Referral Patterns and Professional Perceptions of Referring Dentists and Endodontists

Area of Science:

• Dental professional collaboration
• Endodontic referral pathways
• Interprofessional communication in dentistry

Background:

• Effective collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and endodontists is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
• Understanding referral patterns and professional perceptions is key to identifying barriers in GP-endodontist relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate referral patterns and professional perceptions from both referring dentists (RDs) and endodontists (EDs).
• To identify current obstacles hindering effective collaboration within the RD-ED referral pathway.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous online survey with 22 items was administered to RDs and EDs.
• The survey collected data on demographics, clinical workflows, and professional perceptions.
• Statistical analysis included Pearson chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Clinical procedural issues drove most referrals for both RDs and EDs.
• Significant discrepancies were found regarding the perceived responsibility for restorability assessment (RDs: 30% vs. EDs: 20.6%).
• Endodontists frequently found referral letters inadequate (44.2%), while both groups valued phone communication, though EDs also valued in-person visits more.

Conclusions:

• The RD-ED referral process shows alignment in clinical objectives but reveals disparities in documentation expectations and restorability responsibility.
• Standardized referral templates and enhanced communication regarding restorative plans are recommended.
• These interventions aim to minimize professional friction and improve patient care continuity.