Led by Dr. Julie Reynolds, associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, and Dr. Pete Damiano, Bernstein Endowed Professor, this project builds on years of foundational work to improve how dental care is organized, delivered, and integrated with broader health systems.

The PCDH project aims to define and operationalize a model of dental care that is patient-centered, prevention-focused, and aligned with value-based care principles. In earlier phases, the team developed a nationally-recognized framework and piloted a core set of child-focused quality measures across diverse care settings. These efforts led to the creation of the PCDH Clearinghouse, an online resource housing over 600 oral health quality measures and standards.

This new phase of the project will expand the model’s reach and impact through four key strategies: 

1. Adult Measure Set Pilot: The team will implement and evaluate a new set of adult-focused quality measures using electronic dental record data. These measures are designed to assess and improve care quality in real-world settings that serve a variety of adult populations.
2. Standards Pilot: In collaboration with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), the project will pilot a set of standards that reflect best practices in dental care delivery, including care coordination, access, and cultural responsiveness.
3. Learning Collaboratives: Two new learning collaboratives will support pilot sites, fostering shared learning and continuous improvement through structured discussions and peer exchange.
4. Patient-Reported Measures: The project’s steering committee will explore how to incorporate patient-reported experience and outcome measures into the PCDH framework, ensuring that patient voices are central to quality improvement efforts.

By advancing these strategies, the PCDH project seeks to improve oral health outcomes, reduce disparities, and support the integration of dental care into the broader healthcare system. The project emphasizes practical tools and guidance that can be adopted across various care settings, ultimately benefiting patients by promoting more coordinated, equitable, and effective dental care.