QIB Editorial

It is a pleasure to introduce the fifth edition of the BSPD Quality Improvement Briefing. This year's collection showcases a range of thoughtful and impactful quality improvement initiatives, each reflecting our profession's commitment to improving the safety, accessibility and effectiveness of care for children and young people.

We open with an invited article by Dr Greig Taylor, who offers a nuanced exploration of the relationship between quality improvement and research, illustrated through a case study on the management of compromised first permanent molars.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all authors who submitted their work, particularly those who undertook evaluations and audits alongside clinical responsibilities. I am also grateful to our reviewers—Erin Giles, Rosamund Johnson, Hiba Al-Diwani, Charlotte Schofield, Chris Wallace, Emma Morgan, Maryam Ezzeldin, Susan Stokes, Chris Donnell, Carly Dixon, Jessica Talbot, Greig Taylor, Clarissa Dale and Shrita Lakhani—for their time and expertise in supporting the peer review process.

I am indebted to Cheryl Somani and Helen Rogers, former editors of this publication, for their guidance and mentorship in preparing me for this role. Finally, my heartfelt thanks go to Assistant Editors Claudia Heggie and Laura Timms for their insight, precision and steadfast support throughout the editorial process.

As paediatric dental professionals, we are advocates for children—not only in the clinical care we provide but in the way we design, evaluate and improve the systems that support them. I hope this edition reflects that shared purpose and the collective commitment of our specialty to driving meaningful change.

Armaana Ahmad

Editor, Quality Improvement Briefing

Invited article: Quality improvement and research—can they work synergistically?

G. D. Taylor

A reflective and practical discussion exploring the conceptual and practical boundaries between quality improvement and research.

Enhancing the pathway for patients with additional needs

E. Weston & S. Dunkley

This two-cycle service evaluation demonstrates the impact of digital flagging and adapted assessment tools on care quality for children requiring reasonable adjustments.

Developing a dental pre-assessment pathway to improve theatre utilisation and quality care

C. Schofield, K. O'Donnell, M. Dalton, R. Homer & L. Radley

This project introduces a local protocol for anaesthetist pre-assessment referrals, leading to reduced cancellations and improved general anaesthetic pathway efficiency.

Expanding access to photobiomodulation treatment for paediatric oncology patients in Glasgow

M. Hennigan et al.

Through multidisciplinary collaboration and training, this project extended access to laser therapy for oral mucositis, addressing unmet need and improving quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Evaluation of a new undergraduate paediatric dental assessment clinic referral pathway

L. Crowder, H. El Wahed & S. Surendran.

A review of a health visitor and self-referral model that improved access for children and enhanced clinical experience for dental students.

Dental experience of children with cleft lip and/or palate by 12 months

R. Sladden, H. Wilson, R. Bennett & A. Hollis

An audit assessing adherence to national standards for early dental contact in CLP patients, and the impact of proactive outreach via the cleft dental team.

Audit on the use of radiographs prior to stainless steel crown placement

J. Shah, C. Saunders & D. Grady

A two-cycle audit evaluating compliance with radiographic protocols prior to crown placement, with marked improvement following implementation of educational and procedural interventions.