Evidence-Based Management Strategies for Optimizing Dental Outpatient Department Performance

Abstract

Background: The dental outpatient departments (OPDs) play a key role in the delivery of oral healthcare by examining, diagnosing and treating the patients. More complication facing patients, higher expectations, and issues spotlighted by COVID-19 pandemic have made OPD management a multi-pronged approach needing coordinated clinical, operational, technological and human resource efforts.
Aim: The aim is to create evidence-based strategies for efficiently running a dental OPD, which will enhance patient flow, quality of care, infection control, digital innovation, workforce, and access to special populations.
Methods: We conducted a literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and guidelines published in English from 2016–2024. The included studies explored various OPD operations which were appointments, patient satisfaction, infection control, digital technologies, and workforce. Data was acquired independently and examined thematically.
Findings: The results of effective management of an OPD involve optimum patient flow through web-based scheduling and reminders, and improvement in patient satisfaction by way of provider communication, quality of facility and operational efficiency. The development of infection control and waterline management. Working on CAD/CAM, AI, teledentistry, and EHR development. Support workforce development and needed training to minimize burnout. Care for childhood, geriatric and special need population. Through the use of key performance indicators and quality improvement frameworks, evaluation is ongoing. Limitations in resources and resistance by staff serve as barriers while implementation is facilitated by leadership and engagement.
Conclusion: Evidence-based multifactorial management of the OPD will improve patient outcome, operational efficiency, and staff performance. Future directions will include bigger utilization of digital health technologies, artificial intelligence and telemedicine, while the evaluation of cost-effectiveness and long-term impact will guide best practices in patient-centered dental care.

Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education 

official publication of Bangladesh Academy of Dentistry International (BADI)®