Why refer out for orthodontics if you don’t have to?

As a general dentist, you likely come across a variety of cases that require referral to some type of specialist. Of course, one practitioner can’t have the skills and knowledge to handle every case. However, when it comes to orthodontic treatment, orthodontic CE courses for general dentists can put many of those cases within your reach.

Here’s why you should invest in your continuing education and stop referring orthodontic cases out.

1. You’re missing out on many cases.

There’s considerable overlap between general dentistry and orthodontics, with many examples throughout history making little distinction between the two. While modern treatment methods and technology have led to greater specialization, continuing education can still put orthodontic treatment within your reach.

Consider how many client cases you’ve had to turn down due to a lack of orthodontic treatment options. This isn’t just about orthodontic treatment itself but also your ability to take on complex cases requiring multiple interventions.

Many cases of cosmetic and restorative dentistry may call for some form of orthodontic treatment within an overall treatment plan. By incorporating orthodontic treatments into your practice, you open the door to these complex cases, along with the sense of professional challenge and fulfillment that come with them.

2. You’re leaving revenue on the table.

Orthodontic treatment options are also highly lucrative in a business sense. They provide some of the highest returns of any treatments in the field. Expanding your treatment options can lead to significant success for your practice.

Adding up the cases you’ve referred out over the years would likely present a considerable sum. Instead of missing out on that opportunity, you can derive more revenue from your regular patients.

Of course, this readily applies to practices that provide family dentistry, as growing children oftentimes need orthodontic treatment. However, this is also true even if you have a different patient base, with adult orthodontic treatment now more popular than ever.

3. You may struggle to gain new clients.

Bringing in new patients is one of the most pressing challenges for a growing dental practice. Convincing new patients that you’re the right choice is difficult, as is holding onto those patients after their first visit.

Combining general dentistry and orthodontics can make bringing in new patients much easier. It provides a way for your practice to stand out from the competition by offering comprehensive treatment options in-house. This is one of the most sought-after aspects that patients are looking for when choosing a dentist today.

Instead of referring patients out and losing that business, you can attract an even wider patient base. Families, in particular, often prefer practices that offer all treatment options under one roof. If they can’t find that from you, they might take all of their dental business elsewhere.

4. You’re putting in more effort for little reward.

No matter what type of dentistry you practice, you’re going to face challenges. However, not every type of treatment provides the same rewards. While preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry are all essential, you don’t want your workload to become repetitive and monotonous.

Tackling orthodontic cases in-house instead of referring them out opens the door to highly rewarding work. Staying with patients throughout the entire process, from planning to results, provides a sense of progression and success you may not find with other dental work. And the gratitude patients feel after treatment is wonderful as well.

Orthodontic treatment can also deliver greater results compared to what you put in when it comes to investment in equipment and materials. There are many unique cosmetic and restorative treatment options you can choose to implement in your practice, but those options often require equipment with high prices.

Orthodontics has a lower barrier to entry in general.

Referring orthodontic cases isn’t the only option.

You’re leaving a lot on the table by referring out orthodontic cases, but what can you do to solve this problem? Fortunately, the majority of cases that you refer out can often be treated in-house after minimal continuing education.

American Orthodontic Society continuing education courses prepare you to provide orthodontic treatment through your practice. You’ll learn which cases you can handle confidently and which complex cases still require referral.

You can increase revenue, expand your patient base, and engage in rewarding dental work when you expand your horizons with orthodontic continuing education.

Leverage the synergy of general dentistry and orthodontics.

There are many benefits to offering orthodontic treatment in-house instead of always having to refer your patients out—and there is also a clear path to make that a reality, with professional orthodontic CE courses for general dentists from the American Orthodontic Society. Browse our course catalog to find the opportunity you need to advance your practice today.