Dental Charting

Objectives

Draw symbols that represent… Existing

Restorations Conditions

Blue

Treatment Needs to be completed

Red

Read and understand the symbols… Like English

Extremely accurate Charts are legal

documents. Used in court ID victims

Types of tooth charts.

Anatomic Looks like teeth May show roots

Geometric Small circles divided

into 5 sections Combination

See examples pg. 74 lab book.

Anatomical chart

Charting systems.

Two color charting Different colors

indicate…. Existing

Restorations Conditions

Proposed Tx

Red and Blue Commonly used!

Computer Different software

programs Many colors Default symbols

Can be customized Red / Blue Any color choices.

Key words…!

RED words Caries Decay To do Needs Fracture Abscess

BLUE words Existing Composite Amalgam Restoration Impacted Missing

Tooth surfaces.

Anterior Mesial Distal Facial / labial Incisal edge Lingual

Posterior Mesial Distal Facial / buccal Occlusal Lingual

Combining tooth surfaces.

Single surface B, O, L

2 or more posterior

MO, DO, MODBL

Anterior MI, DF, MIDFL

Rules for order1. Proximal surface 1st.

1. Mesial before Distal

2. Distal 1st if no Mesial

2. Occlusal / Incisal 2nd.1. 1st if No M or D

3. Side surfaces 3rd.1. Facial / buccal

2. Lingual is always Last

Cavity Classifications

Class I Anterior or Posterior Single surface

O, B, L

Can be 2 surfaces OL, OB

Will never involve.. M or D

Cavity Classifications

Class II Posterior teeth only Involves at least one

proximal surface. Examples…

MO, DO, MOD, MODBL

Cavity Classifications

Class III Anterior teeth only! Involves 1 proximal

surface. NO Incisal edge

Examples MF DL

Cavity Classifications

Class IV Anterior teeth only At least1 proximal

surface AND includes the

incisal edge Examples

MI DIF MIDFL

Cavity Classifications

Class V Anterior / Posterior

teeth Facial or Lingual

surface At the gumline

Gingival/cervical 1/3 of the crown.

Does not touch M or D

Cavity Classifications

Class VI Not one of the original

5 developed by GV Black

ADA added later Anterior / posterior

Occlusal surface Incisal edge Due to attrition /

abrasion

Rules of thumb!

Chart less not more…. If unsure, don’t chart it. We can add it later

Chart smaller not bigger We can make the

symbol larger later.

Ask questions if you are unsure.

Admit mistakes. Never diagnose. Be flexible to adjust to

new or different symbols you may learn.

Conclusion

This is your introduction to dental charting. It is your foundation to build your charting

knowledge. Accuracy is extremely important. When in doubt, ask questions. Any questions? Turn to page 27 in your lab book. Here we go…..