Quality assurance concepts and skill development: results of a national study

Knowledge of quality assurance concepts and development of evaluation skills are essential to demonstrating professional accountability. Evaluation skills include self-assessment and peer review, both of which need to be specifically taught and practiced. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to determine if quality assurance concepts were taught and opportunities to develop evaluation skills were provided to associate and baccalaureate dental hygiene graduates, and 2) to determine if differences exist between these two groups.

In fall 1993, a 90-item survey instrument based on quality assurance concepts, skills, and the dental hygiene process and standards of care was validated and administered to a national stratified random sample of 1993 graduates (n=500). Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and the Wilcoxon rank sum test. For all statistical procedures, the .05 level of significance was established.

A 65% response rate was obtained. No graduate reported having a specific course on quality assurance. Significant differences were found between the two groups, with a higher percentage of baccalaureate graduates reporting that self-assessment and peer evaluation concepts were taught and opportunities to practice peer review skills provided. No differences were found regarding opportunities to practice self-assessment. Perhaps more important, less than 44% of both groups reported experience in peer review and 66% in self-assessment activities related to specific courses.

In order to better prepare practitioners to be accountable for care provided to the public, quality assurance concepts and opportunities to develop skills must be incorporated into the curricula for all dental hygiene students.