Rdh Onboarding Process
Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Rdh 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 Dentistry onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Rdh, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Rdh onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
Rdh Onboarding Checklist
1. Orientation: The new RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.
2. Introduction to the team: The new RDH is introduced to their colleagues, including dentists, dental assistants, and administrative staff. This helps foster a sense of belonging and collaboration within the dental practice. The task is usually performed by the practice manager or a senior team member.
3. Review of job responsibilities: The RDH is provided with a detailed overview of their specific job responsibilities, including patient care, dental cleanings, oral health assessments, and preventive treatments. This task is typically performed by the supervising dentist or the lead dental hygienist.
4. Training on dental software and equipment: The new RDH receives training on the dental practice’s software systems, such as electronic health records and appointment scheduling. They also receive hands-on training on the dental equipment and instruments they will be using. This task is performed by the practice manager, lead dental hygienist, or a designated trainer.
5. Review of infection control protocols: The RDH is educated on the dental practice’s infection control protocols, including proper sterilization techniques, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to OSHA guidelines. This task is performed by the practice manager or a designated infection control officer.
6. Familiarization with patient management systems: The new RDH is trained on how to efficiently manage patient appointments, update medical histories, and document treatment plans using the dental practice’s patient management system. This task is typically performed by the practice manager or a designated trainer.
7. Introduction to office policies and procedures: The RDH is provided with a comprehensive overview of the dental practice’s office policies and procedures, including appointment scheduling, billing and insurance processes, and patient communication guidelines. This task is performed by the practice manager or a designated office administrator.
8. Review of professional development opportunities: The new RDH is informed about the professional development opportunities available within the dental practice, such as continuing education courses, conferences, and workshops. This task is performed by the practice manager or a designated professional development coordinator.
9. Shadowing experienced RDHs: The new RDH spends time shadowing experienced dental hygienists to observe their clinical techniques, patient interactions, and workflow. This allows them to learn from seasoned professionals and gain practical insights into the practice’s standards of care. This task is performed by experienced RDHs within the practice.
10. Introduction to practice-specific protocols: The RDH is introduced to any practice-specific protocols, such as specific patient education materials, recall systems, or unique treatment approaches. This task is performed by the supervising dentist or the lead dental hygienist.
11. Review of emergency procedures: The new RDH is trained on the dental practice’s emergency procedures, including how to handle medical emergencies, dental trauma, and adverse reactions to treatment. This task is performed by the practice manager or a designated emergency response coordinator.
12. Introduction to referral network: The RDH is introduced to the dental practice’s referral network, including specialists, laboratories, and other healthcare providers. This helps them understand the collaborative nature of dental care and facilitates seamless patient referrals. This task is performed by the practice manager or a designated referral coordinator.
13. Review of HIPAA compliance: The new RDH is educated on the importance of patient privacy and confidentiality, as well as the dental practice’s compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This task is performed by the practice manager or a designated HIPAA compliance officer.
14. Introduction to practice marketing strategies: The RDH is provided with an overview of the dental practice’s marketing strategies, including patient retention initiatives, community outreach programs, and online presence. This task is performed by the practice manager or a designated marketing coordinator.
15. Performance evaluation and goal setting: The new RDH participates in a performance evaluation session where their skills, strengths, and areas for improvement are discussed. They also collaborate with their supervisor to set professional goals and establish a plan for ongoing development. This task is performed by the supervising dentist or the practice manager
Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process
From reading through the items in the example Rdh checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Rdh up to speed and working well in your Dentistry 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.