6 Ways Specialists Can Build Stronger Referral Relationships With General Dentists
Specialist dental practices are built on trust over the course of an entire career.
Oral surgeons, endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, and prosthodontists rarely grow their practices through direct-to-consumer advertising or walk-ins. They grow through consistent referrals from general dentists — often the same dentists, year after year, decade after decade.
That makes referral relationships the foundation of a specialist’s business. When those relationships are strong, practices thrive. When they weaken, referrals quietly disappear.
The Specialist Business Model Depends on Referrals
Most specialists rely on a relatively small network of general dentists for the majority of their patient volume. These relationships aren’t transactional. They’re long-term partnerships built through repeated positive experiences over long time horizons.
One poor experience — a referral slipping through the cracks, unclear communication, or a frustrated patient — can change referral behavior permanently. Unhappy general dentists may start referring to a competitor and share that experience with colleagues.
Specialist practices rarely fail overnight. They erode gradually as general dentist trust fades. Here are 7 ways specialists can strengthen their partnerships with general dentists:
1. Excellent Clinical Care Is Non-Negotiable
Everything starts with patient outcomes.
General dentists refer patients expecting:
- High-quality clinical care
- Professional, respectful, punctual treatment of their patients
- Clear follow-through after treatment
Even one negative patient experience can create doubt. Consistently excellent care builds confidence — and confidence drives long-term loyalty.
2. Make the Referral Process Easy for General Dentists
Referral friction is one of the fastest ways to lose goodwill.
If a general dentist or their staff has to:
- Fill out paper referral pads
- Re-enter patient information
- Guess which forms or files are needed
- Play phone tag to fill in information gaps
They will eventually choose a specialist who is easier to work with.
Simple, standardized, digital referral workflows signal professionalism and respect for your referring partners’ and their teams' time.
3. Communicate Clearly During the Referral Process
Silence creates uncertainty.
General dentists want visibility into what’s happening with their patients:
- Was the referral received?
- Has the patient been scheduled?
- Has treatment started or been completed?
Communication doesn’t need to be constant — it just needs to be predictable, timely, and reliable.
A quick two-sentence update can go a long way to helping general dentists feel like they're in the loop.
4. Send Post-Op Notes Promptly
Delayed post-op notes are one of the most common frustrations general dentists experience with specialists.
When post-treatment summaries arrive late — or not at all — general dentists are forced to manage follow-up care without context. This often results in them frantically calling for notes when the patient is at their next checkup. This communication hiccup is a visible example of poor collaboration right in front of the patient — reflecting poorly on both the general dentist and specialist.
Prompt post-op notes reinforce trust and improve continuity of care.
5. Strengthen Relationships Beyond the Referral
Strong referral relationships extend beyond individual cases.
Ways specialists can invest in their referral network:
- Offer CE courses or study clubs
- Host educational lunches
- Create opportunities for in-person networking and connection
Education builds alignment. Alignment builds trust.
6. Do the Human Things That Matter
Simple gestures go a long way:
- Take general dentists out to lunch
- Write a handwritten thank-you note
- Send thoughtful gifts like a round of golf or a gift card to a favorite restaurant
These actions don’t “buy” referrals — they reinforce appreciation and partnership over the long lifespan of a career.
The Bottom Line
This really doesn't need to be complicated.
Provide excellent patient care.
Make referrals easy.
Communicate clearly.
Respect your referral partners’ time.
Be generous and professional.
Specialists who consistently do these things don’t just receive referrals — they build referral networks that last decades.
How Sindi Helps Specialists Serve General Dentists Better
Sindi won’t help you choose the perfect restaurant or holiday gift — but it can help with nearly everything else mentioned above.
Sindi makes referrals, secure messaging, file sharing, and post-op note transfers seamless for both general dentists and specialists. Everything lives in one place, built for how dentistry actually works.
When logistics disappear and interoffice workflows are centralized, relationships have room to thrive.
Ready to try Sindi and delight your referral partners? Join today.