Audit of dental reports (II): first Phase-II study in a Spanish Faculty of Dentistry

As a measure for correction of deficiencies registered through an audit of dental records in the Comprehensive Dentistry Clinic of the Dentistry Faculty of the University of Seville, we elaborated a new format for dental records which was used in 70 patients, carrying out a monitoring audit (Phase V) by applying the same quality criteria and criteria for data collection used in the initial audit (Phase III). We calculated the indices of fulfilment of 46 quality criteria, extending fulfilment percentage to 41 criteria, while statistically significant differences were found in 25 criteria. The standard prefixed as appropriate (75 %) was reached in 29 criteria (against the 12 criteria in which such standard was reached in the first dental audit). It is essential that faculties of dentistry develop systems for dental record revision which may help students achieve the competence of registering dental-care steps appropriately, teachers identify and give response to educational problems, and clinic administration prevent and correct conflicts, at the same time that they all ensure quality in service provision, ease relations with customers and protect users against legal vulnerability.