Reevaluation of the Dental Patient

     Reevaluation as described here refers to a recall visit where the main intent is to see the extent to which you have satisfied the patient's chief complaint. If you have not, then you must discover what must be done to make the patient happy. If the patient is pleased that their chief complaint is satisfied, then it may be time to begin a comprehensive oral exam with the associated necessary records. This may also be initially accomplished during a prophy. The point of the reevaluation is therefore twofold: confirm satisfaction of the chief complaint and then begin more comprehensive care. The reevaluation visit itself, without making any records, should be a free visit.

     It is not unusual for a patient to want to take a break from dentistry at this point and want some quiet time away from the dental drill. This is completely understandable. If this is the patient's wish then make sure you know when their last prophy date was and ask if they would like to be reminded by you to come in at the six month cycle for a cleaning. You want to get a patient cognizant of being part of some recall cycle and even ask for their input. Avoid being pushy. Be informative and inquisitive about their individual desires.