The reliability of new patient screening data

Screening is an important component in selecting patients for predoctoral dental education, particularly in maintaining compatibility between a system of comprehensive patient care and each student's individual departmental requirements. To meet these goals it is necessary that the information obtained at screening be a reliable predictor of the ultimate treatment plan. This paper evaluates the reliability of screening by comparing original screening data to the final treatment plan. The results indicate that there is a significant positive correlation between screening and treatment planning data. When screening data can reliably identify the dental needs of school clinic patients, the goals of accurate assignment, comprehensive care, and student requirements can be achieved in the process.