Demographic variables affecting patient referrals from general practice dentists to periodontists.
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.
Zemanovich
Mark Roy
MR
Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. drz@mrzperio.com
Bogacki
Russell E
RE
Abbott
David M
DM
Maynard
J Gary
JG
Lanning
Sharon K
SK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010318:Partnership Practice, Dental; D010517:Periodontics; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014768:Virginia