Specialist opinion and coordinated care
A structured referral supports efficient assessment, limits duplicate investigations and enables shared care with the patient’s usual clinician.
Reasons to refer
- Dentofacial discrepancy and orthognathic planning.
- Facial trauma or post-traumatic problems.
- Complex oral surgery, high-risk wisdom tooth, cyst or lesion.
- Implant treatment requiring surgical expertise or bone reconstruction.
- Salivary, oral mucosal, infectious or temporomandibular disease requiring specialist assessment.
Finding the least invasive effective option
Referral for a dentofacial discrepancy does not presume an osteotomy. In borderline cases, discussion with the orthodontist may identify orthodontic camouflage, skeletal anchorage with miniscrews or miniplates, or corticotomy with or without bone augmentation. The aim is neither to undertreat a substantial skeletal problem nor to propose major surgery when a lighter strategy can satisfactorily meet functional and facial objectives.
Useful referral information
- Clear reason and clinical question.
- Timeline, symptoms, history and medication.
- Relevant examination and previous treatment.
- Existing imaging with dates and reports.
- Medical, social or geographical constraints.
Imaging: avoid duplication
Please transfer existing studies in their original format when possible. Additional CT should not be ordered before specialist review unless its relevance is already established.
Secure communication and continuity
The secretary provides the secure route for identifiable health data. The specialist report sets out the diagnosis, proposal, each clinician’s role and follow-up plan.
Patients referred internationally
Early coordination with the home clinician supports record review, travel planning and, crucially, follow-up after return. Document review does not replace clinical examination.
Related information
Medical sources
- French Data Protection Authority — health data security
- French Society of Stomatology, Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Surgery (SFSCMFCO) — patient information
- Systematic review — alveolar corticotomy in orthodontics (PubMed)
- Systematic review — skeletal anchorage for adult open bite (PubMed)
Last editorial review: August 2026. This page provides general information and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personalised treatment plan.