Dentist Onboarding Checklist

Dentist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Dentist 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, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Dentist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Dentist 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 typically handles this task, but the company’s HR department may assist in providing the required documentation and guiding the dentist through the process.

2. Familiarization with Company Policies and Procedures: The dentist needs to become acquainted with the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to patient care, safety protocols, scheduling, billing, and insurance. The HR department or a designated supervisor can provide the dentist with the necessary information and documents.

3. Introduction to the Dental Team: It is crucial for the dentist to meet and get to know the dental team members, including dental assistants, hygienists, receptionists, and other support staff. This task can be facilitated by the HR department or the practice manager, who can arrange introductions and provide an overview of each team member’s role and responsibilities.

4. Orientation to the Dental Office: The dentist should receive a comprehensive orientation to the dental office, including a tour of the facility, introduction to the equipment and technology used, and an overview of the office layout. The practice manager or a senior staff member can guide the dentist through this process.

5. Review of Patient Records and Treatment Plans: The dentist should review existing patient records and treatment plans to familiarize themselves with the ongoing cases and understand the treatment history. This task can be performed by the dentist with assistance from the dental assistants or hygienists, who can provide relevant patient information and answer any questions.

6. Training on Practice Management Software: Many dental offices utilize practice management software for scheduling, billing, and record-keeping. The dentist should receive training on how to use the software effectively. This training can be conducted by the office manager or an IT specialist.

7. Introduction to Infection Control and Safety Protocols: Infection control and safety protocols are critical in a dental setting. The dentist should receive training on proper infection control measures, sterilization techniques, and safety protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards. This training can be conducted by the office manager or a designated infection control officer.

8. Review of Emergency Procedures: The dentist should be familiarized with the office’s emergency procedures, including protocols for medical emergencies, dental emergencies, and evacuation plans. The office manager or a senior staff member can provide this information and conduct drills if necessary.

9. Introduction to Referral Networks and Specialists: Dentists often need to refer patients to specialists for specific treatments. The dentist should be introduced to the practice’s referral network and provided with information on how to refer patients appropriately. The office manager or a senior dentist can assist with this task.

10. Review of Insurance and Billing Processes: Understanding the insurance and billing processes is crucial for a dentist to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement. The dentist should receive training on how to navigate insurance claims, billing procedures, and coding requirements. The office manager or a designated billing specialist can provide this training.

11. Continuing Education Opportunities: Dentistry is a field that requires continuous learning and professional development. The dentist should be informed about the company’s policies and support for continuing education, including available courses, conferences, and reimbursement options. The HR department or a designated education coordinator can provide this information.

12. Introduction to Marketing and Patient Acquisition Strategies: Depending on the practice, the dentist may be involved in marketing and patient acquisition efforts. The dentist should be introduced to the practice’s marketing strategies, online presence, and patient acquisition techniques. The office manager or a designated marketing coordinator can provide this information.

13. Review of Ethical and Legal Obligations: Dentists have ethical and legal obligations to their patients, including maintaining patient confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with professional standards. The dentist should receive training on these obligations, including an overview of relevant laws and regulations. This training can be conducted by the office manager or a designated compliance officer.

14. Introduction to Quality Assurance and Peer Review Processes: Quality assurance and peer review processes help ensure the delivery of high-quality dental care. The dentist should be introduced to the practice’s quality assurance program, including peer review processes, case discussions, and performance evaluations. The office manager or a designated quality assurance coordinator can provide this information.

15. Performance Expectations and Goal Setting: The dentist should have a clear understanding of the company’s performance expectations and be involved in goal setting for their professional development. This task can be facilitated by the HR department or the practice manager, who can provide guidance and establish performance metrics.

16. Introduction to Patient Communication and Relationship Building: Building strong patient relationships is essential for a successful dental practice. The dentist should receive training on effective patient communication, active listening, and building rapport. The office manager or a senior dentist can provide guidance and share best practices.

17. Introduction to Community Engagement and Networking: Dentists often engage with the local community and participate in networking events to promote their practice. The dentist should be introduced to community engagement opportunities, local dental associations, and networking events. The office manager or a designated community outreach coordinator can provide this information.

18. Review of HIPAA Compliance and Data Security: Dentists handle sensitive patient information, and compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is crucial. The dentist should receive training on HIPAA regulations, patient privacy, and data security measures. The office manager or a designated HIPAA compliance officer can provide this training.

19. Introduction to Practice Growth Strategies: Dentists may be involved in practice growth strategies, such as expanding services, attracting new patients, or improving patient retention. The dentist should be introduced to the practice’s growth strategies and provided with relevant resources. The office manager or a designated growth strategist can assist with this task.

20. Performance Review and Feedback: Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions are essential for professional growth. The dentist should be informed about the company’s performance review process, including timelines, evaluation criteria, and feedback mechanisms. The HR department or the practice manager can facilitate these reviews

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Dentist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Dentist 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.