Three aspects of quality control are discussed: development of the technology of quality assurance, accessibility of dental care as a quality assurance issue, and the role of the professional association in quality control. Pressures to both assure quality of services, and control costs are acknowledged. (MSE)

The primary purpose of state dental licensing boards is to protect the public, but clinical testing of dental graduates is not critical to this function and may even distract from it. Ensuring the continuing competence of practicing dentists is a more important focus for licensing agencies. (MSE)

The American Dental Association has a role to play in the increasing computerization of dental practices, including involvement in electronic media claims for insurance processing, information dissemination, and development of guidelines for electronic patient records. (DB)

A variety of issues in the debate over assurance of quality of dental care are discussed, including the methods and implementation of quality assessment and the mechanisms of quality assurance among individual dentists. (MSE)

The American Dental Association Office of Quality Assurance's current programs include liaison with national health organizations, a comprehensive report of quality assurance, a health policy agenda for the American people, encouragement of peer review organizations, a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and…

The president-elect's address looks at the future role of the American Association of Dental Schools, a proposed study of dental education by the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, and contributions of other studies and associations. Association needs include a new mission, redistribution of resources, increased legislative…

The proceedings of the American Association of Dental Schools, which report on activities for 1997-98, are presented in their entirety. Included are the president's annual report, keynote addresses, proceedings of the 1998 house of delegates, statements of accreditation principles and new dentist competencies, and related information about…

In addressing dental licensing reform issues, the American Association of Dental Schools and deans of dental schools must provide both leadership and advocacy. Issues include limited geographic mobility of dentists resulting from state licensing differences, licensing of dentists through credentials, and development of a national dental licensing…