Children may need more frequent check-ups

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence says that the interval between appointments should be tailored to each patient's needs.

Some patients with more problems with their teeth would see their dentist more frequently, whilst others might not need to see their dentist as often.

NICE recommends the interval for adults should be between three and 24 months.

For under-18s the interval should be between three and 12 months.

Welcome change

The guideline should get dentists and their patients talking to each other more about oral health. Peter Wilkins

Dentists have welcomed the move as 'common sense'.

There has been mounting concerns about a shortage of dentists.

We have always believed the frequency of dental check-ups should be based on the individual patient. A spokeswoman for the British Dental Association

In some regions of the UK, hundreds of people have had to queue in the streets to sign up with a new NHS dentist.

A report for the Department of Health in July said there was a shortage of 1,850 dentists in England alone in 2003.

Extending the interval between routine check-ups for those with good oral health would free up dentists' time to treat those who have problems with their teeth.

Peter Wilkins, of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners, worked on the new guidelines.

He said: "This guideline should help ensure consistency in the way patients' check-ups are handled throughout the country.

"The guideline should get dentists and their patients talking to each other more about oral health and agreeing together how often the patient should come in for a check-up.

"Whilst this guideline may mean that some people see their dentist less often for check-ups, it is important to stress that patients can, and should, come back and see their dentist sooner if they experience any problems with their teeth between check-ups."

Dentists' reaction

Ralph Davies, of the British Dental Association, welcomed the new guidelines.

He said: "The BDA has always held that the frequency of dental check-ups should be based on the individual patient, not a 'one size fits all' system.

"How often you need an examination should be based on what is best for you as a patient and the clinical judgement of your dentist.

"NICE has also called for more research to be carried out on this subject and the BDA strongly supports this."

Professor Raman Bedi, the chief dental officer for England, said oral health had improved dramatically during the last 30 years.

"Routine visits to the dentist every six months are no longer necessary for everyone, due to the use of fluoride toothpaste and better oral health education."

The guidance will only cover NHS dental services in England and Wales.