Liz Daley, The Royal College of Dentists of Canada
The application of continuous quality improvement principles offers a structured and data-driven approach to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of high-stakes examinations. This presentation explores three key areas where the RCDC has applied CQI tools to significantly enhance their examinations. First, CQI enables process optimization by systematically identifying inefficiencies and inconsistencies across the examination lifecycle. Second, essential to CQI is the integration of feedback from key stakeholders—including candidates, examiners, and administrative staff—supports iterative refinement. Third, CQI promotes data-informed decision-making by embedding routine performance monitoring into exam operations. By embedding CQI into examinations process, the RCDC has moved beyond episodic review and towards a continuous cycle of evaluation, reflection, and improvement of the National Dental Specialty Examination.