Dental early detection examinations Z1 to Z6 for children: What parents should know

Even small teeth can get cavities. It's good if the dentist regularly takes a look into the child's mouth. What parents should know about Z examinations.

For children up to the age of six, there are six preventive examinations in the dental practice - Z1 to Z6. Photo: Julian Stratenschulte/dpa

Munich. Are the teeth of the offspring doing well? What can we as parents pay attention to when brushing the baby or toddler's teeth? For the dental early detection examinations Z1 to Z6, answers are provided by the professional - the dentist.

Since the beginning of 2026, the Z examinations have been included in the so-called yellow booklet. The first examination in the dentist's office, the Z1, takes place between the sixth and ninth month of life. “Parents in particular are given thorough advice,” says Johanna Kant from the Federal Association of Pediatric Dentists. A quick look into the little ones' mouths is usually enough.

A background to the Z examinations: early childhood caries should be detected early in order to be able to intervene in a timely manner. Plus: The children should get used to visiting the dentist from an early age and learn: “This appointment is a regular part of it.”

With toys and cuddly toys

The association chairwoman knows that pediatric dentists make these appointments very child-friendly. For the little ones, this starts with an examination in the “Hoppe rider position”. “Some people are still very strange, so we first talk to the parents and slowly get closer to the child,” says the expert.

Two and three year olds can bring their stuffed toy or a hand puppet can be used. “At the end, the children get a small plastic mirror for their doctor’s kit,” reports the doctor from her practice. “The whole thing is very playful.”

Can the child also go to the “normal” dentist?

Now there is not a pediatric dentist everywhere. Then it's good to know: "Any dentist can examine a small child," says Johanna Kant. She recommends that parents ask their own dentist whether they can also make an appointment for their small child.

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