Why do dentists refer to specific orthodontists?

This study tested the hypothesis that the quality of treatment outcomes and overall patient satisfaction are of equal importance in influencing a general dentist to refer a patient to an orthodontist for treatment. The investigation also attempted to determine what specific aspects of an orthodontically treated occlusion comprise an outstanding result in the opinion of the general dentist.

Self-administered surveys containing 35 questions were distributed to a random sample of 1000 general dentists in the midwestern United States.

Three-quarters responded that the quality of previous orthodontic treatment and patient/ parental satisfaction were of equal importance in the orthodontic referral decision. If additional factors were considered, the quality of the treated result as judged by the general dentist was far more important than the location of the orthodontist's office, the reputation of the orthodontist, or the anticipated cost of treatment. With regard to desired postorthodontic occlusal and functional characteristics, the majority of the dentists ranked canine guidance as most important. Other characteristics were Class I molar and canine relationships, even contact of all teeth in centric occlusion, amount of overjet and overbite, absence of spacing, and absence of balancing interferences.

The decision of the general dentist to refer a patient to one orthodontist over another is based on a number of interactive factors. It behooves the orthodontic clinician to provide high-quality treatment, to interact well with his or her patients and their families, and to maintain good communications with general practitioners in the community.