Standards of Care

 

INTRODUCTION

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) Standards of Care are comprised of six statements that define the level of patient care to promote patient-centered comprehensive care. The objective of standards for the dental profession is to provide care consistent with improving the quality of life for the patient.

The HSDM Standards of Care are managed primarily by the Harvard Dental Center (HDC) Leadership and are a part of the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). The HDC Leadership is responsible for the annual review of the Standards of Care, has oversight of policy changes and implementation of policy and is also responsible for coordinating the communicating and training related to patient care. The Standards are distributed to all clinical faculty, staff and students on an annual basis through the Clinic Policies and Procedures Manual. Copies of the Standards are also available on the HSDM website and are available for review by patients.

 

THE HSDM STANDARDS OF CARE

Standard 1. Timeliness of Care

  • Patient care will progress in a timely manner.

Standard 2. Informed Consent

  • Patients will be consented for care prior to initiating treatment.

Standard 3. Patient Records

  • Patient records will be appropriately documented and securely maintained.

Standard 4. Comprehensive Care

  • Patient care will be delivered in a comprehensive care model.

Standard 5. Medical Emergency

  • Medical emergencies will be appropriately managed.

Standard 6. Patient Safety

  • Patient care will be provided in a safe environment.