Dental Chart
Definition
A systematic tooth-by-tooth record of the clinical state of a dentition, including restorations, missing teeth, prosthetics, pathology, and morphological features. Both ante-mortem and postmortem dental records are types of dental chart.
- Format
- Graphical or tabular record of tooth-by-tooth clinical state
- Key data captured
- Present teeth, restorations, missing teeth, prosthetics, pathology, morphological features
- Forensic use
- Antemortem and postmortem dental charts are compared for identification of human remains
Common questions
What exactly goes into a dental chart?+
A dental chart is a tooth-by-tooth record that documents the clinical state of someone's teeth. It includes which teeth are present, what restorations they have (like fillings or crowns), any missing teeth or prosthetics, pathology (disease), and morphological features. It captures the complete picture of the dentition at the time of examination.
Why do forensic experts care about dental charts?+
Dental records are unique and highly specific to each person, making them powerful tools for identification. Both antemortem charts (from a person's lifetime dentist visits) and postmortem charts (created during a forensic examination) can be compared to establish identity or rule out individuals.
What's the difference between antemortem and postmortem dental records?+
Antemortem records are the graphical or tabular records made by a patient's dentist during routine care, showing the state of their teeth at that time. Postmortem records are created by a forensic expert during examination of remains. Comparing the two helps identify human remains.
Related terms
- Ante-Mortem Record
- Any dental document created during a person's lifetime: clinical charts, radiographs (periapical, panoramic, bitewing), photographs, study models, and treatment notes. These are...
- Charting Convention
- The set of symbols, abbreviations, and layout rules a dental practice uses to record findings. Conventions vary between countries, training systems, and...
- Coroner's Warrant
- A legal instrument issued by a coroner or medical examiner authorising the retrieval of records relevant to a death investigation, including dental...
- Full-Mouth Radiographic Series
- A complete set of periapical and bitewing radiographs covering all teeth, typically 18 to 20 images. The most forensically useful AM record...
- INTERPOL DVI
- The INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification process, governed by the INTERPOL DVI Guide (current edition 2018). Dental data are recorded on colour-coded forms:...
- Pontic
- The artificial tooth in a fixed bridge that spans the gap left by a missing tooth. The pontic is not attached to...
- Postmortem Dental Record
- The dental chart completed by a forensic odontologist during examination of deceased remains. Created under autopsy or scene conditions, often from partially...
- Prosthetic Laboratory Prescription
- The written order from a dentist to a dental laboratory specifying the design, materials, and dimensions of a crown, bridge, or denture....
- Record Translation
- The process of converting AM records made in one charting system (e.g., Palmer notation) into the notation system used by the PM...
- Restoration Surface
- The specific face(s) of a tooth carrying a filling or other restoration. Surfaces are abbreviated M (mesial), D (distal), O (occlusal), B...
Explained in these topics
- Dental Charting and the Postmortem Dental RecordA systematic tooth-by-tooth record of the clinical state of a dentition, including restorations, missing teeth, prosthetics, pathology, and morphological featu...
- Obtaining and Interpreting Antemortem RecordsA graphical or tabular record of the state of a patient's dentition at the time of examination: which teeth are present, what restorations they carry, and any...