ABSTRACT
The purpose of clinical governance is to shift the standard of care towards better quality. ‘Quality’ is a key word in any statement about clinical governance, but there are many definitions of the word. The professional perspective on quality has been driven by competency-based assessments and reviewing performance in relation to current standards, guidelines and protocols. The needs and expectations of the patient will alter the precise definition of quality. The Department of Health has put forward its view on quality, which states that: Every part of the National Health Service (NHS) and everyone who works in it should take responsibility for working to improve quality. The requirements of quality of treatment expected from a dentist under the NHS are set out in the Terms of Service. The quality standard in criminal courts may be decided by the police/crown prosecution service, a jury, a Court of Appeal or the House of Lords.
