WHY A DENTAL REFERRAL TO A SPECIALIST?
Dr. Loc Tong and Dr. Angela Rasmussen of Gentle Dentistry play a critical role in their patients’ oral health. However, in certain circumstances, it may be crucial for a patient to be seen by a specialist as part of their treatment. Any skilled dentist should know when it is appropriate to provide treatment themselves and when they should work collaboratively with a specialist.
The dental industry, like the medical industry, has undergone a significant transformation in the past years, becoming increasingly specialized. This has enabled providers to deliver a more customized level of care with the highest quality.
General dentists perform various procedures that are suited to their skill levels and preferences for treatment. However, no two general practitioners practice the same. Based on supplemental, post-graduate education paths, each general dentist will typically begin to focus their strengths on particular procedures and skills. The general practitioner plays an integral role as the first point of contact and provides quality care within the scope of their training, expertise, and experience. They will refer to dental specialists for more specialized care that is outside their expertise to ensure the best result for you, the patient.
The motivation behind coordinating therapy among various experts in specific fields of dental medicine is to adequately support the patient’s overall dental health care while maintaining the highest standards in the industry. For example, general dental practitioners may refer their patients to an endodontist, periodontist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon.
DO YOU REFER OUT AND WHY?
Drs. Tong and Rasmussen believe in choosing specialized areas of dentistry and perfecting them. At the same time, we want to give you the best customized clinical plan for your dental needs at Gentle Dentistry. This is why Drs. Tong and Rasmussen have assembled a team comprising several renowned area specialists to help provide comprehensive dental care that doesn’t look at just your smile but YOU as a whole.
WHY DO DR. TONG AND DR. RASMUSSEN WORK WITH SPECIALISTS?
Dr. Tong and Dr. Rasmussen have vowed to treat their patients to the standard of care they would expect for themselves or their families.
In reflection, they would say, “If I myself wouldn’t go to a general dentist for a root canal, and instead would insist on going to a specialist, why should I treat my patients any differently?”
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IF YOU’RE BEING REFERRED TO A SPECIALIST?
It’s understandable that as a dental patient of Dr. Tong or Dr. Rasmussen, you might feel cautious about seeing another doctor in a different location. Referring you to a specialist is not a decision that is ever taken lightly. The two doctors believe in providing the best care for long-term oral and systemic health.
The specialists on their team are practitioners that they themselves would feel confident about having work done on them. Dr. Rasmussen often tells our patients, “This type of referral is not like your standard medical referral whereby you’re handed a piece of paper and told to schedule an appointment. These specialists are people that I have worked so closely with that I can call them at six in the evening on a Sunday to discuss your specific case. Our team knows their teams as much as they know ours.”
You may be referred for the following treatments:
- Root canal therapy
- Apicoectomy
- Third molar extractions
- Surgical extractions
- Biological shaping
- Gum grafting
- Recession treatment
- Crown lengthening
- TMJ evaluation
- Advanced crowding
- Extensive pediatric dental needs
DURING AND AFTER A REFERRAL TO A SPECIALIST
During your dental care, your specialist and Drs. Tong or Rasmussen will remain in constant contact regarding your treatment progression, and our team will ensure that you return to us for your follow-up care.
