Dental Chart
A standardized diagrammatic record documenting the condition, treatment history, and clinical findings for each tooth and associated oral structures.
Full Definition
A dental chart is the graphic or electronic record used to document existing restorations, missing teeth, pathological conditions, prosthetic appliances, and clinical measurements for each of a patient's teeth and surrounding tissues. It serves as both a legal document and a communication tool among members of the dental team. Editors must note that 'dental chart' and 'periodontal chart' are related but distinct documents; the periodontal chart specifically captures probing depths, recession, mobility, and furcation data. Formatting of tooth numbering systems (Universal, FDI, Palmer) must be consistently applied throughout a document.
Usage
Usage note: Confirm which tooth numbering system (Universal, FDI, or Palmer) the document employs and apply it consistently. Flag any inconsistencies between chart notation and narrative text.
In Context
- "The dental chart was updated to reflect the extraction of tooth #32 performed at the previous visit." — Patient Record
- "Ensure the dental chart consistently uses the Universal Numbering System throughout the document, as mixing it with FDI notation is a common editorial error." — Editorial Style Memo