COVER FEATURE
Photo by Ray Bryant , Bryant Studios
Optimizing Outcomes in the Non-Hospital Setting
TEXAS ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY | JIM BATES , DDS , MD by Tina Cauller
In response to pressure to control costs and improve
patient convenience , more complex and high risk surgical procedures are now performed in doctors ’ offices and freestanding surgery centers than ever before . As a result , there is a need to ensure a high level of patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes in the non-hospital setting . Of the several organizations that accredit surgical facilities , The Joint Commission is internationally recognized and is universally considered the gold standard . For several years now , The Joint Commission has been accrediting office-based surgery ( OBS ) facilities .
Measuring up
Jim Bates , DDS , MD and a carefully selected architectural and engineering design team completed the design and construction of a new office-based surgical facility in 2003 equipped with hospital-grade operating and recovery rooms . Specifically designed and built according to stringent Joint Commission standards , the state-of-the-art OBS facility is unique in Dallas . According to Dr . Bates , “ When this facility was conceived , we agreed to create an environment conducive to quality , safety , and predictable results so that we could provide the best possible , yet affordable , patient care . As a result , we have been able to achieve and exceed our goal of providing patient care services of the highest possible quality .”
In December of 2005 , Texas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery became the first and only Dallas office-based surgery facility to achieve Joint Commission accreditation . To earn and maintain accreditation , an office-based surgery practice must undergo a rigorous on-site survey by a Joint Commission surveyor every three years . Texas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has maintained continuous Joint Commission accreditation for the past 15 years .
Experienced , quality care
The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to six additional years of postgraduate hospital based surgical and anesthesia training beyond dental school . In addition to the DDS degree , Dr . Bates obtained an MD degree , as well as an additional year of training in surgery , completing a total of 10 years of postcollege education and training .
Dr . Bates is a native Texan and attended Texas Tech University in his hometown of Lubbock as an undergraduate . He graduated with honors from both the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston , where he received the DDS degree , and from Texas Tech University School of Medicine , where he received the MD degree . After graduating , he completed his residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and received an additional year of training in surgery at Baylor University Medical Center . Dr . Bates
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