Referring Patients to an Oral Surgeon in West Michigan? Here's How We Work With Your Practice
Key Takeaways
Referring a patient shouldn't mean losing insight into their care. We treat every referral as a partnership. We stay in close communication before, during, and after treatment so you always know where things stand. From straightforward extractions to complex implant cases, our team works alongside yours to make sure your patients receive consistent, coordinated care.
When you refer a patient to us, you're putting your trust in our team, and we take that seriously. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have been caring for West Michigan patients since 1981, and we've built our referral relationships on the same principles that guide our patient care: clear communication, genuine collaboration, and follow-through at every stage.
How Do We Stay in Touch With Your Office?
We know how hard it is to connect by phone during a busy clinical day. That's why we offer several ways to communicate, so you can reach us in whatever way works best for your practice:
Secure email to our front office business associates
pMD, a HIPAA-compliant texting app that allows practices to share sensitive patient information securely, including photos and digital X-ray files
Phone at 616-361-7327 for anything that warrants a conversation
We started using the pMD app in 2019 and have found it to be a straightforward, reliable way to stay connected with referring offices. It's available for iOS and Android. To get set up, call our office at 616-361-7327 and leave your cell number with our team. We'll send you an invite to download the app.
In this day and age, it's hard to schedule phone calls between referring dentists and our office. Most people respond well to text messages and enjoy the convenience that texting allows.
What Happens After You Refer a Patient?
We keep you informed at every step. Here's what you can expect once a referral comes through:
After the consultation: We send patient notes and panoramic radiographs to your office the next day, any Cone Beam CT reports will be emailed within 1-2 weeks
After each procedure: We send a procedure letter to both you and the patient
After implant placement: We send a full placement results letter to your office
We're also available via pMD or phone any time you have questions or want to talk through a case further.
How Do We Handle Complex Cases?
For straightforward referrals, our process is efficient and well-established. For more complex cases, including implants with unusual anatomical considerations, insufficient bone volume, or challenging aesthetic requirements, we like to connect with you before the patient comes in.
Early collaboration means we can align on the treatment plan, discuss timing, and make sure there are no surprises for you or your patient. Our doctors and surgical team are glad to reach out proactively to talk through new findings, treatment sequencing, and any other factors worth coordinating in advance.
Our surgeons also collaborate closely with each other on complex cases. We often collaborate amongst ourselves to determine the best treatment for a patient and make sure we are the most current on treatment options.
What Does Our Team Bring to Your Referrals?
Our four board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons stay current on developments across pathology, trauma, dental implants, and the full scope of oral surgery. We use advanced imaging and state-of-the-art technology, and we are all on staff at major hospitals in Michigan. Our team assists with facial fracture treatment at Level 1 trauma centers across West Michigan and provides infection assessment and treatment for patients preparing for heart or transplant surgery.
When your patients come to us, they're in experienced hands. Patients are reassured when they know that we're working together with their general dentist behind the scenes. It makes them feel confident about the treatment they're receiving.
Ready to Start Referring?
We work with referring dental practices across Grand Rapids, Rockford, and throughout West Michigan. Whether you have a straightforward extraction or a complex implant case, we're glad to be part of your patient's care team.
Call us at 616-361-7327 or reach out via pMD to get connected. We look forward to working with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does an oral surgeon communicate with referring dentists?
We send patient notes to your office the day after the consultation, send procedure letters after every appointment, and follow up with placement results for implant cases. We're also available by phone or pMD any time you want to discuss a case directly.
2. What is a HIPAA-compliant texting app for dental offices?
pMD is a secure messaging platform designed for healthcare providers. It lets practices share patient information, photos, and X-rays without the privacy concerns that come with regular texting. To get set up, call us at 616-361-7327 and leave your cell number with our team. We'll send you a download invite. The app is available for iOS and Android.
3. How do oral surgeons handle complex implant referrals?
We encourage referring offices to contact us before sending complex cases our way. Whether it's an unusual anatomy situation, a patient with limited bone volume, or something that warrants a second opinion, we'd rather align on the treatment plan early. Our surgical team is glad to connect ahead of time.
4. What procedures does an oral and maxillofacial surgeon treat?
We see the full range, including dental implants, wisdom teeth, bone grafting, pathology, and trauma. Our surgeons are on staff at major hospitals across Michigan and regularly assist with facial fracture care at regional trauma centers.
