In the age of Amazon Prime and grocery pick-up, convenience is becoming a higher priority for patients.
Our society prizes one-stop shopping above all else and general dentists are working hard to fit this model.
More and more dentist are becoming “Super GPS” and taking courses to add more advanced procedures to their offices, like IV Sedation, third molar extractions, and molar root canals.
However, specialists still have their place and purpose in our profession.
Benefit of Being a General Dentist
One of the benefits of being a general dentist, in my opinion, is to be able to provide a wide variety of treatments to patients and I sought additional training in the form of a residency program to be able to add more advanced procedures to my practice.
Many patients enjoy that my office is able to offer a wide range of services and appreciate not having to travel to other offices for care.
However, there are times when patient care is beyond the scope of a general dentistry practice for a variety of reasons and some patients can be frustrated when they are referred out of the practice.
Keep the Patient’s Best Interest in Mind
If I had one wish, it would be for patients to understand that, as their dentist, I want them to receive the best care possible and to have a good outcome from every procedure they need.
I am not referring them to a specialist because I am dismissing their concerns or the relationship we have built. The referral is in the best interest of the patient because I realize that I am not always the best dentist to handle every situation that might arise.
Reasons Why General Dentists Refer to Specialists
There are many reasons that a general dentist may choose to refer a patient to a specialist, here are a few:
1. Complex Medical History
- Bisphosphonate use
- Cardiac history
- Some types of blood thinners
2. Uncomfortable with the Procedure
- Impacted third molar extractions
- Sinus grafting
3. Procedures Requiring Specialized Equipment
- Calcified root canals
- All-on-X Implant cases
4. Patient Expectations
- High Esthetic demands that might be better handled by a prosthodontist
- Anxious patients who need General Anesthesia or IV Sedation
- Patients who want a root canal done in a much shorter appointment that you can provide
5. Uncomfortable Managing Potential Complications or Bad Outcomes
- 3rd molars close to IAN
- Maxillary molars close to the sinus
- Osteonecrosis
Key Takeaways
As a new graduate or a new/young dentist, it can be hard to stick to your guns when a patient is begging you not to send them to a specialist, but I highly encourage you to stand your ground.
Do not get backed into a situation you are not comfortable with just to try to make a patient happy.
Trust your gut. Trust the training you have had and do what is best for you and your patient.
Remind the patient that they are always welcome to seek a second opinion elsewhere but that your decision is firm.
