What's Involved

In essence, practice accreditation is all about creating written policies for your practice and demonstrating with supporting documents that you are following them.

The evidence required for dental practice accreditation is outlined in the Practice Accreditation Resources List each item linking to the relevant ADA template or resource required to meet actions in the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards (NSQPCH Standards).

You can choose to use the ADA templates, update your existing policies (if you have them in place already) or use a combination of the two. The ADA templates were specifically designed to serve as a guide for completing accreditation in the most efficient, hassle-free way possible whilst meeting all the NSQPHC Standard requirements for dental practice accreditation.

Creating your policies

As you begin creating or updating your policies, keep in mind that they should always reflect the way you run your practice. It is helpful to involve every member of the team in devising these policies so they can understand why the documents exist and how they will play a part in the day-to-day administration of the practice.

How long does it take?

If you think you don't have enough time in your busy schedule to take on practice accreditation, the good news is that you are given a full twelve (12) months from the date you register, to get your documentation in order for submission to the accrediting agency who will conduct the accreditation audit.

In the unlikely event that you have missed something, the accrediting agency will also give you the opportunity to fix any deficiencies identified (usually a 2-4 week period). Remember the ADA branch support is also at hand in such situations, to ensure your documentation is up to the required standard.

Fortunately we have found that dental practices are more likely to complete the process in a much shorter t ime frame than the twelve (12) months provided, especially when they utilise the ADA created templates and ADA branch support available to ADA members and their staff.

The process

You have a range of options when it comes to the type of assessment method you undergo and the subsequent length of accreditation this gives you: 

Every practice must undergo a desktop audit and you can choose to exercise this option only for the first 2 cycles (4 years). If you select virtual or onsite assessments, they will take place once the desktop assessment has been completed.

If you have any questions about the process, you can contact your ADA State Branch for advice and support or speak to one of the accrediting agencies.

Supported all the way

You are not alone in this process. Getting ready to submit your documentation is a collaborative effort with your entire team and your ADA Branch is ready to support you.

For more information and support email or phone the ADA Branch in your state or territory.