Comprehensive Oral Exams

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that new dental patients have a thorough exam on their first visit to their new dentist. Existing patients are advised to undergo the exam every three years. Undergoing a comprehensive oral exam will take a whole appointment.

The ADA defines a ‘comprehensive exam’ as “an extensive evaluation and the recording of all extraoral, intraoral, and soft tissues.”

The ADA defines a ‘periodic oral exam’ as “an exam that is done on existing patients to determine any changes in health and dental status since a previous comprehensive or periodic evaluation.”