Applying queuing theory to quantitative analysis on clinical dentists

Objective Queuing theory is the mathematical study of how waiting lines or queues are formed and dissipated over time,which aims to work out the optimal design and optimal control of queuing systems based on the research of probability and regularity of various queuing systems. The aim of paper was to find out the maximum acceptable waiting time for outpatients in stomatology department and explore the rational allocation of dentists based on queuing theory model. Methods Questionnaires,worktime measurement and queuing theory model were applied to calculate indicators of queuing system in outpatient services of Stomatology Department,getting the maximum waiting time accpetable for patients and the reasonable number of dentists. Results The maximum acceptable waiting time for outpatients was 34. 02 ± 7. 07 minutes,and it was reasonable to allocate 25 doctors in the morning and 16 doctors in the afternoon. Conclusion Applying queuing theory helps to optimize dentist number in outpatient services of Stomatology Department and provide scientific reference to improve medical efficiency.