Dental Practice Abbreviations
Content
2nd Edition 2008
© 2008 American Dental Association
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
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Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Acknowledgements This publication was developed by the Council on Dental Practice. Principal staff contributions were made by Dr. Pamela Porembski, senior manager, Special Projects, Ms. Joan Dietrich, manager, Dental Team Activities & Publications and Ms. Jennifer Fraga, coordinator, Dental Team Activities and Special Projects all in the Council on Dental Practice; and Mr. Tom Elliott in the Legal Department.
The Council on Dental Practice Mission Statement The mission of the Council on Dental Practice is to recommend policies and provide resources to empower our members to continue development of the dental practice, and to enhance their personal and professional lives for the betterment of the dental team and the patients they serve.
Disclaimer This publication of the American Dental Association is offered as information only and not as legal or other professional professional advice. Persons reviewi reviewing ng this material material need to consult with their own own personal advisors for such advice. advice. Issues identified identified for consi consideration deration may or may not be important to your personal decisions.
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
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Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Introduction: Abbreviations, acronyms and symbols are often used in dental charting or in dental publications as a convenience. The Council Council on Dental Practice (CDP) (CDP) maintains this listing listing of dental abbreviations, symbols and acronyms in others an effort give uniformity foruse authors, educators, practitioners, oral health care students and whotomay have a need to or know common dental and dental-related abbreviations, symbols and acronyms. You will notice that there may be more than one meaning for an abbreviation and/or acronym, or more than one common way to abbreviate abbreviate a term. The lists provided here ref reflect lect current usage as reported to the Council on Dental Practice. It is always important important to keep in mind the context of the entry when using or interpreting an abbreviation or acronym. The Council recommends that dentists select their own approved list of abbreviations, symbols and/or acronyms for their offices. offices. This list should be made part part of your office polici policies es so that all team members use uniform terminology. A form is provided for this purpose in this publication. publication. Dentists may wish to consider making this form available when complying with a patient’s or other lawful request for records. Acronyms, abbreviations and symbols selected should have single meanings in your office. Dentists should should avoid using abbreviations, symbol symbols s or acronyms that are obscure. Unique abbreviations, symbols or acronyms may not be understood by others and may cause a variety of problems in both a clinical and legal setting. If there is any doubt about the understanding of an abbreviation, symbol or acronym, acronym, it should not be used. Dentists are advised to consult wit with h their own legal counsel, professional liability insurers or risk management representatives for specific advice. Abbreviations or acronyms should not be used on patient informed consent forms. Dentists are also advised to refrain from using using abbreviations when writ writing ing prescriptions for patient patients. s. While these may be commonly used in charting, prescriptions given to patients should be completely legible and no abbreviations should be used. Recommendations from the National Coordinating Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) are included in this text. Finally, this listing listing is not complete. Comments and suggestions from reader readers s regarding additions or deletions to future editions of this publication publication are welcome. Please submit your comm comments ents or suggestions to: Mail: Mail: Council on Dental Practice Attn: Senior Manager of S Special pecial Projects Projects 211 E. Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 Fax:: 312-440-2924 Fax E-mail:: [email protected] E-mail
Pamela Porembski DDS Senior Manager, Special Projects nd 2 Edition Editor
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Contents Table of Contents
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Page
Mission Statement of the Council on Dental Practice & Disclaimer ............. Disclaimer ........................... ........................... .......................... ........................... ........................... .......................... ........................... ................ .. 2
Introduction Introdu ction .......................... ....................................... ........................... ........................... .......................... ........................... ........................... ............... 3
Commonly Commonl y Used Dental Charting Charting Abbreviations Abbreviations and Symbols ......................... ............................. .... 5
Commonly Commonl y Used Dental Acronyms Acronyms ......................... ..................................... ......................... .......................... ................... ...... 21
ADA Agency Acronyms ..................... .......... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ........... 31
Designations Designa tions for Teeth (Tooth Numbering)................... Numbering)................................ .......................... ......................... ............ 35
Prescriptions Prescri ptions Writing Recommendations Recommendations of NCC MERP .......................... .................................... .......... 36
Alphabetical Index of Commonly Com monly Used Dental Abbreviations Abbrev iations ...................... ........... .................. ....... 39
Template Templat e for Personalized Personalized List of Abbreviations, Abbreviations, Symbols & Acronyms............. 50
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
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Commonly Used Dental Charting Abbreviations and Symbols Symbol / "X" or "=" /kg /lb
Meaning per missing tooth or pontic per kilogram per pound rotated counterclockwise rotated clockwise lesser than greater than change; diagnosis differential diagnosis check approximately equal fracture increased decreased
< >
°C °F 1° or 1 2° or 2 + (number)
no dif differ ference ence diastema open contact drifted mesially drifted distally Celsius Fahrenheit female male primary secondary degree of mobility
6MR
six month recall
^
midline midline
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
ABBREV-
WORD OR TERM
IATION
A
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algin
alginate
ALL
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Leukemia
alv
alveol(us) (ar)
a
before
alvect
alveolectomy
A(LFH)
alvy AM
alveolectomy before noon
am
amalgam
AAA
(Anterior) Low Lower er Facial He Height ight [anterior nasal spine-menton] (Anterior) Total Total Face Height [nasion-menton] Abdominal Aort Aortic ic Aneurysm
AM BU
amalgam buildup
ab
abutment
Amal
amalgam
abc
abscess
AMO
Anterior Maxillary Maxillary Osteotomy
ABCD
amp
amputation
abf
Asymmetry, Borders, Borders, Color, Diameter abfraction
An
Angle
abn
abnormal
ANB
A point Nasion B point
abr
abrasion
anes
anesthesia; anesthetic
ant
anterior
abs abut
abscess abutment
ante
before
Ac
acute
ANUG
ac
before meals
aob
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis alcohol on breath
acc
accessory
AP
adult prophylaxis
ACM
Acetaminophen
AP
anterior-posterior
acr
acrylic
AP
Adult Periodont Periodontitis itis
acry
acrylic
AP
addicted patient
AD
Alzheimer's Di Disease sease
ap
apex
ADD
Attention Defi Deficit cit Disorder
APAP
ADHD
Attention Defi Deficit cit Hyperactivity Hyperactivity
apeo
acetaminophen, paracet paracetamol; amol; Nacetyl-para-aminophenol Apicoectomy
adj
Disorder adjust(ed) (ment)
APF
acidulated phosphate fluoride fluoride
adv
advanced
AED
Automatic Ext External ernal Defibrillator Defibrillator
AG
attached gingival
Ag
silver
Ag pt
silver point
AIDS
aq
water
air abr
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome air abrasion
AR
amalgam restoration
AL
attachment loss
ARC
AIDS Related Complex
alg
alginate
as lib
freely; as needed
ASA
aspirin; acetyl acetylsalicylic salicylic acid
A(TFH)
apico appl
apicoectomy; a ap pical root c ca anal surgery appliance
appl
application
appt
appointment
APT
Active Periodontal Periodontal Treatment
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
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asap
as soon as possible
BII
bridge supported by two implants
asst
assistant; dental assistant
bil
bilateral
asst
assorted
bi biss-gm gma a
bi bisp sphen henol ol-a -a-g -gly lyci cidy dyll meth methac acry ryla late te
atr
atrophy
bkt
bracket
att
attachment
BL
bone loss
attr
attrition
bldup
build up
atyp
atypical
BMS
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Au
gold
bn
bon(e) (y)
ausc
auscultation
BOP
bleeding on probing
aux
auxilliary
bp
blood pressure
av
avulsion
BR
by report
AVC
br
bridge
br
fixed partial denture
ave
Active Verti Vertical cal Corrector treatment average
br bx
brush biopsy
aver
average
brdg
bridge
avg
average
brdg
fixed partial denture
aw
arch wire
brk
bracket
aw adj
archwire adjustment
BRM
Biological Response M Mo odifier
AZT
Azidothymidine
brux
brux(er) (ism)
BSSO
Bilat ater eral al Sagi agitt ttal al Spl pliit Ost steo eottomy omy
BTI
bleeding time index
bu
build up
buc
buccal
BUN
Blood Urea Nitrogen level
bw
bitewing x-ray
bwx
bite wing x-ray
bwxr bx
bite wing x-ray biopsy
B B
buccal
b/u
build up
BA
broken appointment
bb
bad breath
BBTD
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
bbti
bisque bake try in
BC
bone crest
BD
bony defect
BD
base of defect
BD
buccal distal
BDF - H
bony defect fill – horizontal
BDF - V
bony defect fill – vertical
bf
bone fragment
bg
bone graft
BGW
bigonial width
bi
bicuspid
BI
biologic indicators
bid
twice a day
C c
C
with coarse
C&B
crown and bridge
C&S
culture and sensitivity
C/
complete upper denture
/C
complete lower denture
c/o
complaining of
ca
approximately
ca
circa
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
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CA
cancer
CLD
complete lower denture
CAB
Coronary Artery Bypass
cldy
cloudy
CAD
Coronary Artery Disease
CLP
cleft lip and palate
CAD/ CAM CAL
computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacture clinical attachment lle evel
clr
clear
cm
centimeter
calc
calculus
CMB
Chronic Mo Mouth Br Breathing
canc
cancel(lation)
cmpd
compound
CaOH
Calcium Hydroxide
CMV
cytomegalovirus
