Red, Yellow, Green Training System
Dentistry is fast-paced and always changing.
When logging into a practice management system each morning, the day rarely goes as planned. Patients may cancel or amend their appointments. Some patients even require emergency attention. Flexibility and readiness to adapt to these changes are essential.
However, training new team members does not need to be as unpredictable and chaotic.
After attending numerous conferences, watching webinars, listening to podcasts, reading various books, and hiring consultants, a Red, Yellow, and Green training system was developed. This system streamlines the training process, ensuring consistency and clarity. The training was designed to be simple so that any dental team could implement it in their office.
Training System Overview
The Red, Yellow, Green System uses badges to visually represent the training stage of new hires, progressing from red (new hire) to green (fully trained).
Red Badge
This badge indicates a new hire who is unfamiliar with the office’s policies and procedures. Training typically spans 12 weeks, adaptable to the required timeframe for each position. Evaluations occur in one week, one month, and one quarter. Training spreadsheets with assessments, approved by a mentor, are tailored to each position.
It is recommended that employees should be ready to test out of the red badge by the third week.
Yellow Badge
Signifies “proceed with caution; some knowledge acquired.”
Training spreadsheets accessible to all staff minimize miscommunication and set clear expectations. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all processes and procedures aid training, allowing new hires to rely on SOPs before consulting mentors. For clinical staff, in-op playbooks in each operatory provide step-by-step guidance for dental procedures.
A new employee can wear a yellow badge for three to twelve weeks.
Green Badge
This badge denotes a fully trained individual capable of performing their job independently, typically after 12 weeks of training. The green badge reminds patients and other team members that this employee is still fairly new and while they understand all of their job responsibilities, they still may ask questions every now and then.
A Smarter Training System
Even if a new employee is not in the same department, their badge color indicates their training stage. Color badges motivate trainees and serve as visual aids for the team, indicating the training progress and readiness of new employees.
This system eliminates ad-hoc training based on immediate tasks, ensuring comprehensive and uniform training through checklists and assessments.
Continuous updates incorporate new technology and streamlined processes into the training program. The Red, Yellow, and Green Training System has significantly streamlined training in dental offices.
About the Author
Deanna O’Connell, FAADOM
Deanna truly found her passion as an Office Manager when she entered the dental field. Her proudest professional achievements are when she can be a part of changing patients’ lives.
She enjoys volunteering with the Mogollon Sporting Association, Veterans Day Dental Events, and Arizona Sonshine. Deanna excels at financial planning, organization, and thrives when presented with a challenge.
She is honored to be a Fellow of AADOM and an Elite Office Manager of the AACA.
