The Origin
NIFDE was originally created after working with both large and small employers. These employers could be broken into two simple groups:

1. Those that offered dental benefits to their employers
2. Those that did not offer dental benefits.

In either event, these employers lacked the information and skills necessary to adequately evaluate satisfaction and comfort levels with dentists and dental facilities and therefore wanted no involvement with the referral of such for their employees. However, to cope in an ever increasingly competitive human resource environment, employers preferred having this information to pass it on to their employees.

The Development
NIFDE was created to fill this role. NIFDE completes research about the policies that create a positive patient experience and has since developed a respected and recognized standard. Through its certification process, NIFDE evaluates and reviews specific criteria and office policies of a dental facility. Facilities that meet or exceed the NIFDE Review Process achieve NIFDE certification.

As NIFDE grew, dentists began to realize tremendous practice benefits by being able to let their patients know that they are part of a national organization, intent on providing the premier office experience. The NIFDE Award has become a symbol of dental excellence with respect to customer care and a commitment to providing a positive patient experience.

NIFDE Award
A Commitment to Building Strong Patient Relationships