prosthodontist

The Dentist-Specialist Referral Relationship (video)

July 20, 2010 By Jim Du Molin 1 Comment

Dentists say that specialists almost always refer their patients back to the original treating dentist, this survey found.

“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."

Filed Under: The Wealthy Dentist Tagged With: dental specialist, endodontist, general dentist, orthodontist, pediatric dentist, periodontist, prosthodontist, referrals, specialists

Dentures? Just See Your General Dentist

January 28, 2010 By Julie Frey Leave a Comment

Dentists nearly always provide in-house denture services to their patients, this survey found.

Fully 94% of responding dentists say they do, while only 6% say they send false teeth patients out to a prosthodontist for care.

"Having made many thousands of dentures over the years, with the facility of an in-house dental lab with a certified technician at my side, I've never referred a denture patient to a prosthodontist," said one general dentist. "I have, however, received denture referrals from prosthodontists!"

Read more about dentures and denture repair: Most Dentists Offer In-House Dentures

Filed Under: Dental Surveys, Dentures Tagged With: dentist, dentists, denture, denture repair, dentures, false teeth, prosthodontist

Most Dentists Offer Denture Services In-House (VIDEO)

March 18, 2009 By Julie Frey Leave a Comment

The clear majority of dentists (94%) report that their dental practices offer in-house denture services for prosthodontic patients, according to our poll.

Only 6% of dentist respondents say they refer patients out to a prosthodontist for dentures.

Filed Under: Dental Videos Tagged With: dentures, prosthodontist

Dentists Say Specialists Usually Refer Patients Back

June 10, 2008 By Julie Frey 2 Comments

Prosthodontists and Periodontists Suck; Oral Surgeons and Orthodontists Rule

Dental Survey Results 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)