Odontogram
Pronunciation: /ɒˈdɒn.tə.ɡræm/
A diagrammatic chart of the full dentition used to record the existing condition, restorations, and pathology of each tooth.
Full Definition
An odontogram (also called a dental chart or tooth chart) is a schematic representation of all teeth — typically depicted as anatomical diagrams or numbered boxes — on which dental professionals annotate existing restorations, caries, missing teeth, prosthetics, and other clinical findings using standardised notation. It is a core component of the patient's dental record and serves as both a baseline assessment and a reference for treatment planning. Editors reviewing clinical records must be careful not to alter, reformat, or 'correct' the symbolic notation within odontograms, as each symbol carries specific clinical meaning. The term should not be used interchangeably with 'periodontal chart,' which records gingival health data rather than tooth conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred technical term in clinical records; 'dental chart' is acceptable in patient-facing or administrative documents.
In Context
- "The hygienist updated the odontogram to reflect the two amalgam restorations placed at the patient's last visit." — Clinical patient record
- "Do not reformat the odontogram's symbolic notation when converting the record to a new practice management template." — Editorial style guide