Recall Interval
The scheduled period between routine dental examination or maintenance appointments, used as an independent variable in longitudinal dental research.
Full Definition
The recall interval refers to the time elapsed between successive dental check-up or supportive periodontal therapy visits, commonly expressed in months (e.g., three-month, six-month, or twelve-month intervals). In clinical research, the recall interval is frequently studied as a variable affecting caries incidence, periodontal status, or implant survival. Editors must verify that the interval is stated in numerical terms rather than vague descriptors such as 'regular' or 'frequent'. When reporting compliance, the manuscript should distinguish between the prescribed and the actual recall interval. The term should not be confused with a study's follow-up period, which describes the overall observation window.
Usage
Usage note: Do not substitute 'recall period' for 'recall interval' without verification; some authors use 'period' to refer to the entire study window rather than the gap between visits.
In Context
- "Subjects were randomised to a three-month or six-month recall interval for the duration of the 24-month study." — Randomised controlled trial protocol
- "The recall interval must be explicitly defined in the methods section; references to 'standard recall' are insufficiently specific for a research document." — Editorial feedback