We’ve heard the saying “you have to spend money to make money,” but spending money on training your orthodontic team is also key to saving money and reducing patient loss. Quality employee training might sound like a lot of expensive, hands-on time, but a reliable, online training option lets your team members learn at their own pace. Your orthodontic assistants can learn from experts in the field, making them more skilled and efficient at their jobs, without your active or constant involvement.
Highly Trained Assistants: The Key to a Successful Practice
Orthodontic assistants play a crucial role in the day-to-day operation of your practice. They provide hands-on care, assist with procedures, and ensure that everything runs smoothly during appointments. But their effectiveness depends heavily on their training. When assistants are well-trained, they are better equipped to support you and provide high-quality care to your patients, leading to improved patient satisfaction and overall success for your practice. Happier patients means more patient referrals. A study by the Association for Talent Development, showed that companies regularly investing in employee training see a 24% higher profit margin.
Employee training seems like a no brainer. However, some practices may be tempted to cut corners with training and settle for having new hires shadow a coworker instead. While this approach may seem cost-effective in the short term, it can result in subpar care and a lack of consistency. When your orthodontic assistants learn from orthodontic experts through Trapezio, it eliminates bad habits being passed from team member to team member. To get the best results from your team, it’s essential that your assistants are trained and certified by the Trapezio – which is recognized by the American Association of Orthodontists.
Reducing Turnover Through Training
A recent study by the Association for Talent Development Training showed that companies that implemented comprehensive training programs saw a 30% reduction in employee turnover the following year – and reducing employee turnover saves time and money. According to the Society for Human Resources Management the average turnover cost per employee is equivalent to 6-9 months of the employee’s salary.
By committing to comprehensive and ongoing training, you not only improve your team’s skills but also create a work environment that fosters growth and employee satisfaction. When employees feel their skills are valued and they have the opportunity for professional development, they are more likely to show company loyalty. When you start to do the math, paying to effectively train your orthodontic assistants is much more affordable than replacing them.
The Cost of Staff Turnover vs. Retaining Trained Employees
The cost of hiring and training new staff is far greater (6-to-9-months-of-their-salary greater) than investing in the training and development of your existing team. Here’s why:
- Recruitment Costs: Advertising job openings, conducting interviews, and hiring new staff comes with significant costs. You may also need to use hiring agencies, which add to the expense.
- Training Expenses: When a new employee is hired, you must invest in onboarding and training, which takes time away from your existing team and may disrupt operations. With Trapezio, web-based training is available for new and existing team members to complete without required supervision. Doctors or team leads can login and check progress without monitoring or administering the entire training process.
- Lost Productivity: During the new hire onboarding period, new team members are not as efficient as experienced and previously trained staff members. This can lead to decreased productivity and delays in patient care.
By retaining well-trained staff, you can avoid these costs. Employees who are trained to perform their jobs effectively require less time to get up to speed, reducing downtime and maximizing your practice’s efficiency.
Maximizing Training Efficiency with Online Solutions
Trapezio’s online training programs are consistent, standardized, and can be tracked for progress, making it easier to ensure that every member of your team is learning the same material to the same high standards.
Opting for web-based training not only improves efficiency but also saves money. You no longer have to worry about travel expenses or the cost of bringing in external trainers. Online training programs are cost-effective, and many allow you to provide continuous learning opportunities for your staff, all while reducing disruptions to your practice’s daily operations.
Training for the Whole Practice
While orthodontic assistants are crucial to your practice’s success, staff training should extend to everyone in your office. The more thoroughly your entire team is trained—whether they’re assisting with patient care, managing the front desk, or handling patient communications—the smoother your practice will run. A well-trained, cohesive team contributes to a more positive patient experience and a safer and more efficient work environment.
Training Is an Investment, Not an Expense
Training your orthodontic staff isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment that pays off in improved patient care, reduced turnover, and long-term cost savings. By utilizing Trapezio’s web-based training solutions for efficiency and consistency, you can provide your team with continuous and comprehensive training – ensuring that your practice operates at its highest level. This investment in your team not only makes your practice more successful but also helps create a work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay long-term. Benjamin Franklin said it best: “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”