practice. This training is typically provided by the office manager or a designated IT staff member.

9. Continuing Education Opportunities: Dentistry is a constantly evolving field, and it is essential for dentists and dentist surgeons to stay updated with the latest advancements and techniques. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be informed about the continuing education opportunities available, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses. The office manager or senior dentist can provide this information.

10. Introduction to Referral Network: Dentists often refer patients to specialists for specific treatments. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be introduced to the practice’s referral network, including oral surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists, and periodontists. This introduction is typically facilitated by the office manager or senior dentist.

11. Review of Insurance and Billing Procedures: Understanding the insurance and billing procedures is crucial for efficient patient management. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should receive training on the practice’s insurance policies, billing codes, and claim submission processes. This training is usually provided by the office manager or a designated billing coordinator.

12. Introduction to Marketing and Patient Acquisition Strategies: To attract new patients and grow the practice, dentists need to be familiar with marketing and patient acquisition strategies. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be introduced to the practice’s marketing initiatives, including online presence, social media campaigns, and community outreach programs. The office manager or a designated marketing coordinator can provide this introduction.

13. Review of Emergency Protocols: Dental emergencies can occur, and it is essential for the new dentist or dentist surgeon to be familiar with the practice’s emergency protocols. This includes knowing how to handle common dental emergencies and coordinating with emergency medical services if necessary. The office manager or a designated emergency response coordinator should provide this training.

14. Performance Evaluation and Feedback: Regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions are crucial for professional growth and development. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be informed about the practice’s performance evaluation process and the frequency of feedback sessions. This information is typically provided by the office manager or senior dentist.

15. Introduction to Practice Policies and Ethics: Dentists are expected to adhere to ethical standards and practice policies. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the practice’s policies, including confidentiality, patient privacy, and ethical guidelines. This task is typically performed by the office manager or a designated compliance officer.

16. Introduction to Professional Associations and Networks: Joining professional associations and networks can provide dentists with valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to the latest research. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be informed about the relevant professional associations and networks in the dental field. This information can be provided by the office manager or senior dentist.

17. Introduction to Practice Philosophy and Patient Care Approach: Each dental practice may have its own unique philosophy and approach to patient care. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be introduced to the practice’s philosophy and patient care approach, ensuring alignment with the practice’s values and goals. This introduction is typically facilitated by the office manager or senior dentist.

18. Review of HIPAA Compliance: Dentists must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should receive training on HIPAA compliance, including the proper handling of patient information and the use of secure communication channels. This training is typically provided by the office manager or a designated HIPAA compliance officer.

19. Introduction to Practice Marketing Materials and Branding: Dental practices often have marketing materials, such as brochures, websites, and social media profiles, that reflect their branding and services. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be introduced to these marketing materials and the practice’s branding guidelines. The office manager or a designated marketing coordinator can provide this introduction.

20. Introduction to Practice Policies for Handling Difficult Patients: Dealing with difficult patients can be challenging, and dental practices often have specific policies and protocols in place to handle such situations. The new dentist or dentist surgeon should be informed about the practice’s policies for handling difficult patients, including conflict resolution techniques and escalation procedures. This information is typically provided by the office manager or a designated patient relations coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Dentist, Dentist Surgeon checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Dentist, Dentist Surgeon up to speed and working well in your Healthcare team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.