Of course you make safety a priority in your practice. But do your patient families truly understand that? As we find ourselves in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic this has become even more important.
An excellent way to enhance a sense of trust between providers and families seeking care in pediatric dental facilities is a voluntary accreditation program. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) partnered with the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (Quad A) to develop a voluntary sedation/general anesthesia accreditation model for pediatric dental practices. This program is in response to the commitment by pediatric dentists to continue to provide safe environments in which to treat children, and is designed for practices interested in demonstrating that commitment to their patient families.
The intent is to offer an opportunity for pediatric dental offices to voluntarily choose to be accredited by an independent organization documenting safe and competent delivery of deep sedation and general anesthesia in their office setting. For nearly 40 years, the Quad A’s mission has been patient safety in the outpatient surgical area. The accreditation process will then be expanded for in-office moderate sedation services.
Our goal is to establish and maintain the highest level of safety and preparedness in pediatric dental facilities. This is achieved, in part, by proper credentialing and training of dental and anesthesia providers and focusing on training and education in additional areas including emergency equipment and medications. This process sends a clear message to patients and regulators that AAPD and the individual facility is fully committed to the safety of its patients.
Together, we look forward to being the driving force for pediatric dental patient safety worldwide.
Learn more about the accreditation program.
