AAE Helping General Dentists and Endodontists Continue To Build Stronger Ties
Survey Reveals Keys to Successful Partnership
CHICAGO – To kick off its fourth annual Root Canal Awareness Week (March 28 – April 3, 2010), the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is recognizing the important partnership endodontists and dentists share in the dental care paradigm. The AAE recently surveyed 983 general dentists and is utilizing the findings to highlight ways endodontists and general dentists can best work together for the benefit of root canal patients.
According to the survey, more than 94 percent of general dentists say the two most effective ways endodontists build relationships with them occur following a root canal procedure, when endodontists promptly send reports and film back to the general dentist and refer patients back to the dentist for restorative treatment. Dentists who refer patients to a specialist want to ensure they consistently stay informed of their patients’ condition, and are prepared to perform the necessary follow-up care. A majority of dentists also say their best endodontist partners accommodate emergencies into their schedule (92 percent), are available for second opinions (90 percent) and collaborate on a treatment plan for referred patients (86 percent).
“Consumers deserve the highest quality dental care when it comes to complex procedures like root canals,” said Dr. Gerald N. Glickman, AAE president. “Root Canal Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity to highlight ways endodontists help general dentists provide that care and explore other mutual benefits of working in partnership.”
Dr. Glickman added, “Many things dentists cited in the survey are simple steps many endodontists already are doing. But with more than 15 million root canals performed in the U.S. every year, dental practices, along with their patients, could benefit from even greater collaboration with endodontists.”
The survey emphasized the importance of frequent, personal interaction and communication between general dentists and endodontists, and it reiterated the results of an earlier AAE study that showed general dentists find value in the services endodontists provide to their patients. Eighty-seven (87) percent of dentists said the work an endodontist performs is “worth the cost,” while just 35 percent of dentists believe they can do many of the same procedures as endodontists (and just as well) for less cost. The vast majority (93 percent) of dentists see endodontists as partners in delivering quality dental care.
“We are pleased to know that our referring colleagues hold our specialty in such high regard, and do not take that partnership for granted,” said Dr. Glickman. He added that the AAE will use the survey data in future initiatives to help dentists and endodontists build even stronger relationships, better understand the role they can play and provide greater quality of care to dental patients.
For more information on the survey or Root Canal Awareness Week, please contact Public Relations Coordinator Jennifer Gibson at 800/USA-ENDO, or visit the AAE Web site at www.aae.org. For a print-ready Root Canal Awareness Week poster, visit www.aae.org/dentalpro.
About the American Association of Endodontists
The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, Ill., represents more than 7,200 members worldwide, including approximately 95 percent of all eligible endodontists in the United States. The Association, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service.
Root Canal Awareness Week
Sponsored by the AAE, Root Canal Awareness Week provides an opportunity to dispel long-standing myths about root canal treatment and increase understanding of the procedure as one that is virtually painless. The week also seeks to raise awareness of endodontics as a specialty and highlight the importance of endodontists, the dentists who specialize in root canal treatment. For more information on local Root Canal Awareness Week activities or to find an endodontist in your area, visit www.aae.org.