What is a Fractional Training Officer and How Can They Help You?

     You have just landed your dream job in the most incredible practice. Today is your first day, and you are excited to start seeing patients, working in the business office, or managing the practice. All of your employment paperwork has been completed and you are about to start the day. The owner, dentist, or manager has introduced you to any team member you have not met during the interview process, the morning huddle has ended and everyone goes about their routine. But where does that leave you? The practice management software is new to you, the practice phone system is different than what you are used to and patients are coming and going at a rapid pace. You are left on your own to figure things out, right or wrong. Sound familiar?

Dentistry Today is Different Than Yesterday’s Dentistry

  In today’s fast paced dental environment, there is often no time to train anyone, whether a new employee or existing team member on the basics and beyond the practice. Team members learn through trial by fire how the PMS software works, how to answer the phone or how to check patients in or out, let alone where clinical supplies are located or how clinical processes are handled. The new employee may receive a brief review of systems and processes but no formal training or support. The new employee feels lost and stumbles through her/his first days. I know since it has happened to me in both clinical and non-clinical positions. Current team members have their own jobs to complete so what is the answer? A dedicated person who can act as a trainer or mentor/coach to the new employee, a Fractional Training Officer (FTO). But what is an FTO? 

What is an FTO and How Can They Help a Practice and Team?

     We have all heard of CEO (chief executive officer), CFO (chief financial officer), CTO (chief technology officer) but very few have heard of FTO. Whether a small practice with one or two doctors or a small to midsize DSO, all dental teams can utilize an FTO. A Fractional Training Officer is someone who is hired by the practice on an as needed or contract basis to provide training or update manuals for the practice. The FTO can be remote or in-person as appropriate for the needs of the practice. Some practices only want the FTO to update existing practice manuals while others want in-person training on a variety of topics. Each practice is uniquely different and the FTO can do an initial evaluation and determine the needs of the practice. From there the FTO can update manuals as well as provide content-based information or refer to other resources such as HR or other compliance reviewers. 

     In dentistry we know that if something isn’t documented it wasn’t done, the same goes for manuals. But without proper manual documentation and training, how do members of the team know what is expected of them? Many practices don’t have the time to devote to updating existing manuals and that is one of the roles of the FTO. The FTO finds out what is important to the practice and helps develop and grow the team and documentation. 

Help with Training and Expenses

     Training is also an important aspect of the FTO. Whether the basics of the practice management software, clinical processes or business operations, the FTO learns the nuances of the practice and can assist with onboarding and supporting new team members. If additional training for existing team members is required, the FTO can also assist with that or refer out as appropriate . 

     Since the FTO is a contracted position, the practice incurs costs only as needed. Many teams and practices take advantage of the FTO on a regular basis while others only use the FTO’s services once and done. The FTO is available as the practice deems appropriate.

Where To Go from Here?

     Do you think an FTO can help you or your practice? Do you want to learn more about FTOs and how I can help? Let’s connect by reaching me at annmariedepalma@gmail.com and get started in your journey with fractional training. 

About the Author

Ann-Marie DePalma is a registered dental hygienist with experience in clinical hygiene and surgical assisting. She has been employed beyond clinical as a software trainer, educator, consultant and an accomplished author and CE provider.