The use and understanding of dental notation systems in UK and Irish dental hospitals

Aim To identify the types of dental notation systems used in dental hospitals, and their perceived advantages and disadvantages. In addition, to record the dental notation used in patient referral letters.Method A self-completed questionnaire survey asking about the use of dental notation systems was distributed to 16 dental hospitals in the UK and Ireland in the summer of 2016. In addition, dentist referrals to the Restorative Dentistry department of the University Dental Hospital of Manchester were sequentially assessed for the dental notation used.Results Twelve hospitals replied. In order of frequency, the notation systems in use were the Alphanumeric, the Palmer, and the Federation Dentaire Internationale system. No hospital used the Universal system. Perceived advantages and disadvantages of each of the different systems were volunteered. One hundred and twenty-four referral letters were assessed and 100 were identified where dental notation was used. The majority used Alphanumeric notation.Conclusion A variety of dental notation systems remain in use in dental hospitals. The move to electronic recording and communication of information regarding teeth is encouraging the use of the Alphanumeric system. General dental practitioners are predominantly using the Alphanumeric system as their notation of choice in referral letters to the Restorative Dentistry department in Manchester.