PRACTICE PROFILE OF PERIODONTISTS IN CANADA: A NATIONAL SURVEY.

OBJECTIVE: To document the profile of periodontists in private practice in Canada in terms of services provided and referral patterns.

METHODS: An online survey consisted on 45 questions in 3 categories: demographics, referral patterns and periodontal procedures performed. The sampling frame consisted of all active members of the Canadian Academy of Periodontology (n= 280). Letters and email containing links to the online survey were used to invite participants and to send reminders to non-respondents on days 7, 21 and 49.

RESULTS: The response rate was 164/280 (58.6%); 135 respondents completed the entire survey. Of the respondents who noticed changes in referral dynamics in the last 10 years (68.1%), most (61.9%) perceived an overall decrease in the number of referrals, and 74.0% reported that general dentists were referring patients later in the disease progression. The most common referrals (71.6%) were for limited treatment. Most respondents placed dental implants (93.7%) and performed maxillary sinus lifts (81.6%). All performed surgical debridement, esthetic and prerestorative crown lengthening and connective tissue grafts. Only 13.7% provided photodynamic therapy. Fewer years in practice (<20 years), more recent graduation (after 1990) and younger age (<45 years) were correlated with greater use of single-implant placement, sinus lifts and procedures requiring intravenous sedation. Men were more likely than women to use lasers (p=0.020).

CONCLUSION: Periodontal specialists perceived a change in referral dynamics over the last 10 years with most reporting both a decrease in number and delayed timing of referrals. Practice patterns have changed, with younger periodontists performing more advanced surgical procedures. These findings may guide periodontal residency programs and create awareness among general dentists of the role of the periodontist and their repertoire of treatment options.