How Often Do Dentists Refer Braces Patients to Orthodontists?

In our most recent survey, we asked dentists what percentage of orthodontic cases they refer to an orthodontist.

One in four dentists reports that they treat most braces patients themselves.

On the other hand, one in three refers out all orthodontic patients.

The most remarkable differences were related to geographic location.

The trend in the data is clear: rural dentists are more likely to treat orthodontic patients themselves.

Over half of rural dentists (54%) report treating braces patients themselves, while only 9% or urban dentists and 26% of suburban dentists do.

The reason for this is that rural areas have fewer local specialists.

Even today, there's a kernel of truth in the "country doc" stereotype: in rural places, a general dentist may be the only dental practitioner for many miles.

Gender differences were dramatic.

Male dentists were more than twice as likely to treat orthodontic patients.

Female dentists were more than their male colleagues to refer these patients out to a specialist

A number of general dentists treat some but not all orthodontic patients, keeping half and referring half out to an orthodontic specialist.

Specialists, on the other hand, appear more decisive. In addition, specialists are slightly more likely to refer patients than general dentists are, and less likely to treat these patients themselves.