Dental Service Organizations Research Articles

The Impact of Statistical Thinking on Operational Performance and Managerial Decision-Making in Private Dental Service Organizations in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia: An Empirical Investigation

Introduction: The literature has extensively addressed statistical thinking (STk) as a set of principles and concepts implemented within organizations to adopt a statistical perspective. This approach is frequently linked to the application of continuous improvement programs (CIPs), such as Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma. This study examines whether implementing STk principles positively correlates with operational performance (OP) within private dental services organizations operating in the CIP framework. Methods: This empirical study investigated a sample of 34 organizations from the private sector. Structural equation modeling, specifically partial least squares, was used for data analysis. Results: Statistical significance for the outer model loadings was demonstrated. Mediating variables positively affect the constructs’ explanatory power, even when statistical techniques (STes) do not show direct associations. The model exhibited a significant degree of explanatory power. Further, it effectively captured the association among STes, OP, and decision-making (DM). In the multigroup analysis, only STes did not exhibit a statistically significant difference compared with the other components. Conclusion: The results provide evidence that CIPs are beneficial for applying STk principles and have a favorable effect on both OP and DM. This highlights the significance of CIPs, such as Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management, in a managerial context. This highlights the need to establish mechanisms that facilitate the dissemination and application of STk principles and STes to improve OP and DM in the dental services sector.

Dental Service Organization affiliation: Understanding key aspects of State Dental Practice Act compliance.

Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) are an increasingly visible and available practice option for new dental graduates. While guidance has been published to help dental students make informed decisions when considering a DSO affiliation, they have not focused on the complexities of assessing compliance with controlling state laws. Accordingly, this Perspectives article provides a concise summary of the common components of state regulatory provisions across the United States to support an understanding of the corporate practice of dentistry and compliance considerations. The guiding principles to consider include ownership or proprietorship of and control over a dental practice; control over dental offices, equipment, and materials; employment of dental personnel; and control over clinical judgment. This article should be helpful to students who are considering a DSO affiliation and educators who prepare them to enter dental practice.

Identifying the challenges of implementing the use of statistical thinking principles and concepts for dental services organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A mixed survey and observational study

Introduction: Identifying obstacles that prevent the adoption and implementation of statistical techniques (STes) could enlighten policymakers’ decisions and pave the way for fostering the attainment of predetermined targets in the health-care sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the transformational period in the health-care sector, including dental services. Aims: The study aimed to identify and discuss the challenges preventing the adoption of statistical thinking (STk) and statistical techniques in dental service organizations in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: The study applied a mixed design to investigate the researched case. An exploratory approach was used to obtain an initial understanding of the case, explore it, and find factual evidence of its structure, dynamics, and context. On the other hand, an explanatory approach was employed to address inquiries of the mechanisms and rationales behind a specific event. This study employs a triangulation concept, combining survey results and a comprehensive examination of charts, reports, and documentation to unravel the intricate operational performance and decision-making (DM) facets. Results and Discussion: The survey, conducted over two time points with 57 and 49 participants, revealed a positive trajectory in crucial elements, notably a two-fold improvement observed in the STk factor. The regression analysis validated these trends, revealing numerical shifts in several elements and robust model fitting. Documentation analysis, spanning 120 documents, 23 reports, and 13 interview papers, enriched our understanding of the organizational landscape. The initial identification of 208 codes was thematically refined, encapsulating diverse challenges ranging from workforce dynamics to data quality and facility management. The discussion encompasses findings on organizational efficacy, resource constraints, structural inflexibility, and challenges in managerial DM. It highlights systemic inefficiencies, unbalanced demand-support dynamics, and consequences on service quality and stakeholder satisfaction. Conclusion: The study explored the adoption of new healthcare management systems in Saudi Arabia, focusing on STk and STes integration, and highlights significant cultural advancements.

Learning from data in dentistry: Summary of the third annual OpenWide conference.

