For a patient aged 12 years or older, when should they be referred to a general dentist for continuing oral care?

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Multiple Choice

For a patient aged 12 years or older, when should they be referred to a general dentist for continuing oral care?

Transition of care to a general dentist is driven by the patient’s readiness and ability to participate in ongoing maintenance, not by a fixed date. For patients aged 12 or older, refer when the patient can cooperate, understand and engage in preventive care, and maintain good oral hygiene with a stable dentition. This reflects adolescence where responsibility for routine care can shift from the pediatric team to the general dentist. Fixed milestones like eruption of first permanent molars, an exact birthday, or completion of growth are not reliable determinants for transfer. The goal is a smooth, patient-centered dental home where the general dentist can continue routine preventive and restorative care as the patient matures.

Transition of care to a general dentist is driven by the patient’s readiness and ability to participate in ongoing maintenance, not by a fixed date. For patients aged 12 or older, refer when the patient can cooperate, understand and engage in preventive care, and maintain good oral hygiene with a stable dentition. This reflects adolescence where responsibility for routine care can shift from the pediatric team to the general dentist. Fixed milestones like eruption of first permanent molars, an exact birthday, or completion of growth are not reliable determinants for transfer. The goal is a smooth, patient-centered dental home where the general dentist can continue routine preventive and restorative care as the patient matures.

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