Quality assurance for the laboratory aspects of prosthodontic treatment

Inconsistency in the product returned from the commercial dental laboratory led to the development of a formal quality assurance (QA) program at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1994. The goal of the program was to improve the quality of prosthodontic laboratory submissions and the returned product, facilitate laboratory communications, and, ultimately, enhance the quality and timeliness of patient care. Each student submission is evaluated with a criterion-referenced evaluation form. Deficiencies are communicated to the student, and the corrected submission is then sent to the laboratory. Three-year remake data from the main clinic (QA site) and an extramural clinic (non-QA site) demonstrate the effectiveness of the program. The major benefits are more efficient, cost-effective patient care, as well as the provision of a model for the student to practice the skills needed for effective communication with the dental technician, upon graduation.