As orthodontic practices accelerate their adoption of digital workflows, concerns about staff training are common. For Lisa Alvetro, DDS, MSD, a veteran orthodontist with more than three decades of experience, the transition has produced the opposite effect: training has become simpler, faster, and more inclusive.
At Alvetro Orthodontics in Sidney, Ohio, digital systems such as 3D printing, in-office aligner production, digital indirect bonding, and custom bracket technologies are now central to daily operations.
According to Alvetro, these tools rely less on manual skill and more on intuitive software, making them easier for new and existing staff to learn.
“Training used to be very mechanical,” Alvetro said. “Now, if someone is comfortable using phone apps, they can be taught orthodontic technologies.”
This shift has expanded the talent pool for orthodontic practices. Rather than requiring extensive dental experience, Alvetro prioritizes candidates who are technologically confident and possess strong spatial awareness. She has found that individuals with backgrounds in gaming, engineering, or art often adapt quickly, even if they have never worked in dentistry.
Artificial intelligence has further simplified onboarding. By using tools such as ChatGPT and Google Notebook LM, Alvetro can quickly convert written instructions into structured training materials, including step-by-step guides, quizzes, flashcards, and audio content.
This approach allows her to accommodate different learning styles while significantly reducing the time needed to standardize training.
When introducing new technologies, Alvetro emphasizes a strategic, incremental approach. She typically begins with tools that deliver immediate benefits and are easy to learn, such as intraoral scanners.
Staff who previously handled traditional impressions quickly recognize the efficiency and cleanliness of digital alternatives, which increases their willingness to adopt additional systems.
For long-tenured employees, focusing on technologies that reduce repetitive or labor-intensive tasks has proven effective. One example is the practice’s shift to automated aligner trimming, replacing time-consuming manual processes. Demonstrating a clear return on investment in terms of time savings helps overcome resistance to change.
Alvetro also prioritizes a culture of continuous learning. Instead of training the entire team at once, she identifies one or two staff members to master a new system first and then teach their peers. This peer-led model builds internal expertise and encourages collaboration.
Pairing fast learners with those who need more time further strengthens confidence across the team. Alvetro believes this approach prevents less confident employees from feeling left behind and shows that mastery is achievable for everyone.
To reduce anxiety around new equipment, staff members practice on each other before working with patients. This low-pressure environment allows them to troubleshoot issues and build competence. Alvetro also ensures that every employee understands how their role fits into the overall digital workflow, helping reduce errors and inefficiencies.
Staff turnover remains a challenge across the industry, but standardized digital protocols help preserve operational knowledge. Alvetro maintains detailed documentation for each technology, covering storage, maintenance, and step-by-step usage.
These materials are shared via flash drives and cloud-based platforms, ensuring consistent access and continuity when personnel changes occur.
Delegation is another key component of her digital strategy. While Alvetro believes orthodontists should understand every step of production, she avoids performing tasks that can be handled by trained staff. Responsibilities such as 3D printing and aligner setup are assigned based on individual strengths, with the doctor providing final oversight.
To maintain efficiency, the practice assigns a lead and backup for each critical task rather than training everyone on every system. Workflow progress is tracked using project management software, which automatically alerts the next team member when a step is completed.
Some digital tasks are even handled by remote staff, extending productivity beyond local working hours.
With digital tools becoming more accessible and user-friendly, Alvetro believes the current environment is uniquely favorable for training and onboarding. “This is the easiest time to get people up to speed,” she said, pointing to the growing capabilities of digital orthodontics to support both efficiency and workforce development.
