Healthcare Inspection – Issues at a VA Mid South Healthcare Network Dental Clinic

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) Office of Healthcare Inspections conducted an inspection to assess the merit of allegations regarding dental care provided at a Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 9 dental clinic. OIG conducted an Employee Assessment Review survey, a short confidential survey that invites all system employees to share general observations about the quality of care and safety provided within the system. The Employee Assessment Review survey results included 15 allegations regarding dental patient care provided at a VISN 9 dental clinic. We divided the allegations into four categories: dental vacuum system; dentists practice issues; eligibility, scheduling, and productivity; and work environment and leadership. Based on our interviews with leadership and staff, VISN Dental Consultant interviews and reports, electronic health record reviews, patient schedules, dental productivity reports, and onsite physical inspections, we substantiated three of the allegations. We recommended that leadership: Ensure that dental clinic staff have adequate knowledge regarding periodontal disease; ensure treatment plans are developed, revised, followed, and documented. develop and implement a plan to improve communication and professional interaction among dental clinic staff. The VISN and Facility Directors concurred with our recommendations and provided an acceptable action plan. We will follow up on the planned actions until they are completed.