How Dentists Refer Braces Patients to Orthodontists

Some Dentists Enjoy Orthodontics, While Others Are Glad to Refer Patients

In our most recent survey, we asked dentists what percentage of orthodontic cases they refer to an orthodontist. One in four dentists reports that they treat most braces patients themselves. On the other hand, one in three refers out all orthodontic patients.

“It’s a win for everyone!” said an Illinois dentist who refers out all orthodontics. “Patients are well served, we are looked upon as caring, and orthodontists are geared specifically to do this.” A Georgia general dentist disagreed, stating, “I don’t need to refer for 95% of cases or more.”

One California dentist summarized his attitude: “I am happy to refer out those cases which I don’t feel competent to treat or which I just don’t want to treat for whatever reason. Having been actively treating orthodontic cases in my general practice for over twenty years now there are not a lot of cases which I refer out. Ortho provides me with a change of pace from the daily drill and fill routine.”

Read the full orthodontist referral survey results.