Future-proof your dental practice with the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards

In the world of dental care, staying ahead of the curve is essential to providing top-tier service to your patients. That’s why we’re excited to share some important news that will impact your dental practice starting 1 May 2024.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has worked diligently with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) following the launch of the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards (the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards) by advocating on behalf of members. Recognising the unique needs of primary and community healthcare settings, such as dental practices, these will become the standard for accreditation assessments.

This transition represents an opportunity for our valued dental clients to align with the latest standards and showcase your commitment to quality patient care. Accreditation with QIP ensures that your practice meets the rigour of the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards, positioning you as a leader in dental care provision. Read our article for more about the transition from NSQHS Standards to the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards.

Proposed changes to dental accreditation

Changes in private dental practice: Commencing 1 May 2024, the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards will become the benchmark for accreditation assessments in private dental practice.

What does this mean for your practice? Until 30 April 2024, current dental practices undergoing accreditation under the NSQHS Standards remain unchanged.

From 1 May 2024, those seeking reaccreditation will be assessed against the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards.

Where can you find more information about the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards? As part of our commitment to safety and quality in healthcare, QIP has developed a suite of resources to support your organisation as you transition to the new Primary and Community Healthcare Standards, including a series of webinars specific to these standards.

Partnering with QIP: Unveiling benefits for your dental practice

Accreditation against the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards provides your practice with a nationally recognised framework to protect the public and enhance the safety and quality of services. By accrediting with QIP, you not only demonstrate your dedication to excellence but will also gain access to a range of resources and support to guide you through the accreditation process.

Accreditation benefits include:

• Consumer Confidence: Reassures consumers and the local community of your practice’s commitment to delivering quality-focused services and care.
• Reduce Business Risk: Provides a platform for ongoing review, monitoring, and improvement of your practice’s systems, processes, and culture, enabling effective risk management and mitigation.
• Quality Team: Engaging your team in the process of quality improvement builds a culture of quality among staff, enhancing overall performance.
• Industry Benchmark: Offers confidence to stakeholders of the service delivery provided and assists your practice in meeting regulatory requirements for funding incentives.
• Quality Improvement: Reflects your practice’s commitment to continuous quality improvements in systems, processes, policies, culture, risk management, and staff management.
• Enhanced Services: Provides opportunities to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to enhance patient care and service experiences.

Support and Resources: Transitioning to a new set of standards can be challenging, but rest assured, comprehensive support is available. QIP has streamlined systems and processes to assist your dental practice’s accreditation journey. Additionally, the ADA supports members by providing templates and resources to aid implementation of the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards.

If your dental practice seeks further information regarding accreditation and the Primary and Community Healthcare Standards, please contact the ADA by phoning +61 2 8815 3333 or emailing contact@ada.org.au.