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Non‐clinical factors associated with referral to periodontal specialists

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 00:53 authored by Kraatz, J, Thi HoangThi Hoang, Ivanovski, S, Ware, RS, Crocombe, LA

Background: There is a limited body of literature exploring referral relationships between general dental practitioners and periodontists. Clinical and non‐clinical factors associated with the referral process are rarely considered however a better understanding of these will improve the general dentist practitioner and periodontal specialist relationship and benefit patient management. This study investigated which non‐clinical factors have an association with the referral of patients by general dental practitioners to periodontists in Tasmania, Australia.

Methods: A questionnaire was emailed to registered general dental practitioners in Tasmania, Australia and information collected on demographics, referral patterns, and potential factors which may influence referral.

Results: Response rate was 44.5%. Non‐clinical factors that influenced referral were previous treatment by a periodontist (70.8%), a complex medical history (56.8%), the patient's reluctance to undergo periodontal treatment, medico‐legal reasons, patient awareness of periodontal disease (47.3%), and lack of training (43.2%). Patients frequently declined periodontal referral due to cost (66.2%), oral health not being a priority (55.4%), or inconvenience (46.6%). The most important periodontist qualities were their reputation (84.0%), patient feedback (81.3%), ease of communication (72.0%), report quality (68.0%), and location (62.7%).

Conclusion: Non‐clinical factors, such as practice type‐, general dental practitioner‐, patient‐, periodontist‐related factors are associated with referral by general dental practitioners to periodontists for periodontal management.

History

Publication title

Journal of Periodontology

Volume

90

Pagination

877-883

ISSN

0022-3492

Department/School

School of Health Sciences

Publisher

American Academy of Periodontology

Place of publication

737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 800, Chicago, USA, Il, 60611-2690

Rights statement

Copyright 2019 American Academy of Periodontology

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Evaluation of health and support services not elsewhere classified

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