caps
capsules
CO
centric occlusion
car
caries
COC
Car Prev Tx carp
Caries Prevention Treatment
COD
Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst (Gorlin Cyst) condition on discharge
carpule
comp
complete
CAT
computerized axial tomography
comp
composite
cav CBC
cavity complete blood count
composite buildup
cc
caries control
Comp BU con bar conc
connector bar concentrat(e) (ion)
cc
chief complaint
cond
condition
cc
cubic centimeter
cong
congenital
CD
chemical dependency
cons
consultation
CE
cervical erosion
cons sed
conscious sedation
CEJ
cementoenamel jju unction
COPD
cem
cement(ation)
ceph
cephalometric image
COS
Chronic Ob Obstructive P Pu ulmonary Disease curve of Spee
ceram
ceramic
COW
curve of Wilson
CFA
craniofacial a an nalysis
CP
centric position
CHF
Congestive H He eart Fa Failure
CP
child prophylaxis
chk
check
CPAP
chk
observe
cpd
Continuous P Po ositive Ai Airway Pressure compound
chr
chronic
CPEC
cit acid
citric acid
CL
cleft lip
CL
crown lengthening
cl & sh
cleansing and shaping
cl I cl II cl III CL/CP
classification of jaw relation; Angle Class I classification of jaw relation; Angle Class II classification of jaw relation; Angle Class III III cleft lip, cleft palate
CPF
comprehensive per periodontal examination and charting coronally p po ositioned ffllap
CPR
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPT
Caries Pr Prevention T Trreatment
CR
centric relation
cr
crown
crl
cervical root lesion
crn
crown
crn lngth
crown lengthening
CRO
centric relation occlusion
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
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CRP
C-reactive protein
denthx
dental history
crs
coarse
desen
desentiz(ation) (e)
CS
coronal scaling
dev
CS
conscious sedation
CT
computerized tomography
DFDBA
develop demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft
CTS
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
cu
cause unknown
dfdg DFMT
differential diagnosis decayed, ffiilled or or mi missing tte eeth
CUD
complete upper denture
dg
diagnosis
cur
curettage
dh
dental history
CV
Curriculum Vitae
dhr
dental health record
CVA
Cerebral Vascular Accident
DI
distal incisal
Cx
control tooth
DI
Dentogenesis Imperfecta
dia
diameter
diag
diagnosis
D d
day
dias
diastema
d
depth
DigA
anterior d diigastric mu muscle
D
distal
dil
dilute
d/c
discontinue
dir
direct
d/c
discharged
disc
discussed
d/e
double ended instrument
dist
distal
d/w
discussed with
div
divide
D/W
dextrose/water
DJD
Degenerative Joint Disease
da
dental assistant
DK
caries
daw
dispense as written
DK
decay
DB
distal buccal
DL
distal lingual
DBA
dentin bonding agents
DM
Diabetes Mellitus
dnka
did not keep appointment
dbl DC
double dentigerous cyst
DO
distal occlusal
DD
differential d diiagnosis
dob
date of birth
DDR
direct d diigital ra radiography
DOB
distal occlusal buccal
debrd
debridement
DOF
distal occlusal facial
dec
decrease
DOT
directly observed therapy
dec
deciduous
dpc
direct pulp cap
decid
deciduous
dr
drain
decid
primary
drn
drain
def
defective
drs
dressing
del
deliver(ed)
drsg
dressing
demo
demonstrate
dent
dent(al) (istry)(ition)(ure)
dt dtr
decayed teeth denture
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
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du
drug user
e-surg
electro-surgery
dup
duplicate(d)
etch
acid etch
DV
domestic violence
etiol
etiology
DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis
ETS
environmental tobacco smoke
dwt
pennyweight
eug
eugenol
dx
diagnosis
eval
evaluat(ion) (e)
DZP
diazepam
Ex
examination
ex.
example
exam
examination
exc
excision
excs
excision
exf
exfoliat(e) (ion) (ive)
exp
expos(ed) (ure)
ext
extract(ion)
ext bl
external bleaching
extr
extruded
E E
extraction
E&E
excavate and evaluate
e.g.
for example
ea
each
EAL
electronic apex locator
EBV
Epstein-Barr Virus
ECC
early childhood caries
ecf
extended care facility
ECM
extra-cellular matrix
ED
effective dose
F
facial
EDA
Ectodermal dysplasia
f
fine
edent
edentulous
F
fluoride
EGF
Epidermal Growth Factor
F
failed appointment
EM
Erythema Multiforma
F/
maxillary full denture
emerg
emergency
/F
mandibular full denture
EMG
F/C
EMO
electromyogram edentulous mandibular overdenture
fever or chills full maxillary denture over full mandibular denture
endo EO
endodontics extraoral
F/L
EOP
Early On Onset Pe Periodontal d diisease
F/P
full lower denture full maxillary denture over partial mandibular denture
epi
epinephrine
F/U
full upper denture
epin
epinephrine
f/u
follow up
epith
epitheli(um) (al)
fa
failed appointment
EPT
electric pulp test
fac
facing
eq pts
equal parts
famhx
equil
equilibrate; equilibration
FAPA
family history Fever-Apthous ulcersPharyngitis-Adenitis
equiv
equivalent
fb
foreign body
esp
especially
fc
flap curettage
ESRD
End Stage Renal Disease
fc
formocresol
est
estimate
fd
furcation depth
F/F
F
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
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FDS
Flap Debridement Surgery
fxd
fixed
fem
female
Fxd
fixed prosthodontics
ff
fine fine
FGC
full gold crown
fgg
free gingival graft
fgm
free gingival margin
fh
family history
FH
Frankfurt Horizontal
fl
fluid
fl
fluoride
FLD
full lower denture
FLK
Funny Looking Kid
fms
full mouth series
fmwk
G g
gram
g ion ga
glass ionomer cement general anesthesia
gal
gallon
GBI
gingival bleeding index
GBS
gingival bleeding score
GCF
gingival crevicular fluid
gen G-EOP
general; generalized Generalized Early-onset Periodontitis
framework
GERD
gast gastrroeso oesoph pha ageal geal re refflu lux x dise diseas ase e
fmx
full mouth series
gf
gold foil
FN FNA
false negative fine needle aspiration
GI GI
gastrointestinal tract Gingival Index
FNB
GI
glass ionomer
FO
fine needle biopsy Flap with Osseous resection surgery
GIC
glass ionomer cement
F-O
fiber optics
ging
gingiva(l)
fom
floor of mouth
GIR
food imp
food impaction
GJP
glass ionomer resin Generalized Juvenile Periodontitis
FOTI
Fiber Optic Transillumination
gm
gram
FP
false positive
gmh
general medical history
FPD
Gn
gnathion
Go
gonion
FR frag
fixed partial denture Functional Regulator (Frankel Appliance) fragment
GP
general practitioner
frenmy
frenectomy
gp
gutta percha
freq
frequent
gplasty
gingivoplasty
Ftx
fluoride treatment
grp
FU(D)
full upper denture
GTCS
group Generalized Tonic-clonic Seizures (Grand Mal)
func
function
GTH
Gingival Thickness
fuo
fever of unknown origin
gtmy
gingivectomy
fur
furcation
GTR
guided tissue regeneration
furc
furcation
gtt
drop
FX
fracture
gvty
gingivectomy
fx
function
fx pros
fixed prosthodontics
H
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
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HSV
Herpes Simplex Virus
ht
height
hot and cold
htn
hypertension
H&P
History and Physical
htr
hard tissue replacement
h/o
history of
hve
high volume evacuation
H2O
water
hw
healing well
H2O2
hydrogen peroxide
hx
history
HA
hydroxyapatite
hyg
dental hygiene
ha
headache
HAOS
hard acrylic occlusal splint
HAV
Hepatitis A virus
HBD
has been drinking
hbp
high blood pressure
HBsAg
Hepatitis B surface an antigen
HBV
Hepatitis B virus
H
history
H
hour
H&C
I I
incisal
I&D
incise and drain
i.s.q.
no change
i.s.q.
in status quo
I/D
incise and drain
IA
inferior alveolar
IAL
incidental attachment loss
IBD
intrabony defect
IBF
hci HCV
home care instructions Hepatitis C virus
hemr
hemorrhage
Hg
mercury
HGH
Human Growth Hormone
IBI
ibuprofen Eastman Interdental Bleeding Index
HH
health history
IC
informed consent
hh
hard of hearing
ic med
intracanal medication
HHV
Human Herpes Virus
icp
intercuspal position
hist
history
ID
identification
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
id
HL
Hairy Leukoplakia
IDDM
interior diameter Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1)
hl
hearing loss
HMO
Horizontal Ma Mandibular Os Osteotomy
IDU
injection drug user
HNF
head-neck-face
IFPD
implant fixed partial denture
hoh
hard of hearing
IM
intramuscular
hoi
history of present illness
imm
immediate
hosp
hospital
immed
HP
handpiece
imp
immediate imp(acted)(action)(roved)(lant) (ression)
HPBL
horizontal p prrobing b bo one le level
impl
implant
HR
high risk
impr
impression
hr
hour
in
inch
hrd
hard
HS
heavy smoker
IN inc
intranasal incomplete
hs
at bedtime
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 13 of 52
incl
include
LA
local anesthesia
incr
increase
lab
laboratory
incs
incised
lac
laceration
indir
indirect
lat
lateral
inf
inf(erior) (ected)
LCR
light cured resin
infl
inflammation
LE
Lupus Erythematosus
inj
injection
les
lesion
inj
injury
lft
left
inl
inlay
lg
large
inr
intermittent
Li
lingual
ins
inserted
lido
lidocaine
INS
insurance
lig
liga(ment) (ture)
instr
instruct(ed) (ion)
ling
lingual
int
Internal
liq
liquid
int bl
internal bleaching
LJP
Localized Juvenile Periodontitis
intr io
intruded intraocular
LL LLQ
lower left lower left quadrant
ip
intercuspal position
LP
lichen planus
ipc
indirect pulp cap
lpa
loss of periodontal attachment
IPD
Inflammatory Periodontal Disease
LPM
lateral pterygoid m mu uscle
IRM
intermediate re restorative ma material
LR
lower right
irrig
Irrigation
lrg
large
iv
Intravenous
LRQ
lower right quadrant
ivdu
intravenous drug use
ivrf
incomplete ve vertical root fr fracture
JRA
J K
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
M M
mesial
m m MAA
male medium Mandibular Advancement Appliance
kg
keratinized gingival
malig
malignant
KS
Kaposi's sarcoma
maloc
malocclusion
man
mandib(ular) (le)
mand
mandib(ular) (l (le)
MAS
massester muscle
MAT
maxillary alveolar tenderness
max
maxi(lla) (llary) (mum)
MB
mesial buccal
mcg
microgram
mdl
midline
L L
left
l
length
l
liter
L
lingual
l
lower
LA
labial
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 14 of 52
MDR-TB
Multiple Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
med
medium
med hx
medical history
medic
medicament
meds mEq
medications milliequivalent
mf
medium fine
MF
mesial facial
n/a
not applicable
MFL
mesial facial lingual
n/c
no charge
MFP
myofascial pain
n/d
not determined
mg
milligram
N/S
no show
mg
mucogingival
N/V
nausea and vomiting
MGJ
mucoginival junction
N2O
nitrous oxide
mh
medical history
na
not applicable
MI
maximum intercuspation
NaCl
sodium chloride
MI
mesial incisal
NAD
no apparent distress
MI
myocardial infarction
NaF
sodium fluoride
MID
mesial incisal distal
nar
narrative
min
minute
nc
no change in condition
min
minimal
NCP
non compliant patient
miss
missing
ncr
necrotic
MjAU
Major Apthous Ulcers
NE
norepinephrine
ML
mesial lingual
nec
necrotic
ml
milliliter
NED
no evidence of disease
mld
mild
neg
negative
MM
mucous membrane
mm
millimeter
NERD NHL
no ev evidence o off rre ecurrent d diisease Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
MNVB
Mental Neurovascular Bundle
ni
no insurance
MO
mesial occlusal
nk
not known
mo
month
NKA
no known allergies
MOB
mesial occlusal buccal
NKDA
no known drug allergies
MOD
mesial occlusal distal
nl
normal limits
mod
moderate
NNS
non-nutritive sucking
MODB
mesial o oc cclusal d diistal b bu uccal
no.
