Orthodontic Assistant Onboarding Checklist

Orthodontic Assistant Onboarding Process

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

Orthodontic Assistant Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new orthodontic assistant should undergo a comprehensive orientation program to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Introduction to the team: It is essential for the new orthodontic assistant to meet and get acquainted with their colleagues, including the orthodontist, other assistants, and administrative staff. This task can be facilitated by the office manager or team leader.

3. Review of job responsibilities: The orthodontic assistant should receive a detailed overview of their specific job duties and responsibilities. This task is typically performed by the orthodontist or a senior assistant.

4. Training on equipment and tools: The new assistant should receive training on the various orthodontic instruments, equipment, and software used in the practice. This task is usually performed by a senior assistant or the orthodontist.

5. Familiarization with patient management systems: The orthodontic assistant should be trained on how to use the practice’s patient management software, including scheduling appointments, updating patient records, and billing. This task is typically performed by the office manager or a designated trainer.

6. Understanding infection control protocols: In the healthcare industry, infection control is of utmost importance. The new assistant should receive training on proper sterilization techniques, handling of hazardous materials, and adherence to infection control protocols. This task is usually performed by the office manager or a senior assistant.

7. Learning about patient communication and interaction: The orthodontic assistant should be trained on effective communication techniques with patients, including how to provide clear instructions, answer questions, and address concerns. This task can be performed by the orthodontist or a senior assistant.

8. Shadowing experienced assistants: The new assistant should have the opportunity to shadow experienced assistants to observe and learn from their techniques and approaches. This task is typically coordinated by the office manager or a senior assistant.

9. Continuing education opportunities: The company should provide information on available continuing education courses, conferences, and workshops to help the orthodontic assistant enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest industry trends. This task is usually performed by the office manager or human resources department.

10. Performance evaluation and feedback: Regular performance evaluations should be conducted to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement. This task is typically performed by the orthodontist or office manager.

11. Compliance with regulatory requirements: The new assistant should receive training on compliance with relevant healthcare regulations, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines. This task is typically performed by the office manager or a designated trainer.

12. Emergency response training: The orthodontic assistant should be trained on emergency response protocols, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and first aid. This task is usually performed by a certified trainer or the office manager.

13. Introduction to office policies and procedures: The new assistant should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the office’s policies and procedures, including dress code, attendance, and confidentiality. This task is typically performed by the office manager or human resources department.

14. Introduction to patient confidentiality: The orthodontic assistant should receive training on the importance of patient confidentiality and the proper handling of sensitive patient information. This task is typically performed by the office manager or a designated trainer.

15. Introduction to insurance and billing processes: The new assistant should be trained on insurance verification, claims processing, and billing procedures to ensure accurate and efficient handling of patient accounts. This task is typically performed by the office manager or a designated trainer.

16. Introduction to practice marketing and patient acquisition strategies: The orthodontic assistant should be familiarized with the practice’s marketing initiatives and patient acquisition strategies to understand their role in promoting the practice. This task is typically performed by the office manager or a designated marketing representative.

17. Introduction to practice goals and objectives: The new assistant should be informed about the practice’s goals and objectives, including patient satisfaction targets, productivity goals, and growth plans. This task is typically performed by the orthodontist or office manager.

18. Introduction to professional development opportunities: The company should provide information on professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences, joining professional associations, and pursuing advanced certifications. This task is typically performed by the office manager or human resources department.

19. Introduction to workplace safety protocols: The orthodontic assistant should receive training on workplace safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques, ergonomics, and prevention of workplace injuries. This task is typically performed by the office manager or a designated trainer.

20. Introduction to the company’s mission and values: The new assistant should be introduced to the company’s mission and values to understand the organization’s overall purpose and culture. This task is typically performed by the office manager or human resources department

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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