###### Abstract  
This study evaluates the preferences of dentists regarding the interdisciplinary treatment of patients with gingival recession (GR) and a thin periodontal phenotype, based on their specialization. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Polish dentists, between May and October 2022, using an online survey. The dentists were first asked to provide details regarding their specialization and the length of their professional career. In the second part of the survey, they responded to questions about the preferred timing of a consultation and soft tissue augmentation in patients who planned to undertake orthodontic treatment (OT). Moreover, factors undermining the decision-making process regarding soft tissue augmentation and the methods used for the evaluation of periodontal tissues were assessed. In total, 554 dentists completed the survey, among whom 328 were orthodontists and 226 were periodontitis/oral surgeons. A third of the surveyed periodontitis/oral surgeons (33%) reported that they receive referrals from orthodontists prior to OT and 39% of orthodontists indicated that they refer patients for soft tissue augmentation before commencing OT. The majority of periodontitis/oral surgeons (51%) and the most significant proportion of orthodontists (45%) agreed that the ideal timing of soft tissue augmentation is dependent on each specific case. Both groups of surveyed dentists considered \"planned tooth movement\" as the most important factor in clinical decision-making. Among the periodontitis/oral surgeons, the most popular methods to assess periodontal tissues were: 3D radiological examination, the visual method, and gingival transparency with the use of a periodontal probe. On the other hand, the surveyed orthodontists preferred the visual method, followed by 2D radiological examination, and then by 3D radiological examination. The majority of surveyed periodontitis/oral surgeons and orthodontists agreed that the ideal timing of soft tissue augmentation in patients undertaking orthodontic treatment should be decided on a case-by-case basis, with planned tooth movement being the determining factor. g 2024  
or dentine hypersensitivity, and that they are likely to be aggravated if left untreated [3], dentists should be knowledgeable about the etiologic factors, preventive measures, and treatment options for this condition. It is widely understood that in patients with a thin periodontal phenotype, the tissues are predisposed to developing GR as a reaction to inflammation or mechanical trauma. Also, according to the latest systematic review, there is a higher risk of GR in the course of OT in patients with a thin gingival phenotype, the presence of baseline GR, narrow keratinized gingiva, and thin and high mandibular symphysis, in particular when teeth are displaced outside the alveolar bone margin [4]. It has been evaluated that approximately 20% to 35% of patients may develop facial GR between 1 to 5 years after orthodontic treatment [5; 6; 7]. Mandibular incisors are most commonly affected [7]. This is the reason for the interdisciplinary ortho-perio treatment of patients with malocclusion and a thin periodontal phenotype. In 2017, the American Academy of Periodontology published a systematic review on the modification of the periodontal phenotype prior to OT, which recommended a corticotomy with particulate bone grafting, in order to augment the periodontal phenotype, accelerate teeth movement, and expand the scope of teeth movement [8]. Recently, new bone regeneration was observed on the labial alveolar bone after autogenous soft tissue grafting, which may prevent GR during OT and enhances the long-term stability of oral health [9]. However, there are no detailed guidelines for ortho-perio procedures and their timing in regard to the prevention and treatment of GR. In 2022, the results of a questionnaire concerning the approach to this subject among New Zealand orthodontists and periodontitis was published [10].