3.5 Measurable Outcomes
The success of oral health supervision can be measured by whether the parents and child have achieved certain outcomes. In quality assurance, outcomes are important measurable health indicators that both oral health professionals and families can identify and track. Oral health professionals should discuss with parents what measurable outcomes of oral health supervision are reasonable to expect. Outcomes also help oral health professionals determine the necessary periodicity for subsequent visits and help them provide anticipatory guidance. Examples include
- Parents are informed of oral development and teething issues.
- The child has no active carious lesions.
- The child has healthy oral soft tissues.
- The child has functional occlusion.
- Parents understand and practice preventive oral health care, including toothbrushing and appropriate use of fluorides.
- The child is given increasing responsibility for self-care as development and motor skills allow.
- The child does not engage in self-injurious behavior.
- Parents understand and practice good feeding and eating behaviors.
- The child receives regular oral health care.
- The family is satisfied with the child’s oral health care and their relationship with the oral health care team.
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