Dental Charting
The systematic recording of a patient's dental status using standardised notation, numbering systems, and symbols on a chart.
Full Definition
Dental charting is the process of documenting the condition of each tooth, associated soft tissues, and restorations using an agreed-upon notation system. In the UK, the FDI (Fédération Dentaire Internationale) Two-Digit system is standard, while the USA uses the Universal Numbering System. Editors must be familiar with both systems to catch numbering errors when editing charts, referral letters, or medicolegal reports that cite specific tooth positions. Charting also records findings such as missing teeth, restorations, mobility, and probing depths. Inconsistencies between a narrative report and its associated chart are a common editorial trap.
Usage
Usage note: Always confirm which tooth numbering system (FDI, Universal, or Palmer) is in use before editing clinical documents. Mixing systems within one document is a serious editorial error.
In Context
- "The dental charting indicated that tooth 37 was missing, contradicting the narrative which referenced it as restored." — Medicolegal dental report
- "Editors should verify that the FDI numbering used in the charting is consistent throughout the referral letter." — Specialist referral letter