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Thesis 3.22.16.pdf (325.06 KB)

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Gifts from Orthodontists to General Dentists

Al-Mahdi, Ammar K
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1458152216

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Dentistry.
Abstract Introduction: Referrals from general dentists have historically been a major source of new patients in orthodontic practices. Because of this, orthodontists employ multiple strategies to maintain and develop this relationship with the dentist, including gift giving. Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to determine how often general dentists receive gifts from orthodontists, the value and number of the gifts they receive, and how they perceive the motivation behind the gifts. Methods: A questionnaire was constructed, tested for validity and reliability. An electronic version of the questionnaire was sent via email to 1300 general dentists in Ohio. Results: The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed. Two hundred and fifty four dentists responded to the electronic survey (20%). Eighty-five percent of responding general practitioners reported that they received gifts from an orthodontist. Almost 100% reported that they referred patients to orthodontists. About one-third of the general practitioners responding reported that their office provided orthodontic care. There were statistically significant correlations between the numbers of annual patient referrals the general practitioners reported making and the number and value of the gifts they received from the orthodontists. Female general practitioners reported receiving higher number, and more valuable gifts than male practitioners. General practitioners who reported providing orthodontic treatment did not differ from those who did not in the number of referrals they made annually and the number and value of the gifts they received. Quality of care was the most common reason that general practitioners reported for their referral to an orthodontist. Forty-four percent of the responders reported that they received discounted orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: General practitioners refer patients to orthodontists and receive gifts from them. The number and value of the gifts reflects the number of referrals they make. Reduced or free orthodontic care, given as a gift, may exceed in value guidelines by professional organizations regarding `split fees’.
Allen Firestone, DDS, MS (Advisor)
Frank Beck, DDS (Committee Member)
Henry Fischbach, DDS (Committee Member)
44 p.
Dentistry

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Citations

  • Al-Mahdi, A. K. (2016). Gifts from Orthodontists to General Dentists [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1458152216

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Al-Mahdi, Ammar. Gifts from Orthodontists to General Dentists . 2016. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1458152216.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Al-Mahdi, Ammar. "Gifts from Orthodontists to General Dentists ." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1458152216

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1458152216
951
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.