Staff Performance Management Pack 2026

The most comprehensive staff performance management system available for Australian dental practices — 53 pages, 10 complete tools covering performance reviews, probationary reviews, goal setting, personal development planning, 360-degree feedback, reward and recognition, staff satisfaction, and salary review. Built for every role in the practice.

A performance review is the most important leadership conversation a Practice Manager has with each team member each year. Done well, it builds trust, motivates performance, clarifies expectations, and gives the team member a sense of being genuinely seen and valued. Done poorly — or not at all — it sends the message that performance doesn't matter.

This pack gives you a complete, structured system to run every type of performance conversation with confidence — from annual reviews to probationary outcomes to difficult conversations. Updated for the Fair Work Act 2009, April 2026.

✔ Fully editable Microsoft Word format
✔ 53 pages — 10 complete tools
✔ Role-specific review forms for Dental Hygienist/OHT, Dental Assistant, and all roles
✔ Fair Work Act 2009 compliant
✔ 2026-compliant
✔ Instant digital download
✔ Single-practice licence

What's Included:

1. PM Guide — How to Run a Great Performance Review
A practical guide for Practice Managers covering why reviews matter, the Resolve 6-stage review framework (preparation through to 3-month check-in), a preparation checklist, step-by-step meeting structure with suggested opening scripts for each stage, after-review action checklist, and a difficult conversations guide covering emotional employees, strong disagreements, complaints about colleagues, salary requests, and resignation threats. Includes a Fair Work Act reminder on the distinction between performance reviews and disciplinary processes.

2. Performance Review — Dental Hygienist / Oral Health Therapist
Annual review with self-appraisal (Part 1) and reviewer assessment (Part 2). Five rated sections: Clinical Skills and Knowledge (11 items including AHPRA compliance and scope of practice), Patient Communication and Experience (8 items including recall pre-booking rate), Infection Control and Compliance (7 items including AS/NZS 5369:2023), Team and Practice Contribution (8 items), and KPI Performance (recall pre-booking rate, appointments per day, FTA rate, new patients, outstanding perio cases, CPD hours). Includes open-ended reflection questions and a review meeting record with salary review section and dual sign-off.

3. Performance Review — Dental Assistant
Annual review with self-appraisal and reviewer assessment. Six rated sections: Chairside Assisting and Clinical Skills (10 items), Infection Control and Sterilisation (9 items), Radiography (5 items), Patient Communication and Care (5 items), Administrative and Practice Support (6 items), and Team Contribution and Professionalism (7 items). Includes open-ended reflection questions, training chart level reference, radiation safety licence tracking, and review meeting record with dual sign-off.

4. 3-Month Probationary Review — All Roles
A structured probationary review covering employee self-appraisal and manager assessment across 11 core competency areas. Three outcome options: Confirmed, Extended (with specific improvement targets), or Not Confirmed (with documented reasons). Includes a Fair Work Act minimum employment period reminder and a strong legal note on the importance of completing the review before the probationary period expires.

5. SMART Goal Setting and KPI Alignment Template
A structured 4-goal SMART template with fields for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound criteria for each goal. Includes a KPI Alignment table linking individual goals to Resolve Dental Consultancy KPIs 1, 3, 4, and 5 — with current result, target, employee contribution, and achieved-by-review tracking.

6. Personal Development Plan (PDP) — Expanded
Three sections: Performance Gaps (with specific action, support/resources, priority A/B/C, and target date), Training and Skill Development (with type, provider, cost, and completion date), and Career and Personal Aspirations. Designed to be created WITH the employee, not FOR them.

7. 360-Degree Feedback Form — Practice Manager and Senior Clinical Leads
Structured 360-degree feedback for leadership roles — gathering input from peers, direct reports, and the practice owner to provide a complete picture of leadership performance.

8. Staff Reward and Recognition Framework
A structured reward and recognition program with ideas, categories, and tracking — covering both formal and informal recognition to build a culture where great work is noticed and celebrated.

9. Annual Staff Satisfaction Survey
A 15-question survey for all staff — covering role satisfaction, team culture, leadership, communication, training, and overall practice experience. Designed to surface issues before they become resignations.

10. Salary Review Framework and Record
A structured annual salary review process — covering market benchmarking, performance-based increases, documentation, and a salary review record for each employee.