Palmer Notation
A tooth numbering system using a quadrant grid symbol and a number (or letter for primary teeth) to identify individual teeth.
Full Definition
Palmer Notation, also known as the grid system, divides the dentition into four quadrants using a right-angle bracket symbol, with numbers 1–8 representing permanent teeth from central incisor to third molar, and letters A–E for primary teeth. It remains widely used in the United Kingdom and Ireland and is frequently encountered in NHS dental forms. Editors must note that this system cannot be represented in plain text without special Unicode characters, which may create formatting challenges in digital documents. It should not be confused with the Universal Numbering System used predominantly in the United States.
Usage
Usage note: When editing UK NHS dental documents, verify that Palmer Notation symbols render correctly in the target format; in plain-text or HTML environments, FDI notation is often the safer alternative.
In Context
- "The referral letter used Palmer Notation throughout, which required Unicode bracket characters to display correctly in the electronic system." — NHS dental referral document
- "Dental students in the UK are typically taught Palmer Notation before the FDI Two-Digit System." — Dental education curriculum guide