Chapter 71 - Multidisciplinary Versus Interdisciplinary Approaches to Dental and Periodontal Problems

Abstract

Traditional periodontal treatment has been delivered using an interdisciplinary model where general dentists and specialists each provide their respective aspects of care to the same patient per a comprehensive plan of therapy. Conversely, the model of multidisciplinary care has emerged whereby a single provider delivers care across a range of dentistry's disciplines. This is not to say that the multidisciplinary provider will simply forego the interdisciplinary team model. However, the latter will more likely be utilized for more complex case types, particularly when there is a deficiency of soft and/or hard tissues. The multidisciplinary model requires the individual practitioner to have both broad knowledge and deep insight with regard to diagnosis and the latest therapeutic options. The multidisciplinary model carries with it a great demand on the general practitioner. In addition to clinical skills, they must expand and maintain broad and deep insight in traditional specialty areas with respect to the latest therapies to effectively diagnose and treatment plan. At the same time, the multidisciplinary shift will impact on the face of the traditional periodontal practice. These specialists will need to have greater insight and ability in other disciplines of dentistry previously relegated to other colleagues when the interdisciplinary model was the norm.