The overarching goal of the third scientific oral health symposium was to introduce the concept of a learning health system to the dental community and to identify and discuss cutting-edge research and strategies using data for improving the quality of dental care and patient safety. Conference participants included clinically active dentists, dental researchers, quality improvement experts, informaticians, insurers, EHR vendors/developers, and members of dental professional organizations and dental service organizations. This report summarizes the main outputs of the third annual OpenWide conference held in Houston, Texas, on October 12, 2022, as an affiliated meeting of the American Dental Association (ADA) 2022 annual conference.

Benefiting from Dentist-owned Dental Service Organizations

Benefiting from Dentist-owned Dental Service Organizations

The organization of the dental service in the Voronezh region

Introduction: The article «Organization of dental services in the Voronezh region» - a large subject of the Russian Federation (RF), the features of the organization of dental care for adults and children are considered. Materials and methods: Analytical methods and extracts of data from reports of medical organizations of the dental profile of the Voronezh Region for 2017-2019 were used. In accordance with the action plan of the Department of Health of the Voronezh Region, the issues of primary prevention of dental diseases among the population of the Voronezh Region are covered within the framework of the state program of the Russian Federation «Development of Health Care». When considering. Results: The current state of science and practical health care to preserve the health of the population is reflected, and at the same time, the relevance of dental research remains unchanged. The working dental organizations of the region are described. The analysis of literature sources and reporting materials showed the importance of dynamic observation of medical and social indicators, conditions and lifestyle, the level and structure of dental morbidity, and the demographic situation. The author of the work is well aware of the importance of the background of dental measures aimed at prevention (first of all) and treatment (if necessary). Speaking about the indicators of morbidity in dentistry, the author emphasizes the need to study it to assess the public health of the entire population. Conclusion: It is emphasized that the priority directions of the development of the dental service of the Voronezh region can be considered (including recommended to other regions): strict implementation of the Program of State Guarantees to the population of the region, equipping dental departments and offices in accordance with the standards of equipment, improving the availability, safety and quality of dental care to the population, as well as the priority of prevention in the field of health protection, including through the school dental service.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ ПОМОЩИ ПАЦИЕНТАМ С ЛЕЙКОПЛАКИЕЙ СЛИЗИСТОЙ ОБОЛОЧКИ РТА

Subject. At the present stage, the organization of medical care for patients with precancerous diseases of the oral mucosa is one of the most important tasks of the dental service. This is due to the fact that timely detection and treatment of patients at the early stages of the disease provide a long-term and persistent clinical effect and allows you to achieve satisfactory clinical results. The purpose of the review: the work contains a review of the literature of recent years with a detailed review of measures in the management of medical care for patients with keratosis of the oral mucosa. Methodology. The article deals with current issues about the key points of early detection and treatment of precancerous diseases of the oral mucosa. It is noted that approaches to solving the problems of medical and social care for patients with leukoplakia of the oral mucosa are not only in the field of medicine, but also in the social side of human activity. Attention is paid to the discussion of the use of the screening method for determining diseases of the oral mucosa. The issues of perspective development of issues of improvement of scientifically based and acceptable for dental institutions methods of conducting medical preventive examinations are highlighted. Measures to improve the detection of patients with hyperkeratosis of the oral mucosa, as well as to improve the results of treatment of identified patients, are due to the interaction of various practical health services and should be solved comprehensively from the standpoint of a single systematic approach. The necessity of conducting this study as a criterion for evaluating the system of organization of dental services for patients with keratosis is shown. Results and conclusions. The conducted research review allowed us to identify areas for improving the organization of dental care for patients with hyperkeratosis of the oral mucosa. The study of the results obtained should be taken into account when forming prevention programs, taking into account the implementation of the developed standards and recommendations.

