Outcomes comparison of solo-practitioner and group practice models

A solo-practitioner care delivery model is utilized in the predoctoral teaching clinics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. This model requires students to independently manage their practices using central resources. The model is perceived as cumbersome for patients and students and as failing to achieve optimum educational and productivity outcomes. During the 1995-96 academic year, a group practice model of patient care delivery was pilot tested to assess whether productivity, educational, and care delivery outcomes could be enhanced in comparison to the solo-practitioner model. This group practice model combined third- and fourth-year students for purposes of sharing resources and collaborating in patient care delivery. Resources dedicated to each group practice included a practice advisor, shared patient care coordinator, dental assistant, and shared clinic receptionist. Two group practices and twenty-five student solo practitioners participated in the study. Based upon an analysis of productivity, participant, and patient data, the group practice participants had greater billing volume, better attendance, enhanced satisfaction with the staff/faculty support and their ability to fill appointments, and generally comparable patient satisfaction ratings. These results suggest that the group practice model, through the dedication of resources and collaboration of providers, could enhance the outcomes of the clinical education program.