MCG School of Dentistry Quality Assurance Manual

Introduction

MCG School of Dentistry recognizes the need to establish quality assessment criteria for evaluating the quality of dental care. Since MCG is a state institution with a majority of its graduates practicing in Georgia, the Academic Council, after careful review, unanimously approved the use of the GDA Quality Assurance Manual as the model document for the school. It is the responsibility of each clinical department and the Clinical Chairman’s Committee to provide oversight to the Quality Assurance Program of the MCG School of Dentistry.

This manual sets forth quality assessment criteria to be used in evaluating the quality of the various phases of dental treatment. It should be noted that the criteria listed as “Acceptable” are measurable levels considered attainable and adequate. The existence of varying levels of quality is recognized by the use of the term “Acceptable”; the term “Not Acceptable” indicates the treatment rendered is of such quality that it is already detrimental or may reasonably be expected to become so.

The charts containing the criteria for evaluating treatment procedures in the various disciplines of dentistry have a preface outlining general guidelines. The preface stresses what is perhaps the most important aspect of quality evaluation: the need for flexibility and judgment in the evaluation process. An in-depth judgment analysis should go with the use of any specific criteria. In some cases the individual circumstances may preclude adherence to these criteria. Other factors should be considered: the preexisting state of the patient’s medical and dental condition; the patient’s cooperation at the time dental care is rendered and in following suggested standards of care in oral hygiene programs; the patient’s return to his or her dentist on a regular basis for maintenance of care rendered; complications occurring during the procedure which are normal and recognized risks of the dental care being performed; and other exigent conditions or complications.

In all cases of quality assessment, the possible variability of treatment results should be recognized. Where problems arise, they should be examined by peers of the practitioner involved. The material contained in this manual is intended to apply to all licensed practitioners of dentistry. It should further be noted that criteria such as these must reflect continuing progress in the art and science of dentistry.

The following principles embody the objectives and philosophy of a quality assessment program:

1. In the evaluation of treatment, the patient’s health and welfare are the primary concerns.

2. The honor and integrity of the dental profession and the process of Peer Review must be preserved within professional administration.

3. The object of quality assessment is to determine whether the dental care received by the patient is of satisfactory quality. Its guidelines should be acceptable by third party, govern mental agencies and others affected by the Peer Review process.

4. Alternate treatment plans may be employed if the patient is aware of any reduced prognosis and requests treatment with that understanding.

5. The dental student and clinical instructor have a clear responsibility to provide individualized, high-quality dental care as established by recognized standards of acceptable care, including coverage of dental emergencies for patients of record. The clinician has a responsibility to maintain his own competence through continuing education and to assist in monitoring the quality of care which individual patients receive.

6. Every licensed practitioner of dentistry has a responsibility to recognize his or her limitations, to seek consultation when appropriate, and to be available for consultation when requested.

7. The practicing dentist has a responsibility to judge and to maintain the satisfactory quality of any dental service performed by any student or auxiliary under his/her supervision.