Referral patterns of dentists: analysis and implications of a questionnaire

The interpersonal and psychodynamic aspects of the referral process, that is, the reciprocal relationship between the specialist and his referral source are investigated. A questionnaire designed by the author, with anonymity guaranteed, was given to the members of 2 dental societies. There were more similarities than differences in the answers of the respondents in both groups. Several conscious patterns of referral emerged or were evident. A number of unconscious, psychodynamic motivations were explored.