Three principles of classification are stressed in the development of electronic dental patient records and clinical databases: (1) the classification must have a suitable organizing principle; (2) use must be made of standard terminology; and (3) there must be standard operational criteria. (DB)

The paper discusses computer-based decision support in the following areas: the dental patient record system; diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the oral mucosa; treatment strategy in complex clinical situations; diagnosis and treatment of functional disturbances of the masticatory system; and patient recall. (DB)

Record maintenance with periodic record audits, conducted by student peer auditors, became part of the curriculum of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. A review to determine whether the quality of record keeping in the dental clinics had improved as a result of the audit program is reported. (MLW)

Since 1987, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry has established a system of committee responsibilities for quality assurance, involving the committees for clinical affairs, academic performance, safety and therapeutics, and a council composed largely of department chairs. Additional review of procedures and records management…

The dental profession can contribute to effective computer-based decision support through developing data standards and a comprehensive computerized patient record system that can be integrated with evolving health care decision support networks. (DB)

Steps in establishment of Indiana University School of Dentistry's quality assurance program included gathering existing information on quality assurance; ascertaining administrative support; appointing a committee; defining terms and setting goals; raising awareness and commitment; designing a patient satisfaction survey; undertaking a chart…

Future dental practice is seen to include not only the electronic dental record (EDR) but a fully electronic clinical dental documentation package, computer-assisted diagnostic support, and digital imaging. The EDR's development since the 1970s is reviewed. Specific suggestions are made concerning hardware, software, administration, and practical…

Five articles on management practices in dental schools include: "Overview" (Robert W. Comer et al.); "Patient Support Services" (Betsy A. Hagan et al.); "Health and Financial Records" (Robert W. Comer et al.); "Support Services and Staff Responsibilities" (Wayne William Herman et al.) and "Implications and Future Challenges" (Robert W. Comer et…

Data on the relative levels of men's and women's dental health are scarce, but the available data do indicate differences in tooth loss and health-related behavior patterns. Better methods for recording and reporting this information are recommended. (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)

The article reports on initial efforts of a consortium of 19 dental schools to cooperate in developing clinical databases and associated hardware and software. The article lists initial members, committee members, and follow-up activities, working toward development of databases on patient history, oral status, diagnosis, treatment evaluation,…

Issues to be addressed before writing standards of care for the diagnosis of adult periodontal disease are discussed. These include considerations in screening and examination; arriving at diagnosis and prognosis, informing the patient, and referral; monitoring outcomes using diagnostic signs and tests; and new technology for and approaches to…

New information technology allows dental educators and practitioners to have better access to the medical literature and to details about a given patient and to process much larger amounts of information. These improvements translate into consistency of care, more and better medical knowledge, cost-effectiveness, and greater clarity of details…

The paper addresses the potential of informatics to patient care quality assurance curricula, focusing on (1) terminology and developments related to quality of care evaluations; (2) criticisms of traditional approaches; (3) limitations of existing data sources for quality assurance in dentistry; and (4) quality assurance considerations in…

A survey of 59 dental schools found most supportive of development of instructional technology but also found faculty perceived as unenthusiastic about or unrewarded for innovation. Testing and recordkeeping were the most common computer applications; individualized instruction and paper-and-pencil simulation are used in most schools. Support…