Recall appointments are used to foster continuity of care, detect new problems, provide preventive services, and evaluate the effectiveness of previous care. A recall system helps reinforce the need for ongoing preventive care to maintain oral health. Recall intervals should be tailored to each patient’s risk level. There is little or no scientific evidence that the traditional 6-month recall for all patients results in improved oral health.

Each patient should be offered the opportunity to be placed on recall status. You may wish to make higher levels of care (e.g., crowns, bridges, partial dentures) contingent upon patients keeping their recall appointment and maintaining adequate levels of oral hygiene during the recall interval.

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