Demographic Variables Affecting Patient Referrals From General Practice Dentists to Periodontists

• Autores: Sharon K. Lanning, Mark RoyZemanovich, Russell E. Bogacki, David M. Abbott, J. Gary Maynard
• Localización: Journal of periodontology, ISSN 0022-3492, Vol. 77, Nº. 3, 2006, págs. 341-349
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Demographic Variables Affecting Patient Referrals From General Practice Dentists to Periodontists Mark Roy Zemanovich,* Russell E. Bogacki,† David M. Abbott,* J. Gary Maynard Jr.,* and Sharon K. Lanning* *Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.

    †Department of General Practice, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University.

    Correspondence: Dr. Mark R. Zemanovich, Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 521 N. 11th St., Richmond, VA 23298. Fax: 540/869-4201; e-mail: drz@mrzperio.com.

    Background: Within dentistry, a limited body of literature exists regarding the referral relationships between general practitioners (GPs) and specialists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the referral relationship between GPs and periodontists within the state of Virginia.

    Methods: A survey was developed that focused on the demographic variables in the referral relationship between GPs and periodontists. The survey was mailed to 800 dentists throughout the state of Virginia. Descriptive statistics were completed along with multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing the responses with the number of patients referred per month to periodontists.

    Results: Female respondents were more likely to refer three or more patients per month to a periodontist than a male respondent (P <0.02). Those dentists who practiced with one other dentist were twice as likely to refer more frequently when compared to solo practitioners or larger group practices (P <0.03). Dentists employing two hygienists were more likely to refer patients than those with fewer hygienists (P <0.02). Those whose practices were >5 miles from the nearest periodontist were more likely to refer patients compared to dentists geographically closer to a periodontist (P <0.02). No other variables had a significant effect on the referral of more patients per month to a periodontist.

    Conclusions: This study indicates that four demographic variables have a statistical influence on the number of referrals per month from a GP to a periodontist. These variables are as follows: female gender, practicing with one other dentist, employing two or more hygienists, and being >5 miles away from the nearest periodontist.

    KEYWORDS: Demographic survey, dentistry, general practice, periodontics, referrals Cited by James F. Wolcott and Heidi Tarr Terlap. (2013) Follow-up Survey of General Dentists to Identify Characteristics Associated with Increased Referrals to Endodontists. Journal of Endodontics.

    Online publication date: 1-Dec-2013.

    CrossRef Christina H. Park, Mark V. Thomas, Adam J. Branscum, Ershal Harrison and Mohanad Al-Sabbagh. (2011) Factors Influencing the Periodontal Referral Process. Journal of Periodontology 82:9, 1288-1294.

    Online publication date: 1-Sep-2011.

    Abstract | Full Text | PDF (468 KB) | PDF Plus (496 KB) James A. Abbott, James F. Wolcott, Greg Gordon and Heidi Tarr Terlap. (2011) Survey of General Dentists to Identify Characteristics Associated with Increased Referrals to Endodontists. Journal of Endodontics 37, 1191-1196.

    Online publication date: 1-Sep-2011.

    CrossRef Jonathan F. Crawford, Michelle R. McQuistan, Anne E. Williamson, Fang Qian and Karen S. Potter. (2011) Should Endodontists Place Dental Implants? A National Survey of General Dentists. Journal of Endodontics.

    Online publication date: 1-Jul-2011.

    CrossRef J. J. Barnes, S. Patel and F. Mannocci. (2011) Why do general dental practitioners refer to a specific specialist endodontist in practice?. International Endodontic Journal 44:10.1111/iej.2010.44.issue-1, 21-32.

    Online publication date: 1-Jan-2011.

    CrossRef Sharon K. Lanning, Al M. Best and Ronald J. Hunt. (2007) Periodontal Services Rendered by General Practitioners. Journal of Periodontology 78:5, 823-832.

    Online publication date: 1-May-2007.