General dentist and periodontist working together

An orthodontist, endodontist, or pedodontist, whether in teaching, private, or clinical practice, should be as alert and attentive to the maintenance of periodontal health as is a general practitioner or periodontist. The complete dental team is responsible for the health care of the dentition and supporting tissues of the mouth. This article is directed primarily to the general practitioner and periodontist. It relates to the team approach in this phase of oral health care and the mechanism and technique of referrals. There is an art to the referral protocol and proper communication among the general practitioner, periodontist, and patient.