Quality assurance in dentistry: the Dutch approach.

PURPOSE To describe the definition of quality, as used in the Dutch literature, and to discuss the policy concerning quality assurance of dental care of both the Dutch government and the Dutch Dental Association. DATA SOURCE Study of relevant literature. RESULTS Quality is described as the degree to which the entire set of characteristics of a product, process or service satisfies established or obvious needs. With respect to quality assurance, the government merely tends to frame the setting, through legislation and stimulation, whereas the professional organization supports the responsibility of individual dentists by developing a quality, assurance system and by delivering tools for quality assessment. Possible activities within such a quality assurance system are continuing education, peer review, the use of practice guidelines and horizontal referral. CONCLUSION In Dutch dentistry a start has been made with the development of a quality assurance policy, which is aimed at the improvement of oral health and the increase of patient satisfaction. However, further research should still be focused on quality of dental care and its assessment in practice.