Standards of Patient Care

The HSDM Standards of Patient Care serve as guiding principles for delivering patient care at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). The HSDM Standards of Care are comprised of six statements and these standards define the level of patient care necessary to promote patient-centered, comprehensive care. The objective of the dental profession is to provide care that enhances the patient's quality of life. The Standards of Care are reviewed and approved periodically by the Office of Clinical Affairs and the Clinical Quality Assurance (CQA) committee to ensure ongoing alignment with best practices and evolving standards in patient care.

Standard 1. Timeliness of Care

Patients are admitted based on the complexity of their treatment needs and the scope of the predoctoral program in a timely manner.

Standard 2. Informed Consent

Patients are informed of their oral health needs, treatment plan, treatment alternatives, cost estimate, and any significant risk associated with treatment or non-treatment.

Standard 3. Patient Records

A patient record is created and maintained to document all diagnostic and therapeutic actions, as well as communications related to the patient’s care.

Standard 4. Comprehensive Care

Patients seeking care receive a comprehensive evaluation of their oral health needs, integrated with their overall health condition to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Standard 5. Medical Emergency

Medical emergencies are addressed promptly and efficiently to meet the patient’s immediate needs through timely intervention and appropriate clinical response.

Standard 6. Patient Safety

Patient care is delivered within a safe and controlled environment, with providers adhering to standard precautions, infection control protocols, biohazard management practices, and radiation safety measures.