Abstract
Q As a general dentist in a small community, there are a limited number of specialists to whom I can refer patients. I am aware, through a number of sources I believe to be credible, that a particular specialist allegedly is engaged in unethical treatment of female patients. This same dentist recently was disciplined by the professional licensing board for previous related, although not identical, inappropriate conduct. Neither the state board nor society peer review and ethics committees have yet taken any action related to these new allegations. Until these bodies act on these new allegations, I am uncomfortable in referring patients to this specialist. The only other option for this specialty care involves patients' traveling between 40 and 80 miles. Is it ethical for me not to refer patients to this particular practitioner, and how do I respond if patients ask why I am referring them to a specialist so far away rather than the specialist in our town?
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