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Writer's pictureCarl Demadema, BOHSc

Cover Feature: Dr. Andrea Lorena Basualdo Allende - Public Health and Digital Health Expert.


Dr. Andrea Lorena Basualdo Allende
Dr. Andrea Lorena Basualdo Allende


Dr. Andrea Lorena Basualdo Allende's journey in dentistry is a testament to her commitment to excellence, patient-centered care, and continuous improvement. With over 13 years of experience, her professional trajectory has been marked by key milestones that have shaped her into a leader in healthcare quality auditing, clinical dentistry, and healthcare management. In this article, we delve into her multifaceted expertise, her contributions to public health, her insights on digital health, and her aspirations for the future of dental care.


Professional Journey:


Dr. Basualdo Allende's journey began with a profound realization: dentistry isn't just about technical skills but also about providing quality care and ensuring a positive patient journey. Her experiences treating pregnant women and geriatric patients as part of the Chilean GES Oral Health program ignited her passion for improving dental care quality. She acknowledges the lack of emphasis on quality and person-centered care in her education but has since become a champion for change. Her internships at Harvard and Bupa Sanitas Clinics in Spain further honed her skills in management, user experience, and quality assurance.

Transitioning into her role as a Quality Auditor of Healthcare Institutions was a gradual process fueled by her observations of recurring management mistakes and their impact on patient outcomes. Dr. Basualdo Allende's background in clinical restorative restorations and endodontics uniquely positions her to understand the intricate nuances of dental care and contribute to healthcare auditing.


Multifaceted Expertise:


Her expertise in endodontics and clinical restorations allows her to take a holistic approach to patient care, ensuring seamless coordination between different specialties and improving treatment outcomes. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication among dental specialists and the need for shared decision-making with patients.


Dr. Basualdo Allende integrates her medical studies into her practice, prioritizing comprehensive patient assessments and considering the bidirectional relationship between oral and systemic health. She advocates for greater integration between dental and medical professionals to provide holistic patient care.


Healthcare Management and MBA Specialization: Her training in health management and MBA specialization in health have been instrumental in shaping her approach to dentistry and quality auditing. Dr. Basualdo Allende emphasizes the importance of quality management in clinical settings, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of quality principles to effectively manage healthcare services. She envisions a future where healthcare management is synonymous with quality care, emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing patient experiences and improving treatment outcomes.


Digital Health and Quality:


Dr. Basualdo Allende sees tremendous potential in digital health technologies such as teledentistry and AI for improving preventive care and treatment accuracy. She stresses the importance of digital health literacy and equitable access to technology for marginalized populations. She believes that digital health plays a crucial role in ensuring patient-centered care and enhancing treatment effectiveness. By leveraging technology, healthcare providers can optimize workflows, reduce errors, and improve patient satisfaction.


Accreditation in Healthcare:


Dr. Basualdo Allende underscores the significance of accreditation in maintaining high standards of care and patient safety in dental settings. She highlights the importance of continuous quality improvement and teamwork in achieving and maintaining accreditation. Accreditation not only ensures compliance with standards but also fosters a culture of excellence and accountability within healthcare institutions.


Global Perspective:

Her participation in clinical meetings at the European level has exposed her to best practices in dental care and quality auditing. Dr. Basualdo Allende emphasizes the importance of proactive prevention, effective communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration in delivering high-quality care.


Insights gained from international experiences have influenced her approach to quality auditing, leading to the adoption of innovative practices and continuous improvement initiatives.


Role in Public Health:


Dr. Basualdo Allende recognizes the critical role of oral health in overall public health and advocates for greater integration between dental and medical services. She emphasizes the importance of preventive care, lifestyle counseling, and early disease detection in promoting population health.


Dental professionals can contribute to public health initiatives by prioritizing preventive care, advocating for healthy lifestyle habits, and addressing systemic health concerns during dental consultations.


Language Proficiency and Cultural Awareness:


Her proficiency in multiple languages facilitates effective communication and cultural understanding within the healthcare community. Dr. Basualdo Allende emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering trust and collaboration among healthcare professionals and patients.


Cultural awareness enhances healthcare management and auditing by promoting inclusive practices, effective communication, and patient-centered care.


Infections Associated with Healthcare:


Dr. Basualdo Allende's expertise in infection prevention informs her approach to ensuring a safe and sterile environment in dental care settings. She emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and sterilization protocols in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.


By implementing rigorous infection control measures, dental professionals can mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections and maintain high standards of care.


Future Aspirations:


Looking ahead, Dr. Basualdo Allende aspires to work internationally in quality dental care management and contribute to advancements in dental care and healthcare quality. She envisions a future where dentistry embraces digital innovation, prioritizes preventive care, and integrates seamlessly with other healthcare services.

She advocates for greater attention to quality management in dentistry, increased collaboration between dental and medical professionals, and ongoing innovation in preventive care and treatment modalities.


In conclusion, Dr. Andrea Lorena Basualdo Allende's dedication to quality, innovation, and patient-centered care sets a high standard for dental professionals worldwide. Her multifaceted expertise, global perspective, and commitment to continuous improvement make her a trailblazer in the field of dental care and healthcare quality auditing. As dentistry continues to evolve, Dr. Basualdo Allende's insights and aspirations will undoubtedly shape the future of dental care and healthcare quality.

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