Orthodontist 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: American Board of Orthodontics certification, State dental license (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: brackets and wires; intraoral scanners; clear aligner software; cephalometric X-rays
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Orthodontist 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
Follow radiation safety
Handle wires and sharps safely
Monitor for gum and tooth damage
Shadow an experienced orthodontist 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: bond braces
Supervised practice: explain treatment to a family
Supervised practice: fit a retainer
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 and jaw alignment: independently
Take X-rays, photos and scans: independently
Design treatment plans: independently
Place braces and appliances: 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, American Board of Orthodontics certification)
Discuss the career path: Orthodontic Resident → Associate Orthodontist → Practice Owner
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Bond Braces
Explain Treatment to a Family
Fit a Retainer
Orthodontic diagnosis
Biomechanics
Bracket placement
Aligner planning

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 Orthodontist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Orthodontist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Orthodontist 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 Orthodontist Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Orthodontist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)