In this age of technological advancement very few practices operate without computers; so training to use software packages is an absolute necessity. In fact, continuous training and education offers a vast array of benefits for both the practice and employee; effectively the capabilities of staff refl ects on patients’ perception of your practice, so those with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge will prove more competent.
Reasons to train
Nowadays the majority of dental surgeries use practice management software to help run their business. However, what may be surprising is how many are not using this software to its full potential simply due to a lack of staff training. Practice management software has the potential to vastly improve the effi ciency and effectiveness of a practice and therefore can have a significant impact on profitability. But sometimes individuals can be reluctant to keep pace with software changes and continue to use methods that may have been superseded by software upgrades. Therefore, in order to use software to its full capability, continuous staff training should be a high priority.
Many routine practice functions and administrative tasks, such as recalls and online booking can now be easily automated and knowledge of how to access the vast range of available reports can help guide any business to success.
But before this can happen, the people using the software must be fully trained. There is no point in having a computer system if your staff do not know how to use it properly; quality training will ensure staff understand how to get the most from your practice software.
Who to train
Recognising that the staff in your practice will require different levels of training is a great starting point. A receptionist or nurse for example, do not need to undergo the same intensity of training as say a practice manager.
Software of Excellence’s new Academy of Excellence is a good example of how training can be targeted at different roles and skill levels within a practice. Split into different coloured ‘belts’, based on the martial arts grading system, staff can progress from foundation to advanced level in clinical, reception or management by gaining belts as they gain knowledge.
Training offers benefits to everyone in the practice. Employers willing to invest in their staff promote productivity and loyalty, which results in a team who are better able to perform their job. For staff, it sends a message that they are valued; training increases morale and job satisfaction. Advancements in technology means learning can now be flexible, and can be delivered in a number of ways to meet people’s busy lifestyles, from bespoke in-practice packages, classroom training to online webinars and tutorials.
Get hired
Qualifications can help people stand out from the crowd in terms of competing for the best opportunities, the most interesting positions, or jobs with the most competitive salaries. A recognised qualification or certification that you have reached a certain level of competence makes a strong statement that you are among the leaders in your profession – that you are up-to-date, knowledgeable about best practice and informed of emerging trends that will
affect the business.
These days most jobs require a certain level of knowledge and many dental employers look for certification, training and experience when selecting a candidate and this looks set to continue into the future.
When it comes to choosing training options, some of the questions you may want to ask include: How transferable is the qualification? Is this an industry recognised qualification?
Here are some of the main reasons you should think about gaining industry standard certification:
- Career advancement. Surveys consistently suggest increased salary and career advancement opportunities for qualified individuals.
- Professional opportunities. Those recruiting take computer skills’ certification seriously.
- Proven professional achievement. Documented evidence of your professional achievement leads to recognition and respect for your abilities as an expert.
- Greater adaptability. Qualifications show what potential employees are capable of.
- Increased credibility. Certification increases your standing in the dental community by attesting to the level of your knowledge and skills and the reliability with which you can apply them.
- Validated real-world experience. Advanced qualifications go beyond knowledge of the software. They demand real-world experience and the demonstrated ability to apply your skills pragmatically and improve business value to your employer.
As the dental industry landscape changes and there is more reliance on technology, the message is, don’t get left
behind. Practice managers, nurses and administrative staff with a recognised, certified accreditation, will become
even more valued members of forwardthinking dental practices.