Transforming Dental Patient Safety with Proven Science
CUSPID Institute™ adapts the renowned Johns Hopkins CUSP model to the unique needs of dentistry, empowering dental teams to prevent patient harm and elevate the standard of care.
By applying the proven Safety CUSP framework to the dental field, we developed CUSPID—the Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program in Dentistry—an innovative model dedicated to advancing patient safety in dentistry.
About CUSPID Institute™
At CUSPID Institute™, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between patient safety science and everyday dental practice, ensuring every patient receives care that is not only effective but reliably safe. We believe in the science of prevention to protect patients and empower dental teams. We've adapted the proven, research-based CUSP model from Johns Hopkins and uniquely tailored it for dental settings – creating a first-of-its-kind training and support system that puts patients at the center of safety. Our mission is rooted in the fundamental healthcare ethic of "non-maleficence" or "do no harm."
Why Patient Safety in Dentistry?
Research shows that up to 80% of all incidents causing harm to patients are preventable Unfortunately, dentistry is about 40 years behind medicine when it comes to patient safety systems and culture. Many preventable patient safety incidents and communication failures contribute to this risk. Improving safety not only protects patients but also reduces costly malpractice claims and strengthens your practice's reputation.
Did You Know? One preventable error—such as a real $247,250 malpractice payout for a negligent tooth extraction—can have lasting consequences for your bottom line and your reputation. CUSPID training empowers your team to prevent errors, elevate patient safety, and build a lasting culture of safety that protects your practice.
By empowering your dental team with CUSPID Patient Safety training and Quality Improvement tools, you can significantly reduce the risk of patient harm and minimize potential malpractice claims.
How CUSPID Training is Different
While OSHA training is essential for protecting dental providers and staff from workplace hazards, it does not address the patient safety outcomes. At CUSPID Institute™, we focus exclusively on dental patient safety—targeting the systems, communication, processes, and culture that prevent harm to patients during dental care.
OSHA = Provider Safety
Focuses on protecting dental staff through regulatory compliance and workplace safety measures, including PPE protocols, exposure control plans, and infection prevention systems.CUSPID = Patient Safety
Focuses on protecting patients by preventing errors, adverse events, and communication breakdowns. CUSPID equips dental teams with practical tools such as safety checklists, time-out protocols, daily safety huddles, root cause analysis, and a strong culture of reporting and continuous learning—building a sustainable culture of safety in every dental setting.Just as we would never consider delivering dental care without OSHA standards to protect your dental team, it is equally unthinkable to provide patient care without clear, evidence-based guidelines centered on patient safety. The reality is, we often don’t know what we don’t know—leaving critical safety gaps unnoticed until patient harm occurs.
Simply put: OSHA protects you. CUSPID protects your patients. When both are done right, everyone wins.
Patient Safety Training & Quality Improvement Overview
CUSPID Institute™ provides a comprehensive approach to improving patient safety in dental practices. We start with the SafeSmile Survey™ (S³) to assess your team’s safety culture, followed by customized training for your dental team. You can also receive advanced training, which makes your office eligible for SafeSmile Certified Office™ recognition, a prominent display in your reception area that demonstrates your commitment to patient safety. Additionally, to address your specific patient safety concerns, we provide in-depth consultation using quality improvement tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) toolkits and
Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.
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The SafeSmile Survey™ (S³) measures your team’s safety culture and identifies strengths and areas for improvement. Based on the results, we provide customized training tailored to your dental team. Your office also receives our quarterly newsletter with practical patient safety tips to keep your staff informed and engaged.
Start improving safety today!
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After your initial training, you can receive advanced 2-hour safety sessions to deepen your team’s skills. Completing this training makes your office eligible for SafeSmile Certified Office™ recognition, which can be proudly displayed in your reception area as a testament to your commitment to patient safety.
Earn SafeSmile Certification™ for your office!
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We provide in-depth consultation to address your office’s specific patient safety concerns. Using tools like Root Cause Analysis (RCA) toolkits and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, your team can investigate incidents, implement changes, and continuously improve safety practices. Our guidance helps you turn insights into actionable improvements.
Turn insights into action with expert QI support!
Upon successful completion of SafeSmile Survey™ (S³), customized training, and advanced training, dental practices will be awarded the SafeSmile Certified Office™ recognition. This certificate can be proudly displayed in your office and used in marketing to showcase your commitment to maintaining a safe dental environment and prioritizing patient safety.
Proven Impact & Credibility
The CUSP model, originally developed by Johns Hopkins University, has been successfully implemented across many healthcare fields, reducing patient safety incidents by up to 40%. CUSPID Institute™ is the first to bring this evidence-based approach to dentistry. Our programs are grounded in rigorous research and public health principles, and led by a credentialed expert in dental safety.
Ready to transform your practice?
Sign up for CUSPID Institute™ training programs and begin your journey toward safer, more reliable dental care.