title: Referrals.
abstract: It is beholden to the general dental practitioner to refer patients for whom (s)he feels that treatment could be carried out to a higher standard, or more efficiently and effectively, by another dentist. In addition, patients are entitled to a referral for a second opinion at any time. This paper discusses the responsibilities of the referring dentist and those of the dentist to whom the patient has been referred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The experience of clinicians varies, so referral to another dentist may be appropriate if the patient's dental practitioner considers that treatment might be more effectively carried out by another dentist.
authors.affiliation: Primary Dental Care Research Group, University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK.
authors.forename: Trevor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000941:ethics