How do I run a recall list for periodic check-ups?
The recall list shows the patients whose periodic check-up is due and who have no upcoming appointment. The front desk works through it and marks each patient as contacted. Below you will see how to set it up, step by step.
Short answer
- Set the recall interval for each type of check-up, for example a general check-up every 6 months and scaling every 12 months.
- The recall list is built from each patient's last visit, so you can see who is due for a check-up.
- The recall list shows patients whose check-up is due, so the front desk can contact them in good time.
- The front desk works through the list and marks each patient as contacted; the platform does not send these reminders automatically.
- The contacted mark shows your team which patients are still waiting for a check-up.
Setup steps
- Define the recall interval for each type of check-up: general check-up, scaling, orthodontic follow-up.
- Choose the interval for each type, for example 6 or 12 months.
- Review the recall list, which is built from the last-visit dates in the patient records.
- Work through the recall list each week and mark each patient as contacted.
Practical example
Example: a practice sets a 6-month interval for general check-ups. A patient's last visit was on February 1, so the patient appears on the recall list from August 1. The front desk contacts the patient and marks them as contacted, and the appointment is booked in the calendar with the chosen dentist.
Common mistakes
- Setting a single recall rule for all treatments, even though general check-ups and orthodontic follow-up need different intervals.
- Marking patients as contacted without booking their next check-up, so the recall never closes.
- Not working through the recall list regularly, so patients who are due for a check-up are never called.
How 4dental helps
- Recall intervals set for each type of check-up.
- A recall list of patients whose check-up is due and who have no upcoming appointment.
- A contacted mark on each patient, so the team knows who has already been called.