CLASS 1

This classification is for patients who do not require dental treatment or reevaluation within 12 months. Class 1 patients must meet these conditions:

No dental caries or defective restorations.

Arrested caries for which treatment is not indicated.

Healthy periodontium, no bleeding on probing; oral prophylaxis not indicated.

Replacement of missing teeth not indicated.

Unerupted, partially erupted, or malposed teeth that are without historical, clinical, or radiographic signs or symptoms of pathosis and are not recommended for prophylactic (preventive) removal.

Absence of temporomandibular disorders; stable occlusion.

CLASS 2

Class 2 is the classification for patients who have oral conditions that the examining dentist feels if not treated or followed up, have the potential but are not expected to result in dental emergencies within 12 months.

CLASS 3

Class 3 is the classification for patients who have oral conditions that the examining dentist expects will result in dental emergencies within 12 months if not treated. Patients should be placed in class 3 when there are questions in determining classification between class 2 and class 3.

CLASS 4

Class 4 is the classification for patients who require a dental examination. This includes patients who require annual or other required dental examinations and patients whose dental classifications are unknown.

DESIGNATIONS, CHARTING, AND ABBREVIATIONS

The designations and abbreviations are to be used when making entries in a patient's EZ603 or EZ603A (dental continuation sheet). The names of permanent and deciduous teeth and numbers that correspond with them have been discussed in Dental Technician, Volume 1, chapter 4.

TOOTH SURFACES

The following designation of tooth surfaces are used to record pathologic conditions and subsequent restoration of teeth: Surface

Designation Facial (labial and buccal) F Lingual L Occlusal Mesial O M Distal Incisal D

I Combinations of the designations must be used to identify and locate caries, and to record treatment plans, operations, or restorations in the teeth involved; for example, 8-MID would refer to the mesial, incisal, and distal aspects of a right maxillary central incisor; 22-DF, the distal and facial aspects of a left mandibular cuspid; and 30-MODF, the mesial, occlusal, distal, and facial aspects of a right mandibular first molar.

GENERAL CHARTING

As a Dental Technician, a large portion of your time during an examination involves recording existing restorations and current diseases and abnormalities in the patient's dental records. You must fully understand how and where to record this information. Dental chart markings have been standardized so the original dental condition, diseases and abnormalities (treatment needed), and treatments completed may be identified. This assists in efficient continuity of treatment and may establish identification in certain circumstances.

STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

The use of standard abbreviations and acronyms is not mandatory, but it is desirable for expediency. Dental forms used to record dental treatment have limited amounts of space to write on. Use only abbreviations and acronyms that will not be misinterpreted. When you record treatment, ensure you correctly spell all terms. Well known medical and scientific signs and symbols such as: Rx (prescription),