How do we measure quality in primary dental care?

In the second paper of a series exploring quality in primary dental care a way to measure quality in dentistry is considered. Unless there are valid and reliable tools to measure quality then quality can never be improved. Measurement tools need to be acceptable to patients if they are to be employed, as well as to busy practices in terms of practicality and costs. Examples such as the General Medical Practitioner's Quality Outcome Framework need to be understood to see if they can be translated to dentistry.