The General Dentist????????

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Hot-n-Aml

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I should know this already, but I've been confused lately. What are the limitations of the general dentist? Dental school teaches us various procedures ranging from extractions to root canals. But why do many general dentists refer you to a specialist??

Is it because they don't have the time? Or that they don't have confidence in their abilities?? Or is it a totally different reason?

I would really appreciate it if someone can shed light on this.

Thanks,
Hot-n-Aml.

_______________________________________________
UPitt, SDM Class of 2007.

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I think your suggested reasons are good... a general dentist can do anything they feel comfortable with... so a graduate from most schools won't try full mouth reconstruction, jaw dissection, bone graft etc. Just remember that if you dare to try something above your head and mess up, you can be liable because the patient can argue you should have refered out. Also, your time comment is true because specialists are more efficient at their work so they will be profitable while the GP can't afford to spend the time to perform the same procedure.
 
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