“Building a good relationship with your specialists is critical," advised a cosmetic dentist. "Open lines of communication and professionalism, along with some warm and fuzzy human contact are vital elements for strengthening this relationship. Specialist referrals are our second greatest source of new patients, after existing patient referrals.”

One dentist commented, “Oral surgeons and orthodontists are a great source of new patients, especially in a growing area.” But another disagreed, saying, "Orthodontists and oral surgeons should return the favor!"

“I enjoy the relationship with my periodontist," said one dentist. "He does the perio and I do the restorative. It's a non-threatening relationship because I'm not afraid that when I refer the patient that they will get lost."

Read more: Dentist Referrals from Orthodontists, Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, Prosthodontists, and Other Dental Specialists

“We treat kids, but most of our dental marketing is geared toward adults 35-65," said one dentist. "We don't turn kids away, but we don't encourage them either."

"Family dentistry is more fun!" declared a pediatric dentist. "Dentistry for children leads to orthodontics which leads to wisdom teeth which leads into restorative and cosmetic dentistry."

Read more about pediatric dentists: Does your dental practice encourage pediatric patients?

And the consequences of avoiding the children's dentist can go far beyond cavities and tooth decay… Just ask the Washington state mother who was convicted in court for not having taken her son to the dentist.

The developmentally disabled 10-year-old boy had more than one abscessed tooth; in court papers, one doctor compared the boy's tooth pain to "being shot with a nail gun."

The boy had several teeth removed. His mother claimed that she had no idea a tooth abscess could be life-threatening, and that she did not have the money to take him to a pediatric dentist.

After a jury trial, she was convicted of second-degree criminal mistreatment.

Read more about this pediatric dentistry case: Mom convicted over lack of dental care for son

Forba Holdings LLC owns 68 "Small Smiles" dental clinics where pediatric dentists serve half a million low-income children in 22 states.

According to the Justice Department, the clinics filed claims for unnecessary pediatric dentistry – including so-called "baby root canals" and other possibly risky procedures.

Forba has agreed to pay $24 million to settle the lawsuits, but did not admit wrongdoing. Their clinics remain open, still providing dentistry for children, though the dental management company will add precautions against future Medicaid fraud.

Of course there's a pediatric dentist here and there who's unscrupulous… but a dental practice management company with chronic billing "inconsistencies"?!? Not a good sign.

Read more: Forba Settles Suits Over Unneeded Child Dental Work

This survey asked dentists how frequently their patients are referred back after being sent out for treatment by specialists. The clear majority said they always or almost always got their patients back.

Dentists reported that prosthodontists were the worst offenders when it comes to not referring patients back. There were also complaints about pediatric dentists and periodontists. Dentists were happiest with oral surgeons, orthodontists, and endodontists.

Here are some comments from dentists about specialist referrals…

• “Periodontists only have incoming phone lines. They never refer back.” (Arizona dentist)
• “Building a good relationship with your specialists is critical. Specialist referrals are our second greatest source of new patients, after existing patient referrals.” (Pennsylvania cosmetic dentist)
• “Endodontists love to do it all, endo and restorations. They’re too greedy.” (Arizona dentist)
• “The endodontists to whom I send patients are tremendous.” (Illinois dentist)
• “Oral surgeons and orthodontists are a great source of new patients, especially in a growing area.” (North Carolina dentist)
• “Orthodontists will not share or help with easy cases, and refer existing patients to oral surgeons, not back to us.” (Arizona dentist)
• “I enjoy the relationship with my periodontist. He does the perio and I do the restorative. I’m not afraid that when I refer the patient that they will get lost.” (California dentist)
• “Periodontists attempt to take over patients’ care and regular hygiene visits.” (North Carolina dentist)
• “Pedodontists never, ever refer back! They are by far the worst of all specialists.” (Arkansas dentist)

Post your comments about specialist referrals or read the complete dental specialist referral survey results