Communicating with Parents pt.3

Along with the above explanation and use of the proper equipment, the dentist should follow guidelines shown in Table 1. The guidelines are recommended by the American Dental Association.

Table 1.
Patient Category	Child		Adolescent
Patient Category	Primary Dentition (Prior to eruption of the first permanent tooth)	Transitional Dentition (Following eruption of the 1st permanent tooth)	Permanent Dentition (Prior to the eruption of the third molars)
New Patient
All new patients in order to assess dental disease & growth development	Posterior bitewing examination of proximal surfaces of primary teeth cannot be visualized or probed.	Individualized radiographic examination consisting of perioapical/occlusal views and posterior bitewings or panoramic examination and posterior bitewings.	Individualized radiographic examination consisting of posterior bitewings and selected periapicals. A complete mouth radiographic examination is appropriated when the patient presents with clinical evidence of generalized dental disease or a history of excessive dental treatment.
Recall Patient
Clinical caries or high risk factors.	Posterior bitewing examination at 6 month intervals or until no carious lesions are evident.		Posterior bitewing examination at 6 to 12 month intervals or until no carious lesions are evident.
No clinical caries and no high risk factors for caries.	Posterior bitewing examination at 12 to 24 month intervals.		Posterior bitewing examination at 18 to 36 month intervals
Periodontal disease, or a history of periodontal therapy.	Individualized radiographic examination consisting of selected periapicals and posterior bitewings for areas where periodontal disease (other than non-specific gingivitis) can be demonstrated clinically..
Growth and development assessment.	Usually not indicated.	Individualized radiographic examination consisting of perioapical/occlusal or panoramic images.	Periapical or panoramic examination to assess developing third molars.