Advanced Aligner Treatment Co-ordinator (TCO) Programme
The Advanced Aligner TCO Programme is a comprehensive 9-month training programme designed to develop confident, knowledgeable and highly effective Treatment Coordinators.
Partnering with S4S Dental Laboratory, and delivered by Tracie Barnett, and an experienced Clinical Treatment Coordinator, this tutor-supported programme provides structured education, practical assignments and personalised feedback to help practices develop both professionally and commercially.
Unlike short courses, this programme offers a complete framework for understanding the Treatment Coordinator’s role in improving communication skills, supporting clinicians and enhancing the patient journey with the end goal of growing sales.
Participants can choose between two pathways:
Aligner TCO Pathway
Designed for practices focused on clear aligner treatment.
This route develops specialist knowledge in clear aligner communication, patient education and ethical treatment conversations.
Generic TCO Pathway
Ideal for practices offering a broad range of services including implants, restorative dentistry, cosmetic treatments and endodontics.
This route provides a wider treatment knowledge base across multiple disciplines.
Unit 1 – Roles and Responsibilities of the Treatment Coordinator
- Defining the TCO role in detail by identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Identifying opportunities for professional development
- Understanding the principles and importance of effective teamwork
- Exploring what is meant by the ‘New Client Experience’
- Understanding the principles of client consent
- How consent may differ in relation to vulnerable groups
- Identifying the impact of current guidance in obtaining, recording and storing patient information.
Unit 2 – Effective Communication for the Treatment Coordinator
- Understanding a range of effective communication strategies
- Exploring the congruency between verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
- How to combine effective communication skills with DISC personality profiling
- Identifying barriers of Transactional Analysis to support communication strategies for the TCO
- How to work with challenging and difficult patient groups
- Resolving any breakdown in professional relationships by means of evaluation and reflective practice.
Unit 3 – Obtaining Consent for Clear Aligner Treatments
- Knowing the difference between marketing and sales
- Knowing the difference between ethical and unethical marketing and sales
- Demonstrating an understanding of how to conduct an initial consultation with a new clear aligner system client
- Demonstrating your ability to explain Clear Aligner treatment to clients and help them understand the value to their oral health and appearance.
Unit 4 – Clinical Governance of the TCO Service
- Knowing what is meant by Clinical Governance
- Understanding the importance of good TCO records
- Knowing how to write a TCO procedure
- Understanding the Audit Cycle
- How to measure the TCO performance
- Developing an action plan to improve and sustain the TCO service.
Many practices invest heavily in marketing and clinical training but overlook one of the most influential roles within the patient journey.
Many practices invest heavily in marketing and generate a steady stream of enquiries, yet still struggle to convert those initial consultations into committed treatment starts.
A skilled Treatment Coordinator can improve patient communication, strengthen treatment acceptance, support clinicians and help create a more seamless patient experience.
This programme provides the knowledge, structure and support needed to develop a TCO who can contribute meaningfully to both patient care and practice growth.
Here’s what a TCO can expect to achieve after completion of this course:
Become a More Effective Treatment Coordinator
Develop the communication, organisational and patient-management skills required to elevate your dental practice.
Increase Confidence During Patient Consultations
Learn how to guide patients through treatment discussions with clarity, confidence and professionalism.
Improve Treatment Acceptance
Understand how to communicate treatment options effectively while maintaining ethical and patient-centred principles.
Strengthen Relationships with Clinicians
Learn how to support the clinical team, improve workflows and become a valuable extension of the patient journey.
Develop Long-Term Career Opportunities
Gain a recognised qualification aligned with level 3 learning outcomes, whilst building skills that can support future career progression.
Secure your place today and give your team the confidence to turn more aligner enquiries into treatment starts.
How The Programme Works
Participants receive access to a dedicated online learning platform including:
- Tutor-supported learning
- One-to-one guidance
- Personalised assignment feedback
- Student discussion forums
- Structured study plans
- Comprehensive course workbooks
The programme consists of 125 Guided Learning Hours and is assessed through continuous coursework with no formal examinations.
Certification
Upon successful completion participants will receive:
- Certificate of Completion
- 40 Hours of Verifiable CPD
- Recognition of achievement aligned with Level 3 learning outcomes
About Your Trainer
Tracie Barnett has over 30 years of experience in dentistry and continues to work as a Treatment Coordinator within private practice.
Partnering with S4S Dental Laboratory, Tracie has brought her specialism in developing non-clinical dental professionals, to help build confidence, communication skills and the vital treatment knowledge needed to thrive within modern dental practices.