It takes a particular person to be successful at coaching and leading others. In comparison, some people have the natural ability to teach or train others; some struggle and may need additional resources to help. And when a leader ineffectively prepares their team members, it can cause problems within a dental practice, from internal processes to patient care. Therefore, our dental practice consultants at Bryant Consultants share on the blog today techniques that can improve training quality and reduce errors and complications.
What are some excellent training techniques?
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Set a Goal
Knowing what you want your team members to achieve by the end of the training can help you create the step-by-step process to reach that goal. First, determine why you teach your staff a particular methodology or skill set. Then, establish a plan that each team member should follow. Finally, designate clear objectives that help the team member learn about the process step-by-step.
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Include Additional Training Resources
Not all training materials are clear and precise in their message. Additionally, different sources offer a wider information variety that can increase your understanding of a topic. So, seek additional training sources that can boost employee knowledge. For example, you can assign articles, video recordings, or books.
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Use Time Wisely
Dental procedures can be tedious and involve multiple details requiring communication with your team members. However, it’s crucial to be efficient during training and stay on track. For example, you can explain a procedure and how and why a particular method or activity is necessary. Then, connect the explanation to how the process can benefit the student.
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Encourage Note Taking
Studies show that most people who write something down tend to remember it more often later. So, our dental practice coaches recommend encouraging your employees to take notes as a personal reference guide for the future. In addition, team members who take excellent notes may be an excellent information source that can provide training materials for future sessions or a handbook.
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Use Demonstrations
Demonstrating an activity can make a procedure that your staff reads in a book come to life. By providing a visually stimulating experience that illustrates the procedure, you can clarify questions in your team member’s minds. So, demonstrate the training material, but be willing to make a mistake. The intentional error allows you to show how to correct a problem that may occur during treatment.
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Require Engagement
One of the most effective learning models is through a hands-on method. After you verbally or visually cover the material, require that the employee uses that training to demonstrate the procedure back to you.
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Provide Feedback
Once the employee completes the procedure, provide feedback on their performance. First, recognize the employee for their successful efforts and congratulate them on completing the process. Then, provide statements that can further instruct your team member and help them learn where they need to make corrections. Our dental office consultants explain that feedback can help finetune procedures and training so that patients feel they’re getting the best care possible.
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Repeat Activities
After completing the activity and receiving feedback, allow the learner to retry the task while keeping the input in mind. Then, repeat the feedback and activity process until the staff member demonstrates they understand the material. Repetition can solidify their training and make challenging procedures seem less overwhelming and easier to conduct.
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“Real-time” Experience
Using newly learned skills and techniques in a “real-time” experience with a patient is an excellent way for employees to use the knowledge. Studies show that the quicker pupils can use the knowledge they’ve gained, the more likely they will remember it. Therefore, hands-on learning may help training material sink in much better than listening to instruction. After the team receives instruction on a new technique or technology, have them practice on each other. For instance, learning to use a new in-office oral scanner is something every team member can practice with each other to get a “real-time” experience.
Bryant Consultants
An ineffectively trained dental team can create a disaster within your office and with patients. Taking time to ensure your staff members receive quality training can be an investment that gives you returns every day. Your staff will feel more comfortable with the procedures and experience a surge of confidence knowing they are doing things correctly. If you’re unsure about how to approach training topics or would like assistance from our dental practice coaches at Bryant Consultants, please call our office at (877) 768-4799 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
