Recall and review
Set review intervals from individual risk, disease activity and need to monitor treatment; explain why the interval was chosen.
Understand
Recall is a planned oral health review, distinct from an unscheduled visit or a treatment appointment. Disease activity, new risks and patient capacity make the interval dynamic.
Assess
Review what has happened since the last visit: new lesions, periodontal change, self-care, medication and social factors. A stable patient and a high-risk patient need different plans.
Apply
Choose and document an individual interval using current NICE guidance and local policy, with earlier review for a specific unresolved concern.
Key distinctions
Recall is a decision about planned review in a changing risk context. A separate short-term review may be needed to confirm lesion healing, assess pulpal symptoms or inspect a surgical site. Explain the difference so the patient does not assume the next routine check-up is sufficient for a current concern.
Think through a case
A stable patient develops new xerostomia after a medication change. Their previous recall interval may now be unsuitable as caries risk changes.
The distinction to remember
Do not confuse the recall review interval with the timing of review for a specific unresolved lesion or treatment outcome.
Test your recall
Should every patient have the same recall interval?
Show answer
No; it should reflect individual needs and risk.