Outcomes of a Contemporary Credentialing and Privileging Program in a Dental School

Abstract

The current credentialing and privileging climate has evolved due to a risk reduction/management awareness of increased institutional legal liability. This recognition affects dental colleges and has caused the implementation of credentialing and privileging processes. Contemporary best practices for methods, processes, and structure are reported here. Data reported from the process show how and what clinicians’ red flags were discovered during the process. Conclusions include: Credentialing and privileging is a significant process to introduce in terms of institutional resources and commitment. This process includes increased clinician and administrative burden that needs to have a governor. Attention to experiences of other institutions can reduce, but not eliminate challenges from the clinician and some administrators. A primary data-based verification process administered by a credentialing specialist can make the process valid and workable. Key Words: Credentialing, Privileging, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Dental Credentialing, Patient Safety