Case study: the implementation of total quality management at the Charleston VA Medical Center's Dental Service

Total Quality Management (TQM) is an evolving management philosophy which has recently been introduced to the health care industry. TQM requires the use of a continuous process improvement methodology for delivered services. It was implemented at Charleston VAMC's Dental Service as a study to determine its effectiveness at the grassroots level. A modified Quality Circle was established within the clinical service under the guidance of Dr. Edward Deming's 14 principles. Top management support was not present. Many lessons were learned as process improvements were made. The overall success was limited due to the inability to address interdepartment process problems.