Follow-up survey of general dentists to identify characteristics associated with increased referrals to endodontists

A 2009 American Association of Endodontists survey of dentists in general practice (GPs) to assess their perceptions and understand the factors associated with referrals to endodontists was the first of its kind. The American Association of Endodontists repeated the survey in 2012 to update our understanding of the referral behavior of GPs by reexamining the effects of endodontist characteristics and professional behavior and the role of GP demographics and perceptions in determining referrals to endodontists.

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study that included a quantitative online survey of 786 GPs in the United States (14% of 5737 initially opened invitations) from November 1-13, 2012.

Ninety-four percent of the GPs had positive perceptions of endodontists, but they referred only 43% of patients who required root canal treatment to endodontists. The perception that endodontists are partners in patient care and endodontic services are worth the cost was strongly related to the likelihood of referring (P < .05). GPs rated referring patients back for restorative treatment (95%, n = 734), timely follow-up of reports and images (94%, n = 726), and patient scheduling accommodation (91%, n = 707) as effective ways to build partnerships. Gender and years in practice moderated the relationships between several predictors (eg, communication, value of treatment, and expertise) and the likelihood of referring.

There are concrete actions that endodontists can take and segments of the GP population that can be targeted to successfully address the issue of increasing referrals. However, examining the role of endodontist actions and GP perceptions and demographics is just the beginning in addressing the relationships involved in referral behavior.