High Turnover Got You Down? Streamline Onboarding and Boost Team Retention With Spear’s New Role-Based Pathways

New role-based onboarding pathways introduced for dental assistants, hygienists, and associate dentists and clinicians

Dental practices face a continuing challenge: high staff turnover. The constant cycle of hiring and training disrupts workflows, impacts patient care, and drains resources. Spear Education understands this pain point and is excited to introduce a solution: new role-based onboarding pathways on Spear Online for dental assistants, hygienists, and associate dentists and clinicians.

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What are Spear Online Pathways?

A Spear Online Pathway is a structured, sequential series of aligned Spear Online courses designed to guide learners through mastering core concepts from foundational knowledge to advanced application. Each course within a pathway builds on previous knowledge, helping learners achieve comprehensive skill development and clinical expertise in a focused area of the dental practice.

The power of role-based pathways

“Spear Online’s Pathways ensure that practice team members have the tools they need to thrive from Day One,” says Spear Chief Dental Officer Dr. Steve Ratcliff. “This approach simplifies the onboarding process, helping practices effectively and consistently train team members in Spear’s comprehensive concepts. Offering team members access to Spear resources also signals the practice owner’s dedication to their team’s career development.”

By providing targeted training for specific roles, dental practice owners and managers can:

• Accelerate onboarding. Quickly get new hires up to speed with essential skills and knowledge.
• Enhance skill development. Equip your team with the tools to deliver exceptional patient care.
• Boost retention. Invest in your team’s professional growth and foster a more engaged workforce.

New pathways now available

All pathways are self-guided, allowing users to progress at their own pace while earning CE credits when applicable.

• New Dental Assistant Orientation. Helps dental assistants navigate co-diagnosis, health-centered care, comprehensive evaluations, and interdisciplinary care.
• New Hygienist Orientation. Focuses on the staging and grading of periodontal health, preliminary diagnosis, and ongoing maintenance of the hygiene population.
• Treatment Planning With Confidence: A Workshop Addendum. Created for associate dentists and clinicians, this pathway builds on the in-person Treatment Planning With Confidence workshop by providing expanded, targeted training.

What’s next?

In early 2025, Spear plans to release additional role-based pathways for office managers, treatment coordinators, and front desk staff. By investing in a team’s professional development, you’re improving patient care and securing a more stable and successful future for your practice.

Take the first step toward a more efficient and effective practice. Explore Spear’s new role-based pathways today.