Coordination Letter (General Dentist)

Date: [date of letter]

From:
[Orthodontist name and credentials]
[Practice name]
[Phone and fax or secure contact method]

To:
[General dentist name and credentials / Patient's General Dentist]
[Practice name if known]

Re: [Patient name], DOB [date of birth] – Orthodontic Coordination

---

[Opening statement summarizing reason for contact and action requested] (In 2–3 sentences, state whether the patient is initiating treatment, is mid-treatment, or requires specific coordination. Clearly state what is requested from the general dentist.)

Summary

• [Primary orthodontic problems being addressed]
• [Treatment modality and expected duration]
• [Key mechanics affecting dental care: extractions, IPR, expansion, TADs as applicable]
• [Main coordination requests]

Orthodontic Diagnosis

• Classification: [Molar and canine relationships]
• Occlusion: [Overjet, overbite, crossbites as relevant]
• Arch alignment: [Crowding/spacing by arch, midline deviations if significant]
• Dentition: [Impacted, missing, or ectopic teeth; existing restorations affecting treatment]
• Periodontal/caries screening: [Observations if assessed, or state that definitive diagnosis is deferred to general dentist]
• Records reviewed: [Record types with dates]

Treatment Plan

• Approach: [Appliance type, phasing if applicable, expected duration range]
• Mechanics relevant to coordination: [Extractions with teeth and provider, IPR regions, expansion, TADs, or other items affecting dental care] (Include only applicable items.)
• Pending decisions: [Information needed from dentist to finalize goals, such as final tooth dimensions, implant vs. space closure, or restorative planning] (Omit if not applicable.)
• Sequencing: [Timing of restorative or periodontal care relative to orthodontic stages] (Omit if not applicable.)

Requests

(List specific action items. Omit categories that do not apply.)

• Pre-treatment: [Caries treatment, prophylaxis, extractions, clearance for appliance placement with timing]
• During treatment: [Recall interval: routine / 3–4 months for elevated-risk patients], [professional fluoride if indicated], [notify orthodontist if new caries, gingival inflammation, periodontal changes, or questionable prognosis]
• Interdisciplinary: [Restorative planning input, temporary bracket removal coordination, implant timing, or other collaborative decisions]

---

Thank you for your collaboration in caring for our mutual patient. Please contact me directly with any questions or to discuss interdisciplinary considerations.

[Orthodontist name, credentials]
[Practice name]
[Direct contact information]

Attachments: [List any included records: photos, radiographs, scan access] (Omit if none. If records available upon request, note how to access.)

(Include confidentiality statement if required by practice policy. Omit sections or bullets that are not applicable.)