Dental Charting
The systematic recording of clinical findings for each tooth and its surrounding structures within a standardized notation format.
Full Definition
Dental charting is the process by which clinicians record the condition of each tooth — including restorations, pathology, mobility, and periodontal status — in a structured document used for diagnosis, treatment planning, and medico-legal records. Charts may use the FDI Two-Digit System, the Universal Numbering System, or the Palmer Notation, and editors must be consistent within any single document. Symbols, abbreviations, and color codes vary by practice and must be defined in any editorial or instructional text that references them.
Usage
Usage note: Editors should verify that the notation system used in a charting document is declared and applied consistently; mixing FDI and Universal numbering within one document is a common error.
In Context
- "Accurate dental charting is a medico-legal requirement and must reflect the patient's oral status at the time of examination." — Clinical governance policy document
- "The dental charting template was updated to align with the 2017 AAP/EFP periodontal classification system." — Practice management software manual