number
MOL
non-vtl
non-vital
MP
mesial occlusal lingual mandibular plane (gonionmenton)
np
new patient
MPBI
Modified Papillary Bleeding Index
npc
no previous complaint
MPD
myofacial p pa ain dy dysfunction
npe
new patient examination
MPI
maximum permitted intake
MS
Multiple Sclerosis
MSBI
modified sulcular bleeding index
MVA
motor vehicle accident
MVP
mitral valve prolapse
MW
modified Widman surgery
N
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 15 of 52
nph
no previous history
OS
oral surgery
npo
nothing by mouth
OSCC
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
nr
next recall
oss
osseous
nrc
nonrestorable caries
OTC
over the counter
ns
non-smoker
oth
other
ns
ov
office visit
NSAID
nothing significant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory anti-inflammatory drug
oxy
oxygen
nsf
no significant findings
oz
ounce
NSPT
Non S Su urgical Periodontal Therapy
NUG
Necrotizing U Ullcerative Gi Gingivitis
P
palatal
nv
next visit inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle
p
prophylaxis
P&C
post and core
P&E
prophylaxis and exam
P&M
papillae and marginal gingiva Posterior Total Facial Height
P(TFH) P/
P/P
(sella-gonion) maxillary partial denture partial maxillary denture over full mandibular denture partial maxillary denture over partial mandibular denture
P:
Treatment Plan
pa
periapical
PA
posterior-anterior
PA
preparatory appointment
PACR
post and core restoration
PAL
probing attachment level
palp
palpation
pan
panoramic image
pano
panoramic image
PAP
periapical pathology
part
NVB
O
P
O
occlusal
O2
oxygen
OAT
Oral Appliance T Th herapy
obj
objective
OC
open contact
OC
oral contraceptives
occ
occlus(al) (ion)
occl
occlus(al) (ion)
occl xr
occlusal x-rays
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
ocf
other clinical findings
od OFD
outer diameter Orofaciodigital Syndrome
oh
oral hygiene
ohi
oral hygiene instructions
ohr
oral health record
oi
occlusal interference
oint
ointment
PASS
partial Plaque Assessment Scoring System
OKC
Odontogenic Keratocyst
pat
patient
OMLP
path
pathology
OMSCC
Oral M Mu ucosal Lichen Pl Planus Oral Mucosal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
pax
periapical x-ray
onl
onlay
Pb
lead
op
operat(ion) (ory)
PBI
ortho
orthodontics
PBI
papillary bleeding index Periodontal pocket Bleeding Index
P/F
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 16 of 52
PBS
papillary bleeding score
PLP
palatal lift prosthesis
PC PC
periodontal chart porcelain crown
plpts
pulpitis
plq
plaque
PC
poor contact
PLV
porcelain laminate veneer
pc
after meals
PM
after noon
pc
pulp cap
PMC
porcelain to metal crown
pcap
pulp cap
pmh
past medical history
PCD
Periapical Cemental Dysplasia
pmma
polymethylmethacrylate
PCN
penicillin
PMO
PCO
periodontal chart only
PCR
pseudo centric relation
pmrc
Posterior Maxillary Osteotomy polyacid-modified resin composite material
PCT
plaque control techniques
pnxr
panoramic radiograph
PD
partial denture
po
by mouth
pd
probing depth
PO
post operative
PDC
preventive dentistry counseling
poc
PDI
periodontal disease index
POI
post o op perative iin nstructions
pdl
periodontal lliigament
pol
polish
pecor
pericoronitis
pom
porcelain on metal
pedo
pedodontics; p pe ediatric d de entistry
pon
pontic
PEN
penicillin
porc
porcelain
per os
by mouth
POS
point of service
perc
percussion
pos
Positive
perf
perforation
post
After
periap
periapical
post
posterior
perio perio main
periodont(al) (itis) (ics)
post op
post operative
POT
post operative treatment
perm
permanent
pow ch PPD
power chain probing pocket depth
PFG
porcelain fused to gold
PPE
personal protective equipment
PFM
porcelain fused to metal
ppm ppm(b (b))
part parts s per per mill lliion (b (biill llio ion) n)
pfs
pit and fissure sealant
ppt
paper point
ph
past history
PR
per rectum
ph
(tele)phone
pre op
pre-operative
PI
plaque index
prec att
precision attachment
pit-fis
pits and fissures
prefab
prefabricated
PJC
porcelain jacket crown
prelim
preliminary
pk
premed
premedicate
pkt PL
pocket partial lower denture
prep
prepar(e) (ation)
prev
prevention
PLD
partial lower denture
periodontal maintenance
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 17 of 52
prim
primary
qrtrs
quarters
prn
as needed
qs
sufficient quantity
pro
prophylaxis
quad
quadrant
prog
prog(nosis) (ress)
prophy
prophylaxis
pros
prosthodonti(cs) (st)
prosth
prosthodonti(cs) (st)
prov
provisional
prox
proximal
PRP
plasma rich protein
PRR
preventive resin restoration
PS PSA
R R R
right recurrent decay
R&C
risks and complications
r/o
rule out
RA
right angle
RA
Rheumatoid Arthritis
past smoker
rad
radiograph
RAP
recovering a ad ddicted p pa atient
RAS
Recurrent Apthous Stomatitis
PSR
posterior superior alveolar periodontal screening and recording
RAU
PST
post surgical treatment
pt
patient
RBFPD
Recurrent Apthous Ulcer resin-bonded fixed partial denture; Maryland bridge
PUD
partial upper denture
rc
residual cyst
pulp
pulp(otomy) (ectomy)
rc
root canal
pulpo
pulpotomy
rcf
root canal filling
pur
purulent
rct
root canal therapy
PVS
polyvinyl siloxane
RD
recession depth
pwdr
powder
R-D
rubber dam
Px
prognosis
RDH
registered dental hygienist
px
prophylaxis
rdk
recurrent decay
P-XR
panoramic rra adiograph
re reapp
regarding reappoint(ment)
Pxs
prophylaxis
reappt
reappoint(ment)
reb
rebase
Q
Q
question
rec
gingival recession
q q4h (q 4°) q6h (q 6°)
every
rec
recommend(ed)
every 4 hours
rec
record
recem
recement
every 6 hours
recon
reconstruction
q1d
every day
red
reduc(ed) (tion)
qam
every morning
ReDK
recurrent decay
qd
every day
re-eval
re-evaluation
qh
every hour
ref
reference
qid
four times a day
reg
regular
qod
every other day
reimpl
reimplantation
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 18 of 52
rel
reline
SBE
Subacute B Ba acterial E En ndocarditis
rem
removable
SBI
sulcular bleeding index
rem pros
removable prosthodontics
SBP
systolic blood pressure
repl
replac(ed) (ing)
SC
subcutaneous
res
resin
sc
scaling
resp
respiration
sd
sterile dressing
rest
restor(ation) (e)
seal
sealant
ret
retained
sed
sedative
RME
rapid maxillary expansion
RMGI
resin m mo odified g gllass ionomer
sens sft
sensitive soft
RMH
reviewed medical history
sgl
single
ro
radiopaque
SH
social history
ROH
alcohol
sh
shade
ROHic
alcoholic
Sig
directions; take as follows
ROM
range of motion
sl
slightly
RP rp
retruded position root planing
SL SLE
sublingual; under the tongue Systemic L Lu upus E Errythematosus
rp/sc
root planing and scaling
SM
study models
RPD
removable partial denture
SM
space maintainer
RPE
rapid palatal expansion
sm
small
RPS
root planing and scaling
SM
submucosal
rrr
residual ridge resorption
SMA
study model analysis
rt
right
SNA
sella-nasion-A-point
RTC
return to clinic
SNB
sella-nasion-B-point
rw
recession width
SnF
stannous fluoride
Rx
Prescription
SPT
supportive pe periodontal ttrreatment
sr
silver restoration
SRP
scaling and root planing
S s
without
ssc
stainless steel crown
s
surface
ssn
social security number
s sut
silk suture
st
student
S&RP
scaling an and rro oot planing
st
smokeless tobacco
S&Sx
signs and symptoms
stat
immediately
S/D
systolic / diastolic blood pressure
std
standard
s/e
single ended instrument
STD
sexually transmitted disease
S/S
signs and symptoms
STL
soft tissue lesion
SAOS
soft acrylic occlusal splint Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
STM sut
soft tissue management suture
sub
subgingival; su submarginal
SARS
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 19 of 52
subcut
subcutaneous
TBS
tris-buffered saline
subggv
subgingival
tbsp
tablespoon
subging
subgingival
tc
tissue conditioning
subl
sublingual
Tem A
anterior temporalis muscle
subling
sublingual
Tem P
posterior temporalis muscle
subm
submucosal
Temp
temperature
subq
subcutaneous
temp
sugg
suggestion
sup
superior
TENS
temporary transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation
super
above
th
tooth
super
additional
TID
three times per day
supnum
supernumerary
TMD
temporomandibular joint disorder
supp supra ggv supra
supperation
tmj
temporomandibular joint
TN
trigeminal neuralgia
tng
tongue
top
topical
marg sur
supramarginal surface
TP
treatment plan
surf
surface
TP
therapeutic pulpotomy
surg
surg(ery) (ical) (eon)
TPR
temperature, pu pulse, rre espiration
surg ext
surgical extraction
TPT
thermal pulp test
susp
suspension
tr
treatment
susp
suspect
trans
transitional
SVOS
soft vinyl occlusal splint
tsp
teaspoon
sx
sometimes
tt
temporary treatment
Sx
symptoms
TTC
tetracycline
sxt
sextant
Tx
treatment
sym
symmetric
Tyl
tylenol
symp
symptoms
syr
