Sometimes it's difficult to know when a referral is best for your patient. Guidelines from The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) enable you to assign a level of difficulty to your cases, making it easier to decide whether a referral is the best choice.
Conditions listed in the assessment form include potential risk factors that could complicate treatment, adversely affect your patient’s outcome, and influence your ability to provide care at a consistently predictable level.
AAE Levels of Difficulty
Minimal Difficulty
Preoperative condition indicates routine complexity (uncomplicated). These types of cases would exhibit only those factors listed in the minimal difficulty category. Achieving a predictable treatment outcome should be attainable by a competent practitioner with limited experience.
Moderate Difficulty
Preoperative condition is complicated, exhibiting one or more patient or treatment factors listed in the moderate difficult category. Achieving a predictable treatment outcome will be challenging for a competent, experienced practitioner.
High Difficulty
Preoperative condition is exceptionally complicated, exhibiting several factors listed in the moderate difficult category or at least one in the high difficulty category. Achieving a predictable treatment outcome will be challenging.
Download the Assessment Form
Download the AAE assessment form to see a complete list of considerations to properly evaluate whether a case meets minimal, moderate, or high levels of difficulty. If the level of difficulty exceeds your experience and comfort, you might consider referring to an endodontist.