You do not need a referral to see a dental specialist. There are many reasons for which patients need or chose to consult a dental specialist:
- You are in need of a complex treatment which requires the knowledge and training of a specialist
- You need confirmation of a serious or uncommon diagnosis
- You would like a second opinion
- You are looking for alternative treatment
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the experts in teeth, face, mouth and jaw surgeries. This is why dentists and physicians often refer patients to oral surgeons. Thankfully, referral is not necessary to consult an oral surgeon.
After their training in dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive an additional 5 to 7 years of hospital-based surgical training and residency. This rigorous and intensive training includes time spent on rotation to general surgery, ENT, plastic surgery, anesthesiology and many other medical rotations, in order for them to be eligible for national Royal College of Dentist Fellowship certification examinations.
Their specialty allows them to perform both major and minor surgical procedures with ease, which translates to minimization risks, complications and maximization of post-operative recovery for patients.
