The objectives of this study were to investigate periodontal treatment and referral patterns and the considerations used in the process of dentists who make no periodontal referrals, relatively few referrals, or more referrals. Specifically, the role of disease characteristics, patient-and provider-related factors, attitudes towards periodontal referrals, and perceptions of dental education were explored. The relationships between the perceived quality of dental education concerning periodontal diagnosis and treatment and the considerations used in this process were evaluated as well. Data were collected from 160 members of the Michigan Dental Association using a mailed questionnaire. The respondents were predominantly male (77 percent) and white (96 percent) and had practiced for an average of twenty-three years (SD=10.
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