Registered Dental Assistant Onboarding Checklist

Registered Dental Assistant Onboarding Process

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

Registered Dental Assistant Onboarding Checklist

1. Employee orientation: This task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. It includes introducing the new dental assistant to key personnel, explaining the company’s mission and values, and familiarizing them with the workplace environment. The human resources department typically performs this task.

2. Job-specific training: As a registered dental assistant, the new employee will require specific training on dental procedures, infection control protocols, and the proper use of equipment and materials. This training is typically conducted by experienced dental assistants or the dentist.

3. Familiarization with dental software: Many dental practices use specialized software for patient management, scheduling, and billing. The new dental assistant should receive training on how to navigate and utilize this software effectively. The office manager or an experienced dental assistant usually provides this training.

4. Introduction to dental instruments and equipment: Dental assistants need to be familiar with various instruments, equipment, and materials used in dental procedures. This task involves providing a detailed overview of these tools, their purpose, and how to handle and maintain them. The dentist or an experienced dental assistant typically performs this task.

5. Infection control training: In the healthcare industry, infection control is of utmost importance. The new dental assistant should receive comprehensive training on infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene, sterilization techniques, and the use of personal protective equipment. This training is typically conducted by the office manager or a dental hygienist.

6. Understanding patient management: Dental assistants play a crucial role in managing patient flow and ensuring a smooth patient experience. They should be trained on how to greet and check-in patients, update medical histories, schedule appointments, and handle patient inquiries. The office manager or an experienced dental assistant usually performs this task.

7. Radiology training: If the dental assistant will be responsible for taking dental X-rays, they must receive proper training on radiation safety, positioning techniques, and image processing. This training is typically conducted by a licensed dental radiographer or the dentist.

8. Emergency response training: In case of a medical emergency, dental assistants should be trained on how to respond quickly and effectively. This includes learning basic life support techniques, recognizing common emergencies, and understanding the office’s emergency protocols. The dentist or an experienced dental assistant typically provides this training.

9. Introduction to office policies and procedures: Each dental practice has its own set of policies and procedures that govern various aspects of the workplace, such as patient confidentiality, appointment scheduling, and billing. The new dental assistant should receive a detailed explanation of these policies and procedures from the office manager or an experienced dental assistant.

10. Shadowing experienced dental assistants: To gain practical experience and observe the workflow in a dental practice, the new dental assistant should have the opportunity to shadow experienced dental assistants. This allows them to learn from their colleagues, ask questions, and become familiar with the day-to-day responsibilities of the role

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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