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[Quality assurance in dentistry--past, present and future]
Y Vered1, N Schwartz, I Babayoff
1Dept. of Community Dentistry, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem.
Refu'At Ha-Peh Veha-Shinayim (1993)
|April 5, 2003
Summary
Quality assurance in dentistry requires continuous improvement and professional accountability. Organized dentistry must lead efforts in defining standards and enhancing patient trust, rather than relying on external bodies.
Area of Science:
- Dental quality assurance
- Healthcare management
- Professional ethics
Background:
- Historical "first do not harm" principle evolved due to patient expectations, technology, and cost pressures.
- A new era demands increased patient involvement and professional accountability in dental care.
- The dental profession faces challenges in adapting to quality assurance due to educational and definitional gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the evolution of quality assurance in dentistry over 30 years.
- To identify challenges and suggest future directions for improving dental care quality.
- To emphasize the dental profession's responsibility in quality assurance.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of quality assurance development.
- Identification of challenges in professional adaptation.
- Review of suggestions for future quality improvement strategies.
Main Results:
- Quality assurance has evolved significantly, driven by external factors and internal challenges.
- Lack of education, experience, and defined criteria hinder adaptation.
- Key suggestions include developing treatment appropriateness criteria, care assessment mechanisms, databases, and consumer surveys.
Conclusions:
- The dental profession holds the primary responsibility for quality and quality assurance.
- Quality assurance should focus on accountability and continuous improvement, not just cost.
- Proactive engagement by organized dentistry is crucial for maintaining public trust and efficient resource utilization.