Do I Really Need Twice-Yearly Dental Check-Ups? A Dentist Explains

For years, most of us have grown up hearing the same line at the dentist:
“See you again in six months.”

But here’s the truth — not everyone needs to be seen twice a year.
And a good private dentist won’t automatically book you in every six months just because “that’s what everyone does.” Instead, they’ll tailor the frequency of your check-ups and hygiene appointments to your teeth, your risk factors, and your lifestyle.

So if you’ve ever wondered whether you genuinely need two check-ups a year — or if once annually might be enough — this guide breaks it down.

Where did the “twice a year” rule even come from?

You might be surprised to hear this: the six-month rule isn’t actually based on hard science. It became a widely accepted standard because it works as a safe, convenient guideline for the general population.

But dentistry has evolved.
We now understand oral health on a much deeper level — and we know that risk isn’t the same for everyone.

That’s why modern dentists look at your mouth as a whole picture, not a calendar reminder.

So… who actually needs to be seen twice a year?

The short answer:
People with moderate to high oral health risks benefit most from twice-yearly check-ups — sometimes even more frequently.

You might fall into this category if you have:

• A history of gum disease

• Recurrent cavities

• Lots of existing dental work, fillings, or crowns

• Dry mouth (from medication or health conditions)

• Smoking or vaping habits

• High sugar/acid intake

• Inconsistent oral hygiene

• Orthodontic appliances

• Chronic inflammation or systemic health issues (e.g., diabetes)

For these patients, every 6 months (or a personalised variation like 2 hygiene visits + 1 dentist each year) helps keep problems small — before they become costly or painful.

Who only needs annual dental appointments?

Surprisingly many people fall into this group — and private dentists who prioritise ethical, preventative care will tell you so.

You could be safely seen once a year if you:

• Rarely get cavities

• Have healthy gums

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene

• Have low dietary risk

• Don’t have dental restorations that require monitoring

• Don’t smoke or vape

• Have a stable bite and no symptoms

For these patients, an annual check-up plus one hygiene appointment is often perfectly sufficient.

Remember:
It’s about your risk, not a blanket rule.

Why your hygiene visits might differ from your dental check-ups

Dentists and hygienists play different roles.
A hygienist focuses on removing plaque and tartar, reducing inflammation, and keeping your gums stable. A dentist monitors structural health, decay, bite, soft tissue changes, and early signs of disease.

This means you may follow something like:

• 1 dentist + 2 hygiene visits per year

• 2 dentist + 1 hygiene visit

• 1 dentist + 1 hygiene visit

• or, in rare cases, more frequent visits if gum disease is active

A good dentist isn’t trying to get you in the chair unnecessarily — they’re simply matching the plan to your mouth.

Why a tailored approach matters more than a rule

Here’s what a tailored recall schedule does that the “6-month rule” can’t:

• Prevents overtreatment
  (You’re not being invited back “just because.”)

• Prevents undertreatment
  (High-risk patients aren’t waiting too long between checks.)

• Saves you money
  (No paying for appointments you don’t need.)

• Fits your lifestyle
  (If one visit a year works for you, great.)

• Protects your long-term oral health
  (High-risk patients get the support they need, early.)

Dentistry should never be a one-size-fits-all service — and if your dentist treats it that way, you’re missing out on personalised care.

Want clarity on how often you need to be seen?

If you feel unsure about your recall schedule, or you’ve been told different things by different dentists, you can upload photos and ask one of the Nova team for impartial guidance.