Document Type : Original Articles

Abstract

Introduction: In both medicine and dentistry, generalists should serve as primary care providers in the health care system in many countries, diagnose complex disorders and refer them to specialists. The aim of this study was to investigate cases and referral patterns of patients to dental specialists by general dentists in Kerman, Iran in 2011. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study 248 dentists in Kerman were selected based on census. A valid and reliable questionnaire was designed based on previous studies on the case and patterns of referral to dental specialists. The questionnaire was submitted to the subjects in their offices or workplaces to complete. After data collection, data were coded. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to evaluate correlation. Data were analyzed with chi-squared test using SPSS 13 (α = 0.05). Results: Differences were noted in the referral patterns of cases in relation to age, gender, and years of practice of the GP. A higher referral rate to the specialist was observed in patients with remarkable medical conditions. Most general dentists referred complex dentoalveolar surgery cases. Female dentists referred more patients compared to males. Referrals were most often made because of inadequate experience or instruments. Conclusion: This study showed that a relatively large number of dentists are in favor of referring patients in Kerman. However, in some cases these systems are not well managed and dentists require instructions in the correct referral patterns. Key words: Dentistry, General practitioner, Referral, Oral diseases, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Periodontics