Procedures
Periodic exam
Also called recall exam, routine exam, checkup
A routine check of teeth, gums and soft tissues for existing patients, usually done at recall visits.
A periodic exam is the regular checkup for an established patient. The dentist looks over the teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues of the mouth, compares what they see with past records, and checks for new decay, gum problems or changes worth watching. It is shorter than a first-time comprehensive exam. Many offices schedule it on the same day as the cleaning, and insurance plans often limit how many are covered each year.
Example at the front desk
Please put Mr. Ortiz in for a cleaning and periodic exam, since his last full exam was recent.