Recall compliance and incidence of dental caries among underserved children

J Calif Dent Assoc. 2015 Feb;43(2):77-81.

Abstract

Regular dental recall intervals are widely recommended by dentists in the U.S. to prevent caries and improve periodontal health. However, there is some debate on whether or not compliance with six-month or more frequent recall intervals results in reduced incidence of dental caries. This study examines whether compliance with regular recall and receipt of cleanings, exams and patient education reduces rates of new decay in underserved children and finds a positive impact.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • DMF Index
  • Dental Care*
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control*
  • Dental Prophylaxis
  • Dental Restoration, Permanent
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Los Angeles
  • Male
  • Medically Underserved Area*
  • Oral Hygiene / education
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Poverty
  • Pulpotomy
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • Time Factors
  • Tooth Extraction
  • Tooth Loss / prevention & control
  • Toothbrushing / methods