FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO – A new survey from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) reveals that referrals from general dentists continue to play a critical and growing role in endodontic care, underscoring the importance of specialist treatment in saving patients’ natural teeth —and the strong confidence general dentists have in endodontists as trusted partners in patient care.

The AAE’s 2026 Endodontist–General Dentist Referral Patterns Survey Report, conducted among endodontists and general dentists, found that approximately 90% of root canal treatments performed by endodontists originate from referrals—highlighting the essential collaboration between general dentists and specialists.

The data also shows a continued shift toward specialist care: 53% of root canal cases are now referred to endodontists, compared to 43% in 2012, reflecting a steady increase over time.

The survey also found that 92% of general dentists have a positive perception of endodontists, reflecting a high level of trust in their expertise and role in delivering quality care.

“Endodontists are uniquely and extensively trained to preserve natural teeth, and this data reinforces the value of collaboration between general dentists and specialists to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Craig Noblett, President of the American Association of Endodontists. “It also reflects the high level of trust and confidence general dentists place in endodontists as partners in patient care. When patients are referred at the right time, it significantly improves the likelihood that their natural teeth can be preserved.”

Key Findings

• Referrals drive endodontic care: Endodontists report an average of 1,930 referred patients annually, with referrals accounting for about 90% of procedures performed
• Referral relationships are dynamic: 80% of endodontists report gaining new referring dentists, while 65% report losing at least one in recent years
• Specialist care is increasingly utilized: The percentage of cases referred to endodontists has grown to 53%, up from 43% in 2012
• Trust and outcomes drive referrals: General dentists are most likely to refer based on demonstrated clinical skill, previous successful outcomes, patient satisfaction and a caring approach
• Strong professional trust: 92% of general dentists report a positive perception of endodontists, reinforcing confidence in their expertise and care

The survey also highlights strong alignment between general dentists and endodontists in understanding when referral is appropriate, particularly for more complex cases, as well as a high level of confidence and appreciation among general dentists for the expertise endodontists bring to patient care.

Supporting Save Your Tooth Month

The release of the survey aligns with the AAE’s Save Your Tooth Month, an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural teeth.

“Saving the natural tooth is always the best option whenever possible,” Dr. Noblett added. “This research supports what we see every day in practice—specialist care plays a vital role in helping patients maintain their oral health and avoid unnecessary tooth loss.”

Strengthening Professional Relationships

Beyond clinical outcomes, the survey reinforces the importance of strong professional relationships. General dentists value endodontists who:

• Deliver consistent, high-quality results

• Communicate effectively and share patient information

• Provide a positive, patient-centered experience

The findings indicate that general dentists not only rely on endodontists for complex cases, but also hold their clinical skill and patient care in high regard—reinforcing the strength of these collaborative relationships.

These factors play a key role in building long-term referral partnerships that ultimately benefit patients.

About the Study

Supported by Sonendo, the AAE commissioned the survey to better understand the factors influencing when, how and why general dentists refer patients for endodontic care, as well as how endodontists perceive and manage those referrals.

“Strong referral relationships are essential to delivering the highest standard of patient care,” said Bjarne Bergheim, CEO of Sonendo. “We are proud to support research that highlights the importance of collaboration between general dentists and endodontists, helping ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.”

About the American Association of Endodontists

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. Endodontists are specialists in saving teeth, trained to diagnose and treat tooth pain and perform root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth.

About Sonendo

Sonendo® is a proud and exclusive sponsor of Save Your Tooth Month. As a leading dental technology company dedicated to saving teeth and restoring health, Sonendo® is known for its flagship innovation, the GentleWave® System—an advanced endodontic platform that leverages proprietary multidimensional technology to thoroughly clean and disinfect the root canal system while preserving natural tooth structure.

CONTACT:

Kim FitzSimmons, MBA, CAE, AAiP
kfitzsimmons@aae.org, 312-872-0458