Determining when to refer periodontal patients--clinical guidelines.

As part of the examination and evaluation of the patient, it is the dentist's responsibility to evaluate the periodontal tissues for the presence or absence of periodontal disease. If the practitioner finds that periodontal disease is present and is unwilling or unable to accurately diagnose and/or treat the type or extent of the disease, the dentist must offer the patient the opportunity to be evaluated by a practitioner who can complete the examination and diagnostic process.