syrup
U
universal color
sys
system (ic)
u
upper
sz
size
U(A)F (A)FH H
uppe upperr an ante teri rior or fac facia iall hei height ght
UK
unknown
UL
upper left
ULQ
upper left quadrant
uncoop
uncooperative
uner
unerupted
ung
ointment
unilat
unilateral
unk
unknown
supragingival
T t co cond
tissue c co ondition(er) (i (ing)
T/t
time/temperature
tab
tablet
tb
toothbrush
TB
Tuberculosis
TBA
Tooth Brush Abrasion
U
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 20 of 52
unsvc
unserviceable
w-d
well developed
UR
upper right
wgt
weight
URQ
upper right quadrant
WL
working length
w-n
well nourished
wnl
within normal limits
wt
weight
V v.s. var
vital signs varnish
vaso
vasoconstrictor
VD
venereal disease
X
times
VD
vertical dimension
xc
extra coarse
VDO
vertical d diimension of of o oc cclusion
xf
extra fine
vert bw
vertical bitewings
XR
x-ray
vert def
vertical defect
xs
excess(ive)
vert dim
vertical dimension
xt
extract (ion)
vit
vitamin
xxf
extra extra fine
vs
vital signs
xylo
Xylocaine
vtl
vital
VZV
Varicella Zoster Virus
W w
width
w/
with
w/f
with fluoride
w/fl
with fluoride
w/n
within
X
Y y/o
years old
Z ZDV
Zidovidine
ZnPO4
zinc phosphate
ZOE
zinc oxide eugenol
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 21 of 52
Commonly Used Dental Acronyms Acronym
Meaning
A AAAHC
Accreditation Association Association for Ambulatory Ambulatory Health Care Care
AAE
American Association Association of Endodontists Endodontists
AAFP
American Academy of Family P Physicians hysicians
AAHD
American Association Association of Hospital Dentists
AAO
American Association Association of Orthodontists Orthodontists
AAOMP
American Academy of Oral and Maxi Maxillofacial llofacial Pat Pathology hology
AAOMR
American Academy of Oral and Maxi Maxillofacial llofacial Radi Radiology ology
AAOMS
American Association Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Maxillofacial Sur Surgeons geons
AAP
American Academy of Periodontology
AAP
American Academy of Pediatrics
AAPD
American Academy of Pediatric D Dentistry entistry
AAPHD
American Association Association of Public Health Health Dentistry Dentistry
AARP
formerly known as the American A Association ssociation of Ret Retired ired Persons
ACE
ADA Clinical Clinical Evaluator
ACP
American College College of Prosthodontics
ACP
American College College of Physicians
ACS
American College College of Surgeons
ADA
American Dental Association
ADAA
American Dental Assistants Association Association
ADABEI
ADA Business Enterprises, IInc. nc.
ADAF
ADA Foundation Foundation
ADEA
American Dental Education Associat Association ion
ADHA AGD
American Dental Hygienists' Association Association Academy of General Dentistry
AHA
American Heart Association
AHA
American Hospital Hospital Association
AHCPR
Agency of Health C Care are Policy and Research Research
AHIC
American Health Health Information C Community ommunity
AHIP
America's Health Insurance Plans
AHRQ
Agency for Health Care Research and Qual Quality ity
AIDS
Acquired Imm Immunodeficiency unodeficiency Syndrome
ALARA
As Low As Reasonably Reasonably Achievable (radiation) (radiation)
AMA ANHB
American Medical Association Alaska Native Health Health Board
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
ANTHC
Alaska Native Tribal Health Corsortium
ANUG
Acute Necrotizing Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis Gingivitis
APHA
American Public Public Health Association Association
ARC
Aids Related Complex
ASA
American Society Society on Aging
ASC
Accredited Standards Standards Committee
ASDA
American Student Dental Association Association
ASO
Administrative Administrative services only
ASTDD
Association of State and Territorial Territorial Dental D Directors irectors
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
AwDA
Americans with with Disabilities Act
AWWA
American Water Works Works Association
B BAT
Best Available Technology
BBP
Blood Borne Pathogen Standard
BCLS
Basic Cardiac Life Support
BEIR
Biological E Efffects o off Io Ionizing Ra Radiation
BFE
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency
BLS
Basic Life Support
BMP
Best Management Practices
BMS
Burning Mouth Syndrome
BPHC
Bureau o off Pr Primary H He ealth Ca Care (H (HRSA)
C CAPMI PMI
Compu ompute terr Ass ssiist sted ed Post ost Mort ortem Iden Identtifi fica cattion
CDA
Certified Dental Assistant
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDHC
Community Dental Health Coordinator
CDHP
consumer-driven health plan
CDL
Certified Dental Laboratory
CDO
Chief Dental Officer
CDPM CD PMA A
Cert Certif ifie ied d Dent Dental al Pr Prac acti tice ce Ma Mana nage geme ment nt Assi Assist stan antt
CD-ROM
Compact Disk-Read Only Memory
CDT
Certified Dental Technician
CDT
Current Dental Terminology
CE
Continuing Education
CERP
Continuing Ed Education R Re ecognition Pr Program
CERT
Community Emergency Response Team
Page 22 of 52
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 23 of 52
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
CFU
Colony Forming Units
CG
Center of Gravity
CHAMPUS
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services
CHAP
Community Health Aide Program
CHIN
Community Health Information Network
CHI HIP P
Chi hild ldre ren' n's s Heal altth Insur nsuran anc ce Pro rogr gram am//Medic edicar aree-Me Medi dica caid id
CMS
Centers for Medicare a an nd Medicaid Services
CN
cranial nerves
CNS
Central Nervous System
COA
Certified Orthodontic Assistant
COB
Coordination of Benefits
COBR CO BRA A
Cons Consol olid idat ated ed Om Omni nibu bus s Bu Budg dget et Re Reco conc ncil ilia iati tion on Act Act
CODA
Commission on Dental Accreditation
COHR
Computer-based Oral Health Record
COMS CO MSA A
Ce Cert rtif ifie ied dO Ora rall a and nd Maxi Maxill llof ofac acia iall S Sur urge gery ry Assi Assist stan antt
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPT
Current P Prrocedural T Te erminology
CQI
Continuous Quality Improvement
CRC
Code Revision Committee
CTS
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTS
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
CV
Curriculum Vitae
CVA
Cerebrovascular A Ac ccident
D D/E
Double-ended instrument
DANB
Dental A As ssisting Na National B Bo oard
DARW
Dental Assistant Recognition Week
DAT
Dental Aptitude Test
DBA
Doing Business As
DC
Dentigerous Cyst
DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
DEA
Drug Enforcement Agency
DeCC
Dental Content Committee
DEF
decayed, extracted, filled
DFMT
Decayed, Filled or Missing Teeth
DFT
decayed, filled teeth
DHAT
Dental Health Aide Therapist
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
DHMO
Dental Health Maintenance Organization
DICAD
Digital Image Capture in Dentistry
DICOM
Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine
DIT
Dental Identification Team
DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid
DPP
Dental Practice Parameters
DR
Direct Reimbursement
DRG
diagnosis-related groups
DSMO
Designated St Standards M Ma aintenance O Orrganization
DUWS(L WS(L))
Den enta tall u uni nitt w wat ater er su supp pplly (l (line) ne)
Page 24 of 52
E EAP
Employee Assistance Programs
EAS
Emergency Alert System
EBD
Evidence-based De Dentistry
ECF
extended care facility
ECP
electronic claims processing
ECP
exposure control plan
EDI
Electronic Data Interchange
EEOC
Equal Em Employment Op Opportunity C Co ommission
EFI
Electronic File Interchange
EFT
Electronic Funds Transfer
EHR
Electronic Health Record
EM
Erythema Multiforme
EMG
Electromyography
EMS
Emergency Medical Services
EMT
Emergency Management Training
EOB
Explanation of Benefits
EOC
Emergency Operations Center
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
EPSD EP SDT T
Ea Earl rly y and and Pe Peri riod odic ic Scre Screen enin ing, g, Di Diag agno nosi sis sa and nd T Tre reat atme ment nt Prog Progra ram m
ERA
Electronic Remittance Advice
ERISA ISA ESAR-VHP
Empl ploy oyee ee Retir etirem emen entt Incom ncome e Secur ecurit ity y Act of 1974 974 Emergency System for Advance Registration of Health Professions Volunteers
ESC
Electronic Study Club
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
F FAQ
frequently asked question
FDA
Food & Drug Administration
FDBI
Facial Dog Bite Injury
FDI FDS
World Dental Federation Federal Dental Service
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FFS
Fee for Service
FGF
Fibroblast Growth Factor
FMV
Fair Market Value
FOTI
Fiber Optic Transillumination
FQHCs
Federally Qualified Health Centers
FTC
Federal Trade Commission
G GKAS GLC
Give Kids A Smile Gas-liquid Chromatography
