Simulation models applied to dental practice management: A survey

The application of simulation models to the management of dental practice is discussed, with particular emphasis on the scheduling of patients, workers, and operatories. A taxonomy to classify simulation models is presented, and simulation studies of dental practice management are examined in the context of the taxonomy. Two parameters are involved: (1) identify important variables in dental practice simulation models; and (2) show that all simulation models can be classified as special cases of general models. Based on a general model symbolized by the acronym WORMPASTE, simulation models developed at the University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Nebraska, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Minnesota are described. It is concluded that simulation models can be used effectively to evaluate the performance of complex dental practices.