Curriculum Summit II Works to Design a Group Practice Model for GSDM

Members of the Curriculum Summit II, led by Summit Co-Chairs Drs. Carl McManama and Cataldo Leone, met March 29 and 30, at the Hotel Commonwealth, to address the following objectives:

1. Create a patient-centered clinical education construct for faculty-guided, student-provided, high quality care of patients that begins in a centralized diagnostic center and transitions to group practices having designated spaces, staff, faculty, auxiliary professionals, and students
2. Create integrated groups of oral (pre- and post-doctoral students/residents) and other healthcare providers supported by dental practice management staff, leading to clinical activity being conducted under a group practice model
3. Increase the number of patient procedures by 20%, with 20% of all patients as self/insurance pay by September 2013, in order to provide students with a more comprehensive clinical experience

The Summit featured student, faculty, and staff representatives and was facilitated by Ms. Denise Cavanaugh of Washington D.C.-based strategy firm Cavanaugh, Hagan, Pierson & Mintz. Ms. Cavanaugh has many years of experience facilitating meetings for educational and nonprofit institutions. Also playing an active role in the meeting was Director of Doctor Relations at Gentle Dental Dr. David A. Russell. Dr. Russell is also the former Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, which has relied on a group practice model for the last 15 years. He has also worked with several institutions to set up group practice models and was able to provide examples and insights into many of the topics discussed during the Summit.

Said Ms. Cavanaugh, “I was very pleased to see how energized the members of the Curriculum Summit were. There was also an excellent cross-section of groups represented and I feel that the input given was helpful and will result in a positive conclusion.” She continued, “In a survey given at the Dental School prior to the Summit, it was noted that 80% of graduates go to work in a group practice setting, so I am confident that moving to a group practice model at GSDM will serve to better prepare students.”

The Summit Co-Chairs were also assisted by Co-Chairs of the Applied Strategic Planning Committee, Drs. John Guarente and Celeste Kong; as well as Director of Clinical Operations Dr. Margaret Errante and Director of Finance Mr. John Reilly.

In line with the School’s Applied Strategic Planning Process, this two-day Summit focused on designing a model that would become the blueprint for significant changes in the GSDM treatment centers. Dr. McManama stated that, although our School has many commendable strengths, in order to become the premier center for both dental education and patient care, the clinical programs need to be improved. After fruitful and spirited discussion, the Summit participants constructed a patient-focused, faculty and staff-directed, group practice model that will benefit the entire GSDM community of patients, students, faculty, and staff.

According to Dr. McManama, “This will result in a significant change in the way we do business. I am very excited about the future, and feel very proud of what we have done, and what we will accomplish. Planning has already started. Within a few years, GSDM will truly be the premier center for clinical education and patient care.”

Dr. Russell added, “A group practice model is a huge win for patients and students alike because it mimics the way dental practice is going outside of dental school. Students really learn practice management and that in order for them to be successful, the patient much be the epicenter of care. In addition, faculty are able to give more attention to each student, which is better for the student and much more rewarding for the faculty.”

Going forward, Dr. Leone indicated that several work groups will begin the hard work of implementation, by first identifying challenges in our current clinical operations systems and then formulating recommendations for improvements, which will lead to enhanced patient care and educational outcomes. He said, “We should not be discouraged by the inevitable roadblocks that will arise; rather, we should work through them to realize our mutual goal of a more efficient and efficacious clinical education model at GSDM.”

After a group practice model was implemented at Tufts, Dr. Russell stated that the patient retention rate increased and feedback on the alumni surveys was very positive. He said, “People are crazy about this system. Once it was implemented, it improved the quality of life for patients, students, faculty, and staff. Everyone was assigned a group, so they no longer felt that they were going at it alone, and patients really liked getting all their care in one place. And last but not least, students were ready to ‘hit the ground running’ when they graduated.”

Dr. Guarente added, “It always warms my heart to see our Applied Strategic Plan in action. This Summit was a great example of how we will implement our mission to be the premier academic dental institution promoting excellence in dental education.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter echoed this sentiment adding, “I was very pleased to see the passion present in all members of this Curriculum Summit. I am confident that I have selected a very capable and dedicated group that will be able to work through any challenges that may occur as we begin to implement this new clinical model at GSDM. I thank them for all of their hard work, at both this Summit and in the days ahead.”

Photos are available on facebook and flickr.