Dentist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: State dental license, INBDE (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: dental handpieces; digital X-rays and intraoral cameras; dental instruments; CAD/CAM crown systems
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Dentist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Use infection control and PPE
Follow radiation safety
Handle sharps carefully
Review medical history before treatment
Shadow an experienced dentist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: place a composite filling
Supervised practice: present a treatment plan
Supervised practice: give a local anesthetic injection
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Examine teeth, gums and mouth: independently
Take and read dental X-rays: independently
Fill cavities and repair teeth: independently
Place crowns, bridges and implants: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, State dental license)
Discuss the career path: Associate Dentist → Practice Owner → Specialist
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Place a Composite Filling
Present a Treatment Plan
Give a Local Anesthetic Injection
Restorative dentistry
Oral diagnosis
Radiography
Local anesthesia

How to measure onboarding success

Days until the new hire works without a preceptor
Competency sign-offs completed on time
Documentation or charting error rate
90-day retention

How Dentist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Dentist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Dentist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Dentist Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Dentist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)