PACE Standard I, Criterion O states that program providers must develop and operate in accordance to written policies, procedures or guidelines designed to ensure that all clinical and/or technical continuing dental education activates offered include the scientific basis for the program content and an assessment of the benefits and risks associated with that content in order to promote public safety. Many providers are unsure of what is expected of them to comply with this expectation.

This criterion asks providers to create a policy to explain how they ensure all content presented by their organization is scientifically sound. This policy should be clear and applicable for all courses offered.  When developing a policy to ensure that all courses include a scientific basis for the program content, consider requiring a review of recent studies supporting the content or a list of accredited dental education programs where similar information is part of the established curriculum. 

An example of a policy statement: When planning an educational activity the planning committee will review studies and/or articles from peer-reviewed journals supporting the content being considered before approving implementation of the course. In addition to reviewing information submitted by the course originator or instructor, the planning committee will consult alternative sources, such as dental school curriculums or the American Dental Association Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry™.

Providers should keep a record of the studies should the PACE Council request documentation that an organization is following the policy they provide in their application.