Case Study about Developing a Comprehensive Training Program for Dental Assistants

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Description:

Keith + Associates Dentistry recognized the need for a comprehensive, self-paced training program to address gaps in dental assistants' skills and knowledge. Their goal was to ensure that aspiring dental assistants acquired the necessary expertise to excel in their roles and provide high-quality patient care in the dental practice.

Training Objectives:

The training program had the following key objectives:

• Equip dental assistants with the foundational knowledge about dental healthcare professionals, their accreditation, and ethical/legal standards of dentistry.
• Create an understanding of oral anatomy's structure, function, and pathology.
• Inform about sterilization, PPE usage, and workplace safety.
• Familiarize dental assistants with dental instruments and proper equipment handling.
• Teach radiography principles, focusing on patient safety and technique mastery for diagnostic imaging.

Challenges and Solutions:

One of the primary challenges was to ensure that the curriculum content was relevant and accurate, particularly for complex dental procedures. To address this, we collaborated closely with subject matter experts to ensure all materials were up-to-date and precise. We conducted thorough research to ensure the curriculum was both relevant and accurate. By collaborating with industry experts, we ensured the content met professional standards and aligned with best practices. Additionally, we faced the challenge of designing interactive modules that would work seamlessly across different devices. To solve this, we prioritized responsive design and conducted extensive testing to ensure smooth functionality across various platforms.

Impact:

Keith + Associates Dentistry wanted to provide their professionals with a training program that was both informative and engaging. They needed to address knowledge gaps and meet the first two needs of Bloom's taxonomy, which are knowledge retention and understanding.
To achieve this, we developed the program with dynamic, interactive modules, combining interactive design, gamification, and comprehensive content.

After completing the program, participants demonstrated a significant improvement in practical skills and theoretical knowledge, with pre- and post-assessment scores showing an average improvement of 22%. Feedback from learners indicated that the interactive and modular design contributed to better retention and application of knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Training Results:

The successful development and implementation of the dental assistant training program resulted in measurable improvements in skills, knowledge retention, and application in clinical practice. Using an interactive, self-paced format, Keith + Associates Dentistry equipped dental assistants with the necessary tools to excel in their roles, fostering individual growth and enhanced patient care. Moving forward, the program will continue to evolve with ongoing feedback and updates to ensure it remains aligned with industry standards.