When considering patient safety, the quality and adequate function of a material or device is given by its mechanical strength, chemical stability and biocompatibility. Standards allow for ease of trade, since the product or service is well described, so that the manufacturer and the consumer have a common understanding of its expected performance.

The longevity and efficacy of dental restorative procedures is to a great extent related to the quality of the products used. The quality and use of medical devices has a direct impact on health issues and health economics.