Average recall period for children (0–17 years) with risk of dental caries

Public dental health care is available to eligible Victorians through Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV).

When a child aged 0–17 is seen by a public dental health service, the dentist assesses the child as either high, moderate or low risk for dental caries (tooth decay).

The child is then placed on a recall list by the dentist based on this assessment, with high caries risk children recalled for a check-up/follow-up first.

Tap the buttons below for specific data about the average recall period for children aged 0–17, with either at high or low risk of dental caries. The recall period is the time (in months) between the date the patient is placed on the recall list and the date the patient is offered care.

Scroll down for more information about the data (measures).

About the data:

The above measures look at:

  • average recall period for children (0–17 years) at high risk of dental caries
  • average recall period for children (0–17 years) at low risk of dental caries.

About average recall period for children (0–17 years) at high risk of dental caries

The public health service dentist, dental or oral health therapist will have assessed a child as high caries risk, meaning they are most likely to develop tooth decay. The 2022-23 statewide target period for having this child recalled to the dentist, dental or oral health therapist is 12 months. The 2023–24 statewide target has not been finalised. 

This measure is also known as 'Average recall interval for high caries risk eligible clients'.

About average recall period for children (0–17 years) at low risk of dental caries

The public health service dentist, dental or oral health therapist will have assessed a child as low caries risk, meaning they are less likely to develop tooth decay. The 2022-23 statewide target period for having this child recalled to the dentist, dental or oral health therapist is 24 months. The 2023–24 statewide target has not been finalised. 

This measure is also known as 'Average recall interval for low caries risk eligible clients'.

Notes