GMT
Geometric Mean Titer
GPR
General Practice Residency
GRAS
Generally recognized as safe
GUI
Graphic User Interface
H HazMat
Hazard Communication Standard
HCPCS
Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
HCQA
Health Care Quality Alliance
HCS HCW
Hazard Communication Standard health care worker
HEDIS
Health P Pllan E Em mployer D Da ata a an nd IIn nformation Se Set
HHS
Health and Human Services
HIPA HIPAA A
He Heal alth th Insu Insura ranc nce e Po Port rtab abil ilit ity y and and Ac Acco coun unta tabi bili lity ty Act Act of 1996 1996
HITS ITSP
Hea eallthc thcare are Info Inforrmat mation Techn echnol olo ogy Sta tand ndar ards ds Panel anel
HMO
Health M Ma aintenance Or Organization
HPSAs
Health Professional Shortage Areas
HRSA
Health Resources and Services Admi dministration
HS
Head Start
HSA HTML
Health Savings Account Hypertext Markup Language
Page 25 of 52
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 26 of 52
I IBWA
International Bottled Water Association
ICD
International C Cllassification o off D Diiseases
IG
Implementation Guide
IHCIA
Indian Healthcare Improvement Act
IHS
Indian Health Service
INDID
Individual Identifier
IOM
Institute of Medicine
IPA
Individual Practice Association
ISO
International O Orrganization fo for St Standardization
ISP
Internet Service Provider
J JADA
Journal o off Am American De Dental A As ssociation
JCAHO
Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
JC JCS SMS
Joi Joint Com omm miss ssiion on Sport ports sM Med ediicine cine an and d Sci Scien ence ce
K L L(A)FH
Lower (Anterior) Facial Height
LAN
Local Area Network
LA LASE SER R
Li Ligh ghtt A Amp mpli lifi fica cati tion on by St Stim imul ulat ated ed Emis Emissi sion on of Radi Radiat atio ion n
LD
lethal dose
LD50
lethal dose expected to kill 50%
LDH
Licensed Dental Hygienist
LE
Lupus Erythematosus
LEAT
Least E Ex xpensive A Allternative T Trreatment
LHD LTC
Local Heath Department long term care
LTG
long term goals
M MBTI
Meyers Briggs Type Indicator
MCHB
Maternal and Child Health Bureau
MCO
Managed Care Organization
MF MMDD_YYY _YYYY Y
Mental Foramina month onth,, d day ay of mon montth, yea year
MRC
Medical Reserve Corps
MRD
maximum recommended dose
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
MSA
Medical Savings Account
MSD
Musculoskeletal D Diisorders
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets
MTD
month to date
N n
unspecified number
NADL
National Association of Dental Laboratories
NADP
National A As ssociation o off D De ental P Pllans
NAIC
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
NAOH
National Alliance for Oral Health
NAS
National Academy of Sciences
NCCH NC CHC C
Nati Nation onal al Co Comm mmis issi sion on on Co Corr rrec ecti tion onal al Heal Health th Care Care
NCCS NC CSH H
Na Nati tion onal al Coor Coordi dina nati ting ng Co Comm mmit itte tee e on Scho School ol Heal Health th
NCDHM DHM
Nati ational onal Chi hilldren dren's 's Dent Dental al Healt ealth hM Mon onth th
NCI
National Cancer Institute
NCOAL
National Council on the Aging
NCQA
National C Co ommittee on on Qu Quality As Assurance
NCRP CRP
Nati ational onal Counc ounciil o on nR Rad adiiatio ation nP Pro rote tect ctiion and and Mea Measu sure reme ment nts s
NCVHS
National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics
NDA
National Dental Association
NFAC
National Fl Fluoridation Ad Advisory Co Committee
NFDH
Nat National onal Found oundat atio ion n of Dent entist strry for for the Hand Handic icap appe ped d
NHBP NH BPEP EP
Nati Nation onal al Hig High h Bl Bloo ood d Pres Pressu sure re E Edu duca cati tion on Pro Progr gram am
NHII
National He Health In Information In Infrastructure
NHSC
National Health Service Corps
NIDC NIDCR R
Na Nati tion onal al Inst Instit itut ute e of Dent Dental al and and Cran Cranio iofa faci cial al Rese Resear arch ch
NIDR
National Institute of Dental Research
NIH
National Institutes of Health
NIMS
National Incident Management Systems
NLM
National Library of Medicine
NOEL
No Observable Effects Level
NOHC
National Oral Health Conference
NOHIC
National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse
NPDB
National Practitioner Data Bank
NPI
National Provider Identifier
NPPES
Natio ationa nall P Pla lan n and and Pro rovi vide derr Enu Enume merrat atio ion n Sys Systtem
NPRM
Notice o off Proposed Rulemaking
NPSF
National Patient Safety Forum
Page 27 of 52
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
NQF
National Quality Forum
NRC
National Research Council
NRHA
National Rural Health Association
NRP
National Response Plan
NSAID
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSF
nonsufficient funds
NTP
National Toxicology Program
O OCR
Office for Civil Rights
OESS
Office o off E-Health S Sttandards a an nd Se Services
OMSS
Organized Medical Staff Section (AMA)
ORGID
Organization Identifier
ORG RGT TYPE
Org rgan aniizat zatio ion n Type ype
OSAP
Office Sterilization and Asepsis Procedures
OSAP
Organization for Safety and As Asepsis Procedures
OSHA
Occupational Sa Safety an and He Health A Ad dministration
OTC
over the counter
P P&L
Profit and Loss statement
P.A.N. P.A .N.D.A D.A..
Pr Preve event nt A Abus buse e an and d Ne Negle glect ct T Thro hrough ugh Den Dental tal Awaren Awareness ess
PAHO
Pan American Health Organization
PARCA
Patient Ac Access to to Re Responsible C Ca are A Ac ct
PBR
paper based record
PC
personal computer
PCP
primary care physician
PCR
polymerase chain reaction testing
PEL
permitted exposure limit
PHD
public health dentistry
PHI
Protected Health Information
POE
Place of Employment
POS
point of service
PPE
personal protection equipment
PPO
Preferred Provider Organization
PPT
partial prothrombin time
PRO
Professional R Re eview Or Organization
PT
Normal Prothrombin Time; protime
PTAC
Professional and Technical Advisory Committee
Page 28 of 52
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Q QA
Quality Assessment
QC
Quality Control
R RAM
Random-Access Memory
RBA
Risks, Benefits and Alternatives
RBC
red blood cells
RCT
Randomized Clinical Trial
RDAE RD AEF F
Regi Regist ster ered ed Dent Dental al As Assi sist stan antt in Ex Expa pand nded ed Func Functi tion ons s
RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
REL
Recommended Exposure Limit
RFGD
Radiofrequency Glow Discharge
RFI
Request for Information
RFP
Request for Proposals
RFQ
Request for Quote
RMT ROI
Retromolar Trigone return on investment
RQ
Readiness Quotient
RR
Relative Risk
RUC
Relative V Va alue S Sy ystem U Up pdate C Co ommittee
RVS
Relative Value System
S SAL
Sterilization Accuracy Level
SBE
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis
SCD
Special Care Dentistry
SCDI SCDP
Standards Committee on Dental Informatics Standards Committee on Dental Products
SCHIP
State C Ch hildren's H He ealth IIn nsurance P Prrogram
SDP
Survey of Dental Practice
SES
Socio-economic status
SNODENT
Systematized Nomenclature of Dentistry
SOAP
subject, objective, assessment and planning
SOP
standard operating procedure
SOPHE
Society for Public Health Education
SPT
Supportive Periodontal Therapy
STD STG
Sexually Transmitted Disease short term goals
Page 29 of 52
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
T TDD
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf
TDP/ TD P/TF TFD D
Tr Tric icar are eD Den enta tall P Pro rogr gram am / Tr Tric icar are e Fam Famil ily y Dent Dental al Pro Progr gram am
Tfx
Toxic effects
TJC
The Joint Commission
TLV TMD
Threshold Limit Value Temporomandibular J Jo oint Dysfunction
TMJ
Temporomandibular Joint
TOA
Table of Allowance
TPA
Third Party Administrator
TQM
Total Quality Management
TWA
Time-Weighted Average
U UCR
Usual, customary and reasonable
UEL
Upper Exposure Limit
UR
utilization review
URL
Uniform Resource Locator
USOC
United States Olympic Committee
USPHS
United States Public Health Service
UV
ultra-violet light
UVGI
Ultra-violet Germicidal Irradiation
V VA
Veterans Administration
VCD
Video Cephalometric Diagnosis
VDRL
Venereal Disease Re Research L La aboratory Te Test
VDT
Video Display Terminal
VFO
Video Fiber-Optic
W WHO
World Health Organizations
X XML
Extensible Markup Language
Y YOB
year of birth
YTD
year to date
Z z
unknown quantity
Page 30 of 52
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 31 of 52
Commonly Used ADA Acronyms Acronym
Meaning
Division
A AADA
Alliance of tthe he American Dental Association
ACCTG
Department of Ac Accounting counting
FINOP
ADABEI
ADA Busines Business s Enterprise, IInc. nc.
