Can I see another general dentist if I have been referred to a specialist?

Yes you can! But it depends on your case. Not all general dentists have the same skill sets and experience. From only performing basic dentistry to complex dentistry that involves multiple disciplines, the range of capability between dentists can vary widely.

It is extremely rare to find a general dentist who can perform the entire range of procedures specialists can, so there is a role for specialists in the field. Also, specialists have been trained at a higher level than general dentists. An analogy would be that specialists are supercars, whereas general dentists are everything below. There are situations where a supercar is needed like in a race, and you can certainly use it for everyday driving, but it could be seen as overkill.

It is very difficult for you to judge whether your situation warrants seeing a specialist and it depends on whether the general dentist you consult with is able to handle it.