What to Expect from Onsite Training

By Wendy Potts, Certified Trainer

I know what you think when you hear the word “training:” a stuffy conference room, a binder of worksheets and a boring PowerPoint. It doesn’t have to be that way. As a trainer with 20 years or experience, I make it my goal to ensure doctors and staff not only get the most out of their training but that they’re actually excited about my visit to their practice.

How do you know if you need training in your practice? If any of the following topics apply to you then you could benefit from in-office training: new employees; security; you just don’t feel your numbers are adding up correctly; clean-up; insurance management; you have an associate, i.e., are their numbers correct; you are ready to go chartless; you are thinking of selling you practice.

A successful training session starts before I even set foot in the office. Here’s what you can expect when you schedule onsite training.

1. The format of onsite training is unique to your practice’s needs. That means, before I visit, I ask you to write a list of questions and concerns you’d like me to address. Get feedback from your staff—what’s their “wish list” for tips, tricks and shortcuts for making their jobs easier?
   
   
2. I often recommend one day of observation so I can study the team working in its full working capacity. The list you will have provided me will give me an idea of what to be looking for, but often I can also identify additional inefficiencies in workflow that that I can address.
   
   
3. Onsite training is typically eight hours for one to three days. Understandably, not all practices can afford to close their doors for a full day. That’s why on the day of training I work around your schedule—perhaps I’ll take front desk staff aside in the morning for a few hours, followed by the hygienists in the afternoon and then bring everyone together at the end of the day.
   
   
4. Even after my onsite visit is complete, your training doesn’t have to end there. I leave practices with my email and personal cell phone number. If you have any questions or concerns, I invite you to contact me at any time.
   
   
5. A follow-up day may be recommended to assure the team is utilizing the software to its fullest.

­­Doctors understand that investing in advanced technology pays off for their practice, patients and staff; onsite training is no different. Training shouldn’t be seen as a dreaded obligation, but an investment in the future of your practice. Only when staff are well-trained in the ins and outs of practice management software can the technology really be used to its full potential. With onsite training that’s tailored to your practice’ needs and schedule, there’s no excuse not to contact a trainer. I promise, I’ll leave the binder of boring worksheets and PowerPoint slides at home.

Learn more about all of Carestream Dental’s training options at www.carestreamdental.com/dentalinstitute

Editor’s Note: Carestream Dental offers several types of online training, including live online classes, live webinars, and recorded classes, in addition to onsite training. Live online training is taught by the same dedicated trainers who conduct onsite training and can be a cost-effective and efficient alternative.