The Organization of the Dental Service in the Voronezh Region

Introduction: The article «Organization of dental services in the Voronezh region» - a large subject of the Russian Federation (RF), the features of the organization of dental care for adults and children are considered. Materials and methods: Analytical methods and extracts of data from reports of medical organizations of the dental profile of the Voronezh Region for 2017-2019 were used. In accordance with the action plan of the Department of Health of the Voronezh Region, the issues of primary prevention of dental diseases among the population of the Voronezh Region are covered within the framework of the state program of the Russian Federation «Development of Health Care». When considering. Results: The current state of science and practical health care to preserve the health of the population is reflected, and at the same time, the relevance of dental research remains unchanged. The working dental organizations of the region are described. The analysis of literature sources and reporting materials showed the importance of dynamic observation of medical and social indicators, conditions and lifestyle, the level and structure of dental morbidity, and the demographic situation. The author of the work is well aware of the importance of the background of dental measures aimed at prevention (first of all) and treatment (if necessary). Speaking about the indicators of morbidity in dentistry, the author emphasizes the need to study it to assess the public health of the entire population. Conclusion: It is emphasized that the priority directions of the development of the dental service of the Voronezh region can be considered (including recommended to other regions): strict implementation of the Program of State Guarantees to the population of the region, equipping dental departments and offices in accordance with the standards of equipment, improving the availability, safety and quality of dental care to the population, as well as the priority of prevention in the field of health protection, including through the school dental service.

How Dental Service Organizations Strategically Navigated the Pandemic: Applauding a Successful Business Model

How Dental Service Organizations Strategically Navigated the Pandemic: Applauding a Successful Business Model

On stomatological service in the Voronezh Oblast

The article considers characteristics of organization of dental care for adult and children population in the territory of a large subject of the Russian Federation. In accordance with the action plan of the Health Department of the Voronezh Oblast, as well as in order to improve organization of dental services and statistical reporting and accounting in the autonomous health institution of the Voronezh Oblast, meetings concerning organization of dental services are organized. The issues are discussed concerning primary prevention of dental diseases in population of the Voronezh Oblast within the framework of the state program of the the Russian Federation "Health Care Development", organization and implementation of continuous medical education in dentistry, preparation and handing in annual report on dentistry in accordance with latest requirements of the Federal statistical monitoring in health care, new requirements of application of documents for preferential prosthetic dentistry in families of servicemen who perished during military service in peacetime. The consideration of actual state of scientific medicine and practical direction of population health promotion of the population, invariably focuses on actuality of dental research. The analysis of publications established significance of especially dynamic monitoring of medical social indices, conditions and style of life, level and structure of dental morbidity demographic situation. The necessity of analysis of dental morbidity for evaluation of overall population health is emphasized. Also, data of social hygienic monitoring of population of the Voronezh Oblast for 2015-2017 was used.

Practice Management in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Managing an oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) practice has undergone dramatic changes. Electronic health records, privacy laws, revenue cycle management, online marketing, and the rise of dental service organizations (DSOs) present increased daily complexity for oral and maxillofacial surgeons in private practice, hospital-based employees, and academic surgeons. This article is structured to discuss the role of DSOs, private equity in OMS, online practice marketing, accounting and tax considerations, and modern essentials of practice management.

Everyone Hates Going to the Dentist! Are Dental Service Organizations Taking the Bite Out of Managing a Dental Practice in Indiana?

Everyone Hates Going to the Dentist! Are Dental Service Organizations Taking the Bite Out of Managing a Dental Practice in Indiana?

Navigating Career Decisions in Dental Service Organizations: Practical Advice for Students, Residents, and Educators.

The dental practice market continues to experience unprecedented changes, including the increasing presence and influence of dental service organizations (DSOs)-corporate entities that provide support and practice management for group practices in such areas as financial operations, human resources, marketing, and legal services. At the same time, increasing percentages of new dental graduates are choosing to pursue an initial career path in corporate dental practices. As a result, new graduates and others making a transition into private practice are likely to encounter complicated, multifaceted variables related to associateship opportunities. Experts in dental education are articulating a need for more instruction in practice management, particularly related to DSOs. Accordingly, this Perspectives article discusses issues in five broad categories focused on vetting career decisions in DSOs: business systems; the dental team and patients; clinical dentistry; compensation and professional development; and ownership positions. In addition to explaining the importance of these areas, the authors provide specific questions prospective associates should ask in considering these career options. These considerations should be useful for students and specialists who are preparing for their dental careers and for the educators who help to guide them.

Declining trends for dental service organizations

Declining trends for dental service organizations

Building an Alliance: A new future for academic dentistry ‘Down Under’?

A leap of faith took Peter Thomson from years of service in the NHS to an Oral Health Alliance ‘down under’. Here, he talks about oral health and the organisation of dental services in Australia, as well as the drivers of change in academic dentistry that led to the formation of the Alliance between the University and a large public healthcare provider to deliver excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice.

Growth Trends in Dental Service Organizations

There are a number of factors fueling the growth of large group practices managed by corporations across the U.S., including California. These evolving trends are shaping the dental profession and practice models in a variety of ways.

Oral rehabilitation and management of mentally retarded.

High level of periodontal problems of dental caries are frequently observed in mentally handicapped children. This group of patients presents various problems when they face dental treatments. Identification of such population and providing them affordable oral health care is the new concept. A systematic method for identification and screening of persons with mental retardation has been developed and is being followed. Cost and fear are the most commonly cited barriers to dental care. Physical or mental may lead to deterioration in self-care, and oral care state have a low priority. Risk factors are inter-related and are often barriers to oral health. With advancements in today's world sufficient information and support is available for each and every individual to lead a healthy life which include the access to the oral health care. Factors such as fear, anxiety and dental phobia plays a vital role in acceptance of dental care and also the delaying of dental care. Lack of knowledge of oral and dental disease, awareness or oral need, oral side-effects of medication and organization of dental services are highlighted in the literature. All health personnel should receive training to support the concept of primary oral health care. Training about dealing with such mentally handicapped people should be addressed urgently among the health professionals.

THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN CARIES PREVENTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ORAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.

Pregnancy may pose an increased risk for the development of caries and other oral health problems. Continuous screening of oral health status, implementing appropriate preventive measures (particularly oral hygiene, healthy diet plans and education) is of paramount importance not only for oral health but also for the general health status of the future mother and her offspring. EFFECTS OF FOOD ON CARIES DEVELOPMENT: Caries prevention through healthy diet implicates the reduction in frequency and amount of intake of cariogenic food, above all ofrefined carbohydrates, i.e. sugars and sweets. Foods known to have caries-prophylactic effects should predominate in healthy diet plans. They mainly include solid foods, which have mechanical effects on teeth cleaning, as well as foods providing sufficient amounts of vitamins (A, C, D) and a variety of elements and compounds (calcium, phosphates, fluorides) favoring the preservation and remineralization of tooth structures. EDUCATION OF PREGNANT WOMEN ON HEALHY DEIT: In accomplishing these goals, education and direct positive communication between the educator and the pregnant woman play a crucial role. Educative approach is always individual and determined by the patient's specific cultural and socioeconomic features and status, as well as her habits, motivation and willingness to accept relevant recommendations. Accomplishing the aforementioned goals requires the appropriate organization and professional competence within the preventive dental service and its close cooperation with the relevant medical institutions and social support in the framework of public health protection. Preserving of oral health during pregnancy is predominantly influenced by the following factors: 1) healthy diet, 2) oral hygiene, 3) patients' education, 4) regular control of oral health, 5) appropriate organization of dental services and 6) community engagement.

The necessity of accountability and ethics in Dental Service Organizations

Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) are an up-and-coming platform for dental treatment, and are quickly becoming a lucrative business. In light of this, a closer look must be taken at the ethical foundation of these organizations to ensure that the pursuit of profit does not outweigh the best interests of the patient.

Succeeding as a new dentist

A is an outstanding profession, and every dentist has the ability to have a successful career. Th e last fi ve years, however, have been a challenging time for most dentists, as well as the dental profession on the whole. Th e American Dental Association (ADA) recently released “A Profession in Transition: Key Forces Reshaping the Dental Landscape,”1 an in-depth report that documents the changes aff ecting dentistry. Critical findings from the report include the following: dfewer working-aged adults are visiting the dentist; dfinancial barriers to dental care are affecting most patients; dtwo of five dentists indicate they are not busy enough; ddental insurance benefits are likely to decline, resulting in fewer adult patients; dthe number of larger, multidentist practices, including dental service organizations, will continue to increase; dyounger adults are less likely to visit the dentist than are their parents, and they are prone to shop for dental care, as they view it as a commodity.