Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Dr. Robert Bray 401 N. Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63141-7816 September 24, 2010 Dear Bob, At our recent Legislative and Governmental Affairs Council meeting, we noted several concerns relative to the gp/orthodontist referral relationship on the web site www.braces.org. Our purpose with this communication is to bring to your attention AGD’s and the gp’s concerns on how these statements hinder the relationship between gp’s and specialists. We hope that you are able to address our concerns so that the referral relationship can prosper. Section entitled Myths and Facts Myth #2 – My family dentist says he can straighten my teeth. AGD’s concern: Some general dentists, especially more experienced ones like AGD’s Fellows and Masters perform hundreds of orthodontic procedures each year. It is regretful to paint all gp’s with the same broad brush. In addition, as you are aware, restorative care can be much more complex than orthodontics. To imply that “drilling and filling” is mundane is demeaning. Myth #5 – Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment. AGD’s concern: As you know, the fee structure depends upon the complexity of the case, not on whether the dentist is a general dentist or an orthodontist. It is the same work and must be performed to the same standard of care. Section entitled Ask Your Dentist Question #4 – Have you had orthodontic training beyond dental school, etc… Surely AAO values continuing education and is not suggesting that once an orthodontist completes his or her residency, he or she is competent for the remainder of their practice career? Likewise, the broad range of orthodontic continuing education available to the general dentist can make that dentist just as competent as the specialist, when he or she chooses to perform that type of orthodontic treatment, consistent with the ADA (and AGD) Code of Ethics. Question #10 – Are you a member of the AAO? Membership, in of itself, does not make a dentist a good practitioner. (Cf. Nova Dental School) Section entitled Ask Your Orthodontist Dr. Robert Bray, Page 2 Question #4 – Have you had training beyond dental school?.... General dentists who avail themselves of quality continuing education are earning certificates of completion. Question #8 – Which cases do you refer to dentists? AGD maintains that that if restorative procedures are needed, then the orthodontist must refer to the general dentist. It is AGD’s most sincere hope that we can work together to foster a mutually beneficial referral relationship. We take these steps when we meet together in forums such as the ADA annual session. In this particular case relative to the promotion of the orthodontist, AGD will be most happy to work with AAO in ensuring that the most accurate language is promoted to the public and that the public is made to understand the true nature of the referral relationship between the specialist and the gate-keeping general practitioner. I would be most happy to discuss this further with you at our mutual convenience. Please contact me at 248.398.7880. Sincerely, Fares M. Elias, DDS, JD, FAGD President CC: Mr. Chris Vranas, AAO Executive Director Mr. Charles Macfarlane, AGD Executive Director AGD Council on Legislative and Governmental Affairs