Clinical Operations for Safety Net Dental Clinics
Modules
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Home
Evaluation
Help
Overview
4.1
Policies and Procedures for Purchasing Supplies
4.2
Purchasing and Stocking
4.3
Tracking and Managing Inventory
4.4
Dental Supply Sources
4.5
Stocking Medications
Key Points
Post-Test
Policies and procedures for purchasing clinic supplies should specify which of the following?
The number and type of supplies to be purchased.
The costs of supplies (per unit) that the clinic uses on a regular basis.
Instructions for how to appropriately store supplies—especially those with finite shelf lives.
Who has access to cash, checks, or credit cards to purchase supplies and procedures to deter misuse and theft.
Why is it important for clinics to track the use of dental supplies that have a finite shelf life?
To ensure that critical supplies are available and do not remain unused beyond their expiration dates.
To avoid malpractice charges for using supplies beyond their expiration dates.
To ensure that the clinic has adequate storage space to keep supplies.
To avoid unintentionally using supplies beyond their expiration dates, when they are ineffective.
Which of the following is the most effective mechanism for tracking supplies?
A chart in the supply room.
A filing system with a separate file folder for each supply.
A computerized spreadsheet or database.
A manual inventory.
What are the advantages of purchasing dental supplies from dental supply houses vs. mail order catalogs?
The ability to purchase in small quantities.
Quick delivery and personalized service.
Less expensive products.
Delivery 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why do some clinics stock and maintain a formulary of medications?
Many patients do not have the financial resources to purchase needed medications.
Many patients require special medications not readily available from pharmacies.
Many patients do not have pharmacies in their neighborhoods.
Allows clinics to provide medications at a lower cost than pharmacies do.