Dental Recall Intervals in General Dental Practice

Method: All general dental practitioners in Sheffield were asked to collect data for 50 patients including: their age; whether risk factors for oral disease were assessed; which risk factors were identified; whether a recall interval was determined; whether this was discussed with the patient; and whether the patient agreed with it.

Results: An 88% response rate was achieved, with data collected for 8312 patients. Overall 98% of patients were found to have a recall interval appropriate to their age. 96% of patients had their risk of oral disease assessed. The main risk factors for children were previous caries and poor diet. The most common risk factor for adults was previous periodontal disease, although medical and social history issues, low saliva rate and tooth wear were also common. Approximately one third (32%) of adult patients with no risk factors were being inappropriately recalled within 6 months. Regarding communication between dentists and patients, 91% of patients discussed their recall interval with the dentist, and 1% disagreed with the dentist. Patients who disagreed with the recall interval wanted 6-monthly scale and polishes, or to attend at the same interval as their children or spouses. Others wished to attend less frequently due to cost, or only wanted treatment when in pain.

Conclusion: Routine 6-monthly recalls were still the norm in many practices. Recommendations were made to aid implementation of NICE recall guidance into routine clinical practice and manage patients' expectations and concerns.