Appraising the performance of dentists.

This paper has attempted to provide an overview on the subject of performance appraisal of dentists, particularly those in supervisory positions in publicly funded clinical programs. Some of the problems inherent to the definition and measurement of the quality, quantity, and effective management of dental care have been discussed. The qualitative aspects of dental care have been the most thoroughly investigated of the subareas, but primarily with regard to evaluating the care rather than the performance of the person providing it. Less has been written on the quantitative or managerial aspects of appraising a dentist's performance. While further research is certainly indicated about the appropriateness of the measures proposed and their usefulness in identifying and helping to correct performance deficiencies, the intent is to begin using such a system on a pilot basis rather than waiting for the "perfect" program to come along. As long as the scarcity of public resources for dental care persists, public programs ought to use those appropriate means available to demonstrate their accountability in order to ensure optimal use of public dollars.