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Customizing the SOP Format

Every SOP that SOPHIE generates follows a consistent structure and formatting style. By default, SOPHIE uses the STREAM framework to organize SOP content. You can replace this structure with your own if your practice uses a different format.

The STREAM Framework​

STREAM is a six-section format designed for dental practice operations. Each section serves a specific purpose:

  • Systemize — Sets the context for the SOP. Includes the purpose of the process, who is involved, when it happens, what tools are needed, and links to any reference materials.
  • Train — Contains the actual step-by-step procedure. This is the core of the SOP, with 3 to 7 key steps written so that a new team member could follow them on their first day.
  • Refine — Identifies opportunities to simplify or improve the process. Notes where steps could be shortened, where tools could be better integrated, or where friction tends to occur.
  • Execute — Defines ownership and accountability. Specifies who is responsible for each part of the process and how completion is tracked.
  • Align — Connects the process to your practice's broader vision and values. Confirms that role responsibilities are clear and that the SOP fits within your overall operational approach.
  • Measure — Suggests a KPI or metric to track how well the process is working. Includes criteria for when the SOP should be updated (called a "Broken STREAM Flag") and recommends a quarterly review schedule.

The STREAM framework follows a simple philosophy: done is better than perfect, simple is better than complicated, and systems are better than relying on individual effort.

How SOPHIE Formats SOPs​

Regardless of which template you use, SOPHIE always applies the same formatting rules to keep your SOPs consistent and easy to read:

  • Numbered lists for steps. Any sequential procedure uses numbered lists. Sub-steps are nested underneath, following the same style as Google Docs: 1, 2, 3 for top-level steps, then a, b, c for the next level, then i, ii, iii for the level after that.
  • Bold step titles. The title of each top-level step in a procedure section is bold, making it easy to scan. Sub-steps are not bold.
  • Bullet lists for non-sequential items only. Unordered bullet lists are used for things like tool lists, materials, or reference notes — anything that does not need to happen in a specific order.
  • Section headings. Each major section gets a clear heading so you can quickly find what you need.

These formatting rules are always applied automatically. You do not need to include them in your custom template, and you cannot turn them off.

Customizing the Template​

If the STREAM framework does not match how your practice organizes SOPs, you can replace it with your own structure.

To customize the template:

  1. Go to Settings in the left sidebar.
  2. Select the AI tab.
  3. Scroll down to the SOP Template section.
  4. Type your custom template in the text box.
  5. Click Save Template.

Your custom template tells SOPHIE what sections to include and what content belongs in each section. For example, you might use a simpler three-section format:

  • Overview — Purpose, scope, and responsible roles.
  • Procedure — Step-by-step instructions.
  • Review — How often to review and who approves changes.

Or you might add sections that are specific to your practice, such as a Compliance section or a Patient Communication section.

What You Can Change​

When you write a custom template, you control:

  • The names of each section.
  • The order the sections appear in.
  • What type of content goes into each section (for example, whether a section should contain steps, a checklist, metrics, or narrative text).
  • How many sections you want.

What Stays the Same​

The following formatting rules are always applied, no matter what template you use:

  • Steps are always formatted as numbered lists, not bullet points.
  • Top-level step titles are always bold.
  • Nested sub-steps follow the 1 / a / i numbering pattern.
  • Unordered bullet lists are reserved for non-sequential items like tool lists.
  • Section headings are formatted consistently.

This separation means you can focus on the structure and content of your SOPs without worrying about formatting. SOPHIE handles the visual consistency for you.

Resetting to the Default​

If you want to go back to the STREAM framework after trying a custom template:

  1. Go to Settings > AI > SOP Template.
  2. Click Reset to Default.

This removes your custom template and restores the standard STREAM structure. Any SOPs that were already generated will keep their current content — the reset only affects future SOP generation.

Tip: Changes to the SOP template only affect SOPs generated after you save. Existing SOPs in your workspace are not modified.