Subsidiary
ADABFS
Business an and d Financial Servic Services es Division
ADABEI
ADAF
ADA Foundation (Charitable)
AS
ADAGAT
ADA Grassroots Action Team
GOVT
ADAPUB
ADA Publishing
ADPAC
Department of Pol Political itical Affairs/ Affairs/American American Denta Dentall Political Ac Action tion Committee
GOVT
AP
Acceptance P Program rogram
SCI
AS
Division of A Administrative dministrative Services
ASDA
American Stude Student nt Dental Ass Association ociation
B BFS
Business and Financial Services
ADABEI
BHM
Department of Board and House Matters
AS
BOT
Board of Trustees
C CA CAPI PIR R
Co Cou uncil ncil on Acc cce ess, Pre Preve vent ntio ion n and and In Inte terp rpro rofe fes ssion sional al Re Rellat atio ions ns
DE DENP NPR R
CAS
Contract Analysis Service
LEGAL
CAS
Council on ADA Sessions
CMS
CC
Council on Communications
COMM
CDBP
Council on Dental Benefit Programs
DENPR
CDEL
Council on Dental Education and Licensure
EDUC
CDP
Council on Dental Practice
DENPR
CEBJA
Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs
LEGAL
CELL
Center for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning
DENPR
CERP
Continuing Education Recognition Program
EDUC
CGA
Council on Government Affairs
GOVT
CI
Council on Insurance
FINOP
CIDA
Center for International Development and Affairs
MDSS
CIPD
Committee on International Programs and Development
CLA
Committee on Local Arrangements
CMS
CM
Council on Membership
MDSS
CMIR CM IRP P
Co Coun unci cill on Membe embers rs In Insu sura ranc nce e and Ret etiire reme men nt Pro Program grams s
FI FINO NOP P
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 32 of 52
CMS
Division of Conference and Meeting Services
CND
Committee on the New Dentist
MDSS
CODA
Commission on Dental Accreditation
EDUC
COMM
Communication and Corporate Relations
CRFA
Commission on Relief Fund Activities
ADAF
CSA
Council on Scientific Affairs
SCI
DAD
Department of Application Development
ITSSM
DBIS
Dental Benefit Information Services
DENPR
DCA
Department of Congressional Affairs
GOVT
DCMS
Division of Conference and Meeting Services
CMS
DCS
Department of Central Services
FINOP
DCS DC SMP
De Depa part rtm ment ent of Co Conf nfer eren enc ce Serv Serviices and and Meeti eeting ng Planni annin ng
CMS
DDI
Department of Dental Informatics
DENPR
DDSS
Department of Dental Society Services
MDSS
DEAG
Dental Ergonomics Advisory Group
POL
DEC
Department of Electronic Communications
COMM
DENPR
Division of Dental Practice
DIIS
Department of Internet and Intranet Systems
ITSSM
DITP
Department of IT Projects
ITSSM
DLS
Department of Library Services
EDUC
DMCS
Department of Media and Creative Services
COMM
DMI
Department of Membership Information
MDSS
DMM
Department of Membership Marketing
MDSS
DMS
Department of Membership Services
MDSS
DOS
Department of Officer Services
AS
DPIE
Department of Public Information and Education
COMM
DR
Direct R Re eimbursement
DSA
Department of Standards Administration
ITSSM
DSGA
Department of State Government Affairs
GOVT
DSM
Department of Salable Materials
DSR
Dental So Society Resources
DT
Department of Technology
DTAP
Dental Team Advisory Panel
DTS
Department of Testing Services
EDUC
DUPL
Duplicating
FINOP
DWAC
Dentists' Well-being Advisory Committee
D
ITSSM
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
DWC
Page 33 of 52
Department of Washington Communications
COMM
Employee Advisory Committee
OED
E EAC EDSAC EDU
Executive Director's Update
EDUC
Division of Education
F FDI
Federation Dentaire Internationale (World Dental Fed.)
MDSS
FDS
Federal Dental Services Membership Office
MDSS
FINOP
Finance/Operations
G GKAS
Give Kids A Smile
CAPIR
GOVT
Division of Government Affairs
GSD
Guidelines and Standards Development
SCI
HDQB
Headquarters Building
AS
HIPAA
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
HOD
House of Delegates
HPA
Health Policy Analysis
HPRC
Health Policy Resources Center
POL
HR
Department of Human Resources
AS
IA
Internal Audit
FINOP
ITSSM
Division of Information Technology, Standards and Salable Materials
H
I
J JCNDE
Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
EDUC
Department of Legislative and Regulatory Policy
GOVT
MARC MA RCOM OM
De Dep partm artmen entt of Mark arket etin ing g Co Com mmu muni nic cat atiions ons
COM CO MM
MDSS
Division o off Me Membership a an nd De Dental S So ociety S Se ervices
MSC
Member Service Center
MDSS
MSOP
Membership Services Outreach Program
MDSS
L LARP
M
N NCDHM
National Children's Dental Health Month
NIDCR
National IIn nstitute o off D De ental a an nd Cr Craniofacial Re Research
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 34 of 52
O OCOO
Office of the Chief Operating Officer
OED
OCPA
Office of the Chief Policy Advisor
POL
OED
Office of the Executive Director
OS
Office Services
AS
OSA
Office of Student Affairs
MDSS
OSPC
Office of Strategic Planning and Consulting
POL
P PMC
Performance Management Cycle
POL
Policy
PRC
Paffenberger Research Center (ADA Foundation)
SCI
PSE
Products and Standards Evaluation
SCI
PUR
Purchasing
FINOP
RES
Research and Laboratories
SCI
RI
Research Institute (ADA Foundation)
SCI
SB
Safety and Biocompatibility
SCI
SC
Survey Center
DENPR
SCI
Division of Science
SHRE
Shipping and Receiving/Mail Room
FINOP
SI
Scientific IIn nformation
SCI
SPC
Strategic Planning Committee
POL
Tripartite Grassroots Membership Initiative
MDSS
Washington Office (Location)
GOVT
R
S
T TGMI
W WO
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 35 of 52
Designations for Teeth Permanent Dentition (Universal National System) Maxillary Right 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Third Molar Second Molar First Molar Second Premolar First Premolar Canine Lateral Incisor Central Incisor
Maxillary Left 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
Third Molar
Mandibular Left 17
Second Molar First Molar Second Premolar First Premolar Canine Lateral Incisor Central Incisor
18 19 20 21 22 23 22
Mandibular Right 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25
Primary Dentition Maxillary Right A B C D E Mandibular Right K L M N O
Second Molar First Molar Canine Lateral Incisor Central Incisor
Maxillary Left J I H G F
Second Molar First Molar Canine Lateral Incisor Central Incisor
Mandibular Left T S R Q P
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 36 of 52
COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIO RECOMMENDATION N Recommendations to Enhance Accuracy of Prescription Writing Adopted Sept. 4, 1996 Revised June 2, 2005
Personnel to whom this applies: Prescribers; Nursing or Pharmacy staff (who transcribe verbal prescription orders or rewrite transfer or admission orders when entering or leaving a health care facility); Health care administrators/managers. Technology plays an important role in the delivery of healthcare. Utilize technology, as appropriate, but evaluate its effectiveness on an ongoing basis. While technology can reduce medication errors and enhance patient safety, it also has the potential to cause new types of unintentional errors. The Council recommends: 1.
...all prescription prescription documents be legible. Verbal Verbal orders should should be minimized. minimized. (See the Council's Recommendations to Reduce Medication Errors Associated with Verbal Medication Orders and Prescriptions)
2.
...prescription orders include a brief ...prescription brief notation of purpose (e.g., (e.g., for cough), unless unless considered inappropriate by the prescriber. Notation of purpose can help further assure that the proper medication is dispensed and creates an extra safety check in the process of prescribing and dispensing a medication. The Council does recognize, however, that certain medications and disease states may warrant maintaining confidentiality.
3.
...all prescription prescription orders be written written in the metric system except except for therapies that that use standard units such as insulin, vitamins, etc. Units should be spelled out rather than writing "U." The change to the use of the metric system from the archaic apothecary and avoirdupois systems will help avoid misinterpretations of these abbreviations and symbols, and miscalculations when converting to metric, which is used in product labeling and package inserts.
4.
...prescribers include include age and, when appropriate, weight weight of the patient on the prescription or medication order. The most common errors in dosage result in pediatric and geriatric populations. The age (and weight) of a patient can help
© 1998–2007 National Coordinating Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and and Prevention. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved. *Permission is hereby granted to reproduce information contained herein provided that such reproduction shall not modify the text and shall include the copyright notice appearing on the pages from which it was copied.
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 37 of 52
dispensing health care professionals in their double check of the appropriate drug and dose. 5.
...medication orders orders include drug name, exact metric weight or concentration, concentration, and dosage form. Strength should be expressed in metric amounts and concentration should be specified. Each order for a medication should be complete. The pharmacist should check with the prescriber if any information is missing or questionable.
6.
...a leading zero always precede a decimal decimal expression of less than one. A terminal terminal or trailing zero should never be used after a decimal. Ten-fold errors in drug strength and dosage have occurred with decimals due to the use of a trailing zero or the absence of a leading zero.
7.
...prescribers avoid avoid the use of abbreviations abbreviations including those for for drug names (e.g., MOM, HCTZ) and Latin directions for use. The abbreviations in the chart below are found to be particularly dangerous because they have been consistently misunderstood and therefore, should never be used. The Council reviewed the uses for many abbreviations and determined that any attempt at standardization of abbreviations would not adequately address the problems of illegibility and misuse.
Abbreviation
Intended meaning
Common Error
U
Units
Mistaken as a zero or a four (4) resulting in overdose. Also mistaken for "cc" (cubic centimeters) when poorly written.
µg
Micrograms
Mistaken for "mg" (milligrams) resulting in an overdose.
Q.D.
The period after the "Q" has sometimes Latin abbreviation been mistaken for an " I, " and the drug has been given "QID" (four times daily) rather for every day than daily.
Q.O.D.
Misinterpreted as "QD" (daily) or "QID" (four Latin abbreviation for every other day times daily). If theor"O" looks like a period "I." is poorly written, it
SC or SQ
Subcutaneous
Mistaken as "SL" (sublingual) when poorly written.
TIW
Three times a week
Misinterpreted as "three times a day" or "twice a week."
D/C
HS Cc
Discharge; discontinue
Patient's medications have been prematurely discontinued when D/C, also (intended to mean "discharge") was misinterpreted as "discontinue," because it was followed by a list of drugs.
Half strength Cubic centimeters
Misinterpreted as the Latin abbreviation "HS" (hour of sleep). Mistaken as "U" (units) when poorly written.
© 1998–2007 National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved. *Permission is hereby granted to reproduce information contained herein provided that such reproduction shall not modify the text and shall include the copyright notice appearing on the pages from which it was copied.
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
AU, AS, AD IU
Latin abbreviation Misinterpreted as the Latin abbreviation for both ears; left "OU" (both eyes); "OS" (left eye); "OD" ear; right ear (right eye) International Unit
MS, MSO4, Confused MgSO4 another 8.
Page 38 of 52
for
Mistaken as IV (intravenous) or 10(ten)
one Can mean morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate
...prescribers avoid vague instructions instructions such as "Take as directed" or "Take/Use "Take/Use as needed" as the sole direction for use. Specific directions to the patient are useful to help reinforce proper medication use, particularly if therapy is to be interrupted for a time. Clear directions are a necessity for the dispenser to: (1) check the proper dose for the patient; and, (2) enable effective patient counseling. In summary, the Council recommends: Don't Wait . . . Automate! When In Doubt, Write It Out! When In Doubt, Check It Out! Lead, Don't Trail
© 1998–2007 National Coordinating Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and and Prevention. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved. *Permission is hereby granted to reproduce information contained herein provided t hat such reproduction shall not modify the text and shall include the copyright notice appearing on the pages from which it was copied.
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 39 of 52
Alphabetical Index of Commonly Used Dental Abbreviations Word or Term
Abbreviation
A A point Nasion Nasion B point
ANB
Abdominal Aortic Aortic Aneurysm abfraction abnormal above abrasion abscess absces s abutment accessory acetaminophen acetaminophen, paracetamol; N-acetyl-para-aminophenol acid etch acidulated phosphate fluoride
AAA abf abn super abr abc, abs ab, abut acc ACM
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome acrylic acryl ic Active Periodontal Periodontal Treatment Active Vertical Vertical Corrector treatment acute Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Leukemia Acute Necrotizing Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis addicted patient additional adjust(ed) (ment) Adult Periodontitis Periodontitis adult prophylaxis advanced after after meals after noon AIDS Related Complex air abrasion alcohol alcohol on breath alcoholic alginate alveol(us) (ar)
APAP etch APF AIDS a acr, cr, acry APT AVC ac ALL ANUG AP add,super adj AP AP adv post pc PM ARC air abr ROH aob ROHic alg, algin alv
amalgam amalg am
am, amal
amalgam buildup amalgam restoration
AM BU AR
amputation anesthesia; anesthetic angle anterior Anterior (Lower Facial Height) Height) [anterior nasal spine-menton] Anterior (Total (Total Facial Height) Height) [nasion-menton] Anterior digastric digastric muscle Anterior Maxillary Maxillary Osteotomy anterior temporalis muscle anterior-posterior apex apicoectomy; apical root canal surgery appliance application appointment approximately approximately equal archwire archwire adjustment as needed as soon as possible aspirin; acetylsalicylic acid assistant; dental assistant assorted Asymmetry, Borders, Borders, Color, Diameter at bedtime atrophy attached gingiva attachment attachment loss Attention Deficit Deficit Disorder Attention Deficit Deficit Hyperactivity Hyperactivity Disorder attrition atypical auscultation Automatic External External Defibrillator Defibrillator auxiliary
amp anes An ant A(LFH) A(TFH) DigA AMO Tem A AP ap apeo, apico appl appl appt ca aw aw adj prn asap ASA asst asst ABCD hs atr AG att AL ADD
average
ADHD attr atyp ausc AED aux ave, aver, avg
avulsion Azidothymidine
av AZT
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
B Baby Bottle Tooth Decay bad breath base of defect before
BBTD bb BD a, ante
before meals before noon bicuspid bigonial width bilateral Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy biologic indicators Biological Response Modifier biopsy bisphenol-a-glycidyl methacrylate bisque bake try in
ac AM bi BGW bil
bite wing x-ray bleeding on probing bleeding time index blood pressure Blood Urea Nitrogen level bon(e) (y) bone crest bony defect fill - vertical bracket brack et bridge bridg e bridge supported by two implants broken appointment brush biopsy brux(er) (ism) buccal buccal distal build up Burning Mouth Syndrome by mouth by report bony defect bony defect fill - horizontal bone fragment bone graft bone loss
C
BSSO BI BRM bx bis-gma bbti bw, bwx, bwxr BOP BTI bp BUN bn BC BDF - V bkt, brk br, brdg BII BA br bx brux B, buc BD b/u, bldup, bu BMS per os, po BR BD BDF - H
bf bg BL
Page 40 of 52
Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst (Gorlin Cyst) Calcium Hydroxide calculus cancel(lation) cancer capsules cardiopulmonary resuscitation caries caries control Caries Prevention Treatment carpule cause unknown cavity Celsius cement(ation) Cementoenamel Junction centimeter centric occlusion centric relation occlusion cephalometric image ceramic Cerebral Vascular Accident centric position cervical erosion cervical root lesion change check chemical dependency chief complaint child prophylaxis chronic Chronic Mouth Breathing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Circa citric acid classification of jaw relation; Angle Class I classification of jaw relation; Angle Class II II classification of jaw relation; Angle Class III III cleansing and shaping clear cleft lip cleft lip and palate cleft lip, cleft palate
COC CaOH calc canc CA caps CPR car, DK cc Car Prev Tx, CPT carp cu cav °C cem CEJ cm CO CRO ceph ceram CVA CP CE crl , chk CD cc CP chr CMB COPD ca cit acid cl I cl II cl III cl & sh clr CL CLP CL/CP
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 41 of 52
clinical attachment level cloudy coarse compound compo und complaining of complete
CAL cldy c, crs cmpd, cpd c/o comp
debridement decay decayed teeth deciduous decid uous decrease decreased
debrd DK dt de dec, c, decid dec
complete blood count complete lower denture complete upper denture composite composite buildup
CBC /C, CLD C/, CUD comp Comp BU CAT CT conc cond COD cong CHF con bar cons sed, CS cons
Deep Vein Thrombosis defective Degenerative Joint Disease
DVT def DJD + (number) del
computerized axial tomography computerized tomography concentrat(e) (ion) condition condition on discharge congenital Congestive Heart Failure connector bar conscious sedation consultation Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Control tooth coronal scaling coronally positioned flap Coronary Artery Bypass Coronary Artery Disease craniofacial analysis C-reactive protein crown crown and bridge crown lengthening cubic centimeter culture and sensitivity curettage Curriculum Vitae curve of Spee curve of Wilson cytomegalovirus comprehensive periodontal examination and charting
date of birth day
D
CPAP Cx CS CPF CAB CAD CFA CRP cr, crn C&B CL, crn lngth cc C&S cur CV COS COW CMV CPEC
DOB d
degree of mobility deliver(ed) demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft demonstrate dent(al) (istry)(ition)(ure) (istry)(ition)(ure) dental assistant dental health record dental history dental hygiene dentigerous cyst dentin bonding agents Dentogenesis Imperfecta denture depth desentiz(ation) (e) develop dextrose/water Diabetes Mellitus diagnosis diameter diastema diazepan did not keep appointment differential diagnosis dilute direct direct digital radiography direct pulp cap directions; take as follows directly observed therapy discharged decayed, filled or missing teeth discussed with dispense as written distal
DFDBA demo dent da dhr denthx, dh hyg DC DBA DI dtr d desen dev D/W DM dg, diag, dx, dia ^, dias DZP dnka , DD, dfdg dil dir DDR dpc Sig DOT d/c DFMT d/w daw D, dist
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
distal buccal distal incisal distal lingual distal occlusal distal occlusal buccal distal occlusal facial
DB DI DL DO DOB DOF
divide domestic violence double double ended instrument drain dressing dress ing
div DV dbl d/e dr, drn dr drs, s, drsg
drifted distally
midline midline
drifted mesially drop drug user duplicate(d) discontinue discussed
gtt du dup d/c disc
E each early childhood caries Early Onset Periodontal disease Eastman Interdental Bleeding Index Ectodermal dysplasia edentulous edentulous mandibular overdenture effective dose electric pulp test electromyogram electronic apex locator electro-surgery emergency Erythema Multiforme endodontics End Stage Renal Disease envi enviro ronm nmen enta tall toba tobacc cco o sm smok oke e
ea ECC
EMO ED EPT EMG EAL e-surg emerg EM endo ESRD ET ETS S
especially estimate etiology
esp est etiol
eugenol evaluat(ion) (e) every
eug eval q
Page 42 of 52
every 6 hours every day every hour every morning every other day examination example excavate and evaluate excess(ive) excision excis ion exfoliat(e) (ion) (ive) expos(ed) (ure) extended care facility external bleaching extra coarse extra extra fine
q4h (q 4°) q6h (q 6°) q1d, qd qh qam qod Ex, exam ex. E&E xs exc, excs exf exp ecf ext bl xc xxf
extra fine extra oral extra-cellular matrix extract (ion) extruded
xf EO ECM E, xt, ext extr
every 4 hours
F
EOP facing IBI EDA edent
Fahrenheit family history female fever or chills Fever-Apthous ulcersPharyngitis-Adenitis Fiber Optic Transillumination Transillumination fiberoptics fine fine fine fine needle aspiration fine needle biopsy fixed fixed partial denture fixed prosthodontics flap curettage Flap Debridement Surgery Flap with Osseous resection surgery floor of mouth
fac °F famhx, fh fem F/C ,
FAPA FOTI F-O f ff FNA FNB fxd br, brdg, FPD fx pros, Fxd fc FDS FO fom
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 43 of 52
fluoride fluoride treatment follow up food impaction for example foreign body
F, fl Ftx f/u food imp e.g. fb
Periodontitis Generalized Tonic-clonic Seizures (Grand Mal) gingival(l) gingival bleeding index gingival bleeding score
GTCS ging GBI GBS
formocresol four times a day fracture fragment framework Frankfurt Horizontal free gingival graft free gingival margin freely; as needed frenectomy frequent full gold crown Fahrenheit failed appointment false negative full maxillary denture over full mandibular denture full maxillary denture over partial mandibular denture full mouth series
fc qid , FX frag fmwk FH fgg fgm as lib frenmy freq FGC °F F, fa FN
gingival crevicular fluid Gingival Index gingival recession Gingival Thickness gingivecto gingi vectomy my gingivoplasty glass ionomer glass ionomer cement glass ionomer resin gnathion gold gold foil gonion gram greater than group guided tissue regeneration gutta percha
GCF GI rec GTH gtmy, gvty gplasty GI g ion, GIC GIR Gn Au gf Go g, gm > grp GTR gp
full upper denture function Functional Regulator (Frankel Appliance) Funny Looking Kid furcation furca tion furcation depth full lower denture
F/F F/P fms, fmx F/U, FU(D) func, fx FR FLK fur, fur, furc fd F/L, FLD
G gallon gastroesophageal reflux disease gastrointestinal tract general anesthesia general medical history general practitioner general; generalized Generalized Early-onset Periodontitis Generalized Juvenile
gal GERD GI ga gmh GP gen
G-EOP GJP
H Hairy Leukoplakia handpiece hard hard acrylic occlusal splint hard of hearing hard tissue replacement has been drinking headache head-neck-face healing well health history hearing loss heavy smoker height hemorrhage Hepatitis A virus Hepatitis B surface antigen Hepatitis B virus
HL HP hrd HAOS hh, hoh htr HBD ha HNF hw HH hl HS ht hemr HAV HBsAg HBV
Hepatitis C virus Herpes Simplex Virus high blood pressure
HCV HSV hbp
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 44 of 52
high risk high volume evacuation history History and Physical history of history of present illness
HR hve H, hist, hx H&P h/o hoi
labial laboratory laceration large lateral lateral pterygoid muscle
LA lab lac lg, lrg lat lpm
home care instructions Horizontal Mandibular Osteotomy horizontal probing bone level hospital hot and cold hour Human Growth Hormone Human Herpes Virus Human Immunodeficiency Virus hydrogen peroxide hydroxyapatite
hci
HIV H2O2 HA
lead left length lesion lesser than lichen planus lidocaine liga(ment) (ture) light cured resin lingual liquid liter
Pb L, lft l les < LP lido lig LCR L, LI, ling liq l
hypertension
htn
local anesthesia Localized Juvenile Periodontitis loss of periodontal attachment lower lower left lower left quadrant lower right lower right quadrant Lupus Erythematosus
LA LJP lpa l LL LLQ LR LRQ LE
HMO HPBL hosp H&C h, hr HGH HHV
I ibuprofen identification immediate immediately inch increased intrabony defect intracanal medication intramuscular
IBF ID imm, immed stat in incr, IBD ic med IM
intranasal intermittant internal internal bleaching intruded intraocular intravenous intravenous drug use
IN inr int int bl intr IO IV IVDU
J Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
JRA
K Kaposi’s sarcoma keratinized gingiva
KS kg
L
M Major Apthous Ulcers male malignant malocclusion Mandibular Advancement Appliance mandibular full denture mandibular partial denture mandibular plane (gonionmenton) massester muscle maxi(lla) (llary) (mum) maxillary alveolar tenderness maxillary full denture maxillary partial denture
MjAU m malig maloc
maximum intercuspation maximum permitted intake medical history
MI MPI med hx,
,
MAA /F /P MP MAS max MAT F/ P/
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 45 of 52
mh
nausea and vomiting necrotic Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis negative new patient
medicament medications medium medium fine Mental Neurovascular Bundle
medic meds m, med mf MNVB
mercury mesial mesial buccal mesial facial mesial facial lingual mesial incisal mesial incisal distal mesial lingual mesial occlusal mesial occlusal buccal mesial occlusal distal mesial occlusal distal buccal
Hg M MB MF MFL MI MID ML MO MOB MOD MODB
new patient examination next recall next visit nitrous oxide no apparent distress no change no change in condition no charge no difference no evidence of disease no evidence of recurrent disease no insurance
mesial lingual m icrogrocclusal am midline mild
MOL m cg mdl mld man, mand min miss "X" or "=" MVP mod
no known allergies no known drug allergies no previous history no show no significant findings non compliant patient Non Surgical Periodontal Therapy Non-Hodgkins Lymphona non-nutritive sucking nonrestorable caries non-smoker nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory anti-inflammatory
mandib(ular) (le) minute missing missing tooth or pontic Mitral valve prolapse moderate Modified Papillary Bleeding Index modified sulcular bleeding index modified Widman surgery month motor vehicle accident mucogingival mucoginival junction mucous membrane Multiple Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Multiple Sclerosis myocardial infarction myofacial pain dysfunction Myofascial pain
MPBI MSBI MW mo MVA mg MGJ MM MDR-TB MS MI MPD MFP
N narrative
nar
drug non-vital norepinephrine normal limits not applicable not determined not known nothing by mouth nothing significant number no previous complaint
N/V ncr, nec NUG neg np npe nr nv N2O NAD i.s.q. nc n/c
NED NERD ni NKA NKDA nph N/S nsf NCP NSPT NHL NNS nrc ns NSAID non-vtl NE nl n/a, na n/d nk npo ns no. npc
O objective observe Obsessive Compulsive
obj chk OCD
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Disorder occlus(al) (ion) occlusal occlusal interference occlusal x-rays Odontogenic Keratocyst
occ, occl O oi occl xr OKC
office visit ointment onlay open contact open contact operat(ion) (ory) Oral Appliance Therapy oral contraceptives oral health record oral hygiene oral hygiene instructions Oral Mucosal Lichen Planus Oral Mucosal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma oral surgery Orofaciodigital Syndrome orthodontics osseous other other clinical findings ounce outer diameter over the counter oxygen
ov oint, ung onl
OC op OAT OC ohr oh ohi OMLP OMSCC OSCC OS OFD ortho oss oth ocf oz od OTC Oxy,O2
P Palatal palatal lift prosthesis palpation panoramic image panoramic radiograph paper point papillae and marginal gingiva papillary bleeding index papillary bleeding score partial
P PLP palp pan, pano pnxr, P-XR ppt P&M PBI PBS part
partial denture partial lower denture partial maxillary denture over
PD PL, PLD P/F
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full mandibular denture partial maxillary denture over partial mandibular denture partial upper denture parts per million (billion) past history
P/P PUD ppm(b) ph
per per kilogram per pound permanent personal protective equipment pit and fissure sealant pits and fissures plaque Plaque Assessment Scoring System plaque control techniques plaque index
/ /kg /lb perm PPE pfs pit-fis plq
pocket point of service preventive resin restoration
poc POS PRR 1°,1 ,prim, ,prim, decid PAL pon PC PC PFG PFM PJC PLV
primary probing attachment level pontic poor contact porcelain crown porcelain fused to gold porcelain fused to metal porcelain jacket crown porcelain laminate veneer porcelain on metal porcelain to metal crown positive post and core post and core restoration post operative post operative instructions post operative treatment post surgical treatment posterior Posterior Maxillary Osteotomy posterior superior alveolar posterior temporalis muscle Posterior Total Facial Height (sella-gonion)
PASS PCT PI Pk, pkt,
pom PMC pos P&C PACR PO, post op POI POT PST post PMO PSA Tem P P(TFH)
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
posterior-anterior view powder power chain
PA pwdr pow ch
precision attachment prefabricated preliminary
prec att prefab prelim
premedicate pre-operat pre-o perative ive prepar(e) (ation) preparatory appointment prescription prevention preventive dentistry counseling preventive rre esin rre estoration
premed pr pre e op prep PA Rx prev PDC PRR 1° or 1 , decid, prim PAL pd
primary probing attachment level probing depth probing pocket depth prog(nosis) (ress) prognosis
prosthodonti(cs) (st) provisional proximal pseudo centric relation pulp cap
PPD prog Px p, pro, prophy, px, Pxs P&E pros, prosth prov prox PCR pc, pcap
pulp(otomy) (ectomy) pulpitis pulpotomy purulent
pulp plpts pulpo pur
prophylaxis prophylaxis and exam
Q quadrant quarters question
quad qrtrs Q
R radiograph
rad
radiopaque range of motion rapid maxillary expansion
ro ROM RME
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rapid palatal expansion reappoint(ment) rebase recement recession depth recession width recommend(ed) reconstruction record recovering addicted patient Recurrent Apthous Stomatitis Recurrent Apthous Ulcer recurrent decay reduc(ed) (tion) re-evaluation reference regarding registered dental hygienist regular reimplantation reline removable removable partial denture removable prosthodontics replac(ed) (ing) residual cyst residual ridge resorption resin resin modified glass ionomer resin-bonded fixed partial denture; Maryland bridge respiration restor(ation) (e) retained retruded position return to clinic reviewed medical history Rheumatoid Arthritis right right angle risks and complications root canal root canal filling root canal therapy root planing
RPE reapp, reappt reb recem RD rw rec recon rec RAP RAS RAU R, rdk, ReDK red re-eval ref re RDH reg reimpl rel rem RPD rem pros repl rc rrr res RMGI RBFPD resp rest ret RP RTC RMH RA R, rt RA R&C rc rcf rct rp
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
root planing and scaling
rp/sc, RPS
rotated clockwise rotated counterclockwise rubber dam rule out
R-D r/o
S scaling scaling and root planing sealant secondary sedative sella-nasion-A-point sella-nasion-B-point sensitive sextant sexually transmitted disease
sc s&rp,SRP, S&RP seal 2° or 2 sed SNA SNB sens sxt STD
shade signs and symptoms silk suture silver silver point silver restoration single single ended instrument six month recall size slightly small smokeless tobacco social history social security number sodium chloride sodium fluoride soft soft acrylic occlusal splint soft tissue lesion soft tissue management soft vinyl occlusal splint sometimes space maintainer stainless steel crown
sh S&Sx, S/S s sut Ag Ag pt sr sgl s/e 6MR sz sl sm st SH ssn NaCl NaF sft SAOS STL STM SVOS sx SM ssc
stannous fluoride sterile dressing student
SnF sd st
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study