Dental Charting — Palmer Notation
A tooth numbering system using a grid of quadrant symbols and numbers 1–8 (or letters A–E for primary teeth) to identify individual teeth, widely used in UK clinical practice.
Full Definition
Palmer notation (also known as the grid or Zsigmondy–Palmer system) uses a cross (+) symbol divided into four quadrants to represent the mouth. Permanent teeth are numbered 1–8 from the midline in each quadrant; primary teeth are lettered A–E. A tooth is designated by combining its number or letter with the appropriate quadrant symbol drawn around it. In typed or digital clinical records, quadrant symbols are commonly represented using brackets and slashes (e.g., UR1 for upper-right central incisor). Editors working on UK dental records will encounter this system frequently and must distinguish it from the FDI two-digit system.
Usage
Usage note: UK dental records predominantly use Palmer notation. Editors should not conflate Palmer notation with the FDI two-digit system. In typed text, teeth are often written as UR1, UL3, LR6 etc.; ensure the convention is applied consistently throughout a document.
In Context
- "Using Palmer notation, the upper-right first molar is recorded as UR6 in typed clinical correspondence." — Clinical correspondence style guide
- "The referral alternated between Palmer and FDI notation; the editor standardised to Palmer throughout." — Editorial review note