No. You don’t need a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist. While many general and pediatric dentists identify orthodontic issues and refer patients based on what they observe, others focus on different concerns and might not recognize orthodontic problems, potentially missing the chance to refer. This can be especially problematic in children, who have many windows of opportunity that, if missed, may require more invasive orthodontic and surgical procedures later to correct.
Why You Can Choose an Orthodontist Without a Referral
Some dentists who identify orthodontic problems often base their referrals on personal connections rather than the competence of the orthodontist. Even worse, some referral relationships are driven by financial incentives.
Although Board Certification is not a guarantee, it’s a valuable indicator of quality. Doctor Z recommends using the American Board of Orthodontics Doctor Locator to find an orthodontist and choose one who is board-certified.
From an insurance perspective, dentistry differs from medicine, where you need a referral from a general practitioner before insurance covers any treatment at a specialist’s office. Most dental plans are PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), not HMO. This means you can usually choose your own orthodontist. However, some plans offer higher benefits for in-network providers, saving you money. Since orthodontic treatment often takes several years, it’s crucial to select the best doctor and office – not necessarily the one covered by your plan. The savings may be reduced if you end up in an office that isn’t a good fit.
Doctor Z’s advice on selecting an orthodontist:
1 – Choose A Licensed Orthodontist:
Not a general or pediatric dentist who claims they also perform orthodontics. They are not the same! If your general or pediatric dentist offers orthodontic services, ask whether they are an orthodontist. By law, when they offer to provide orthodontic treatment, they are not required to disclose that they are not an orthodontist. Still, if asked by a consumer or patient if they are an actual orthodontist, they cannot misrepresent themselves as one.
2 – Choose A Board-Certified Orthodontist:
While not a guarantee, a board-certified orthodontist has demonstrated dedication to the profession by completing the certification process. Recent changes to the American Board of Orthodontics have made it easier for doctors to achieve board certification, but those who have presented their cases to examiners have shown the highest level of commitment and skill. Just ask the potential office – believe me, the doctor and staff will be happy to tell you if the doctor has displayed cases to examiners and passed.
3 – If Referred to an Orthodontist by Your General Dentist or Pediatric Dentist, Always Ask the Questions:
“Do you have any financial relationship, or do you benefit financially in any way by referring me to this orthodontist?”
“Why are you referring me to this particular doctor?”
4 – The last criterion you should use to choose a doctor is whether they are on your specific insurance plan.
If you have considered the questions above and the doctor you select is on your insurance plan, great! If not, it might seem like you’ll save money, but I promise you that if you end up in an office that isn’t a good fit, any savings will be overshadowed by buyer’s remorse and the headaches of ending up at the wrong office.
Should I still visit my general or pediatric dentist?
Absolutely! When it comes to teeth straightening and bite correction, the orthodontist is the expert, but for the health of your teeth and gums, you should see the general or pediatric dentist. This is especially important during orthodontic treatment, as patients often struggle to maintain proper oral hygiene and need more frequent exams and cleanings from the general or pediatric dentists.
There are many situations in which completing general dental work, such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, and other procedures, is necessary before starting orthodontic treatment. In some cases, a skilled general dentist will recognize when a tooth may need a restorative procedure, such as a filling or a crown. However, suppose the patient is likely to have the tooth extracted to aid orthodontic treatment. In that case, the cautious dentist will delay treatment on that tooth until an orthodontist can evaluate the situation.
The above situation highlights the importance of collaboration between general/pediatric dentists and orthodontists!
At Ziehmer Orthodontics, we are happy to work with any dentist or pediatric dentist, and we will do everything we can to communicate every step of the way!
