General dentists who “Do It All” may be compromising patients quality of care.
An interesting point was brought up during a discussion with an attorney, who was once a dental specialist. He claimed the classic dental referral system had been broken. What did he mean?
The attorney meant the system was originally set up with the general dentist doing general dental evaluation and procedures. The more difficult procedures were then referred out to dental specialists who have had additional university training. The result was a very high level of patient care.
These days’ things have changed. Many of the routine general dentists, usually at the encouragement of consultants, are now attempting to do everything. They are performing their own oral surgery and root canals. Some even call themselves orthodontists. Maybe a few brilliant dentists can do everything, but what about the average dentist? The incentive is an increase in income. However, it is at the expense of the patient and dental quality. It is also at the expense of the dental specialists who now have to branch out into other phases of dentistry to survive.
Unfortunately, I have seen too many if these cases where the dentist is performing specialty services. In one case, a patient was charged almost $50,000 by a dentist who calls himself an orthodontist. This dentist also performed the placement of many subpar minimal esthetic crowns. Once again, caveat emptor and go to a specialist and get a second opinion. A dental specialist will do it right and will often charge less.
