Root Canal Referrals: Not All Dentists Are Doing It

When we asked dentists if they treat root canals or refer them out to endodontists, we saw lots of variation.

One out of four said they do virtually all root canals in-house, and another 31% only refer out about one-quarter of root canal treatments. On the other hand, 17% of dentists refer out all root canals to endodontists.

"Actually, I refer only the ones I don’t want to do… maybe 5-10% of cases," explained one general dentist.

Rural dentists are distinctly more likely to treat root canals themselves. Urban and suburban doctors are more apt to refer out to an endodontist.

Here's a sampling of what else dentists had to say on the subject:

• “I only refer out those cases where the prognosis is poor.” (Texas dentist)
• “I love doing root canal treatments. It is most pleasing to me personally. It keeps me motivated and challenged.” (North Carolina dentist)
• “If every dentist could spend 1 week in my endodontic practice, they would all stop doing endodontics. It is an absolute tragedy… The quality of work is terrible… GPs should stop doing endo… That is the bottom line.” (Nevada endodontist)
• “I feel that dentists can easily get in over their heads when doing molar root canals!!!” (Alabama dentist)
• “I am doing more now than before for monetary reasons.” (Florida dentist)
• “Specialists are made for small mouths, tough patients, and tough teeth. With insurance companies keeping my fee low, there’s no gain for the pain.” (Michigan dentist)
• “I do not want my patients to associate the need for their root canal with my need to make money. I feel that patients are more likely to accept root canal treatment with referrals to a specialist I have used for my own dental needs.” (Florida dentist)
• “Thank god for endodontists.” (New York prosthodontist)

Read more: Dentists Don’t Always Refer Root Canals to an Endodontist