7 ways to cross train your dental team [VIDEO]

The Jameson Method of Dental Practice Management emphasizes a belief in investing in the development of our team members; a belief that there is never an end to learning.

We practice that in our own company, for our own consultants. We stay on a continuous path of improvement, knowing that our improvement translates to better results for our clients. 

One of the principles that has been mandated to us by our outstanding business consultants is to cross train. Everyone and everything in our company needs to be duplicated. What this means is that the company cannot be at risk if someone is unavailable. 

Here are the basic premises for cross training your staff.

1. List the major systems that you have in your practice and identify those systems that need this support.

2. Teach the system exactly as you wish it to be administered. Don’t assume that anyone knows anything about the system.  Take the time to go through each system intricately.

3. Demonstrate how to perform the skills. Let others see or hear you performing the tasks. Do this both with and without patients.

4. Have the trainee recap for the trainer what she thinks needs to be done, including how and why each step within the system is important, how it impacts other systems.  Then have her perform the task with the trainer present.

5. Have the trainer shadow the trainee as they is doing the task for real. 

6. Over time, evaluate the success of the performance and give appropriate feedback.

7. As systems change, make sure that these changes are reviewed with everyone on the team.