Čes. stomatol. Prakt. zub. lék. (Czech Dental Journal) 2024; 124(4): 89-96 | DOI: 10.51479/cspzl.2024.004

VARIABLES AFFECTING PATIENT REFERRALS FROM GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS TO ENDODONTISTS

Peršić Bukmir R., Paljević E., Vidas Hrstić J., Božac E., Vidović Zdrilić I., Brekalo Pršo I.

Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rijeka, Croatia

Introduction and aim: The aim of the survey was to identify the endodontic referral pattern among a group of Croatian dentists and to explore if the decision to refer a patient to an endodontist varies based on demographic variables of general dental practitioners and the features of their dental practice.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed that focused on demographics of the participants and their practice, the pattern of endodontic procedures they perform and the factors influencing their decision to refer. The survey was mailed to all licensed general practicing dentists with a work address in Rijeka, Croatia. Chi-square test was used at a significance level P<0.05 to analyze differences in the study sample.

Results: The majority of respondents (39 out of 94; 41.5%) were between 40 and 49 years old. Analysis revealed that the majority of respondents were female (64 out of 94; 68.1%). Significantly more male practitioners (10 out of 30) had postgraduate education compared to female practitioners (9 out of 64; 33.3% vs. 14.1%; P<0.001). Regarding the effect of demographic variables, only the number of dentists employed in a practice had a significant influence on the referral decisions of dentists (χ2=7.006; P=0.030). Respondents who were the only employed dentists referred patients significantly more often than respondents who work in practices where three or more dentists are employed (72.4% vs. 20%; P<0.05).

Conclusion: Due to the aging European population, healthcare costs are increasing, and there is a need to monitor the overuse and underuse of specialized care to ensure appropriate treatment for each patient. Students and dentists should be encouraged to pursue postgraduate education, which enhances their professional competence.

Keywords: dentists, endodontists, referral and consultation, root canal treatment

Received: August 14, 2024; Revised: September 23, 2024; Accepted: September 25, 2024; Prepublished online: November 27, 2024; Published: December 9, 2024  Show citation