diabetes, smoking, nutritional deficiency and hormonal changes are also responsible. For the prevention and treatment of this disease, a proper knowledge on diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as, attitude about timely referral of the patient to a periodontist is important. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the perception about diagnosing and referring periodontal patients by general dentists in Taif to ensure proper treatment outcome. Materials and methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 general dentists practicing in Taif. Data collected from the questionnaire was analyzed using the computer software Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS 16. Results: About 78% of the general dentists are aware of the signs and symptoms of the periodontal disease. Majority of the general dentists choose oral hygiene instructions, scaling and polishing as the preferred treatment method. 39% general dentists feel that the increased life span of the teeth is resulted from a good surgical periodontal therapy, and majority of general dentists (75%) have a positive attitude to refer the patients to a periodontist for surgical procedures as evident in our study. Conclusion: As, a certain number of general dentists are not motivated in referring patients to a periodontist, this result is suggestive of the indication of upgrading the referral criteria of the patients to the periodontist to be implemented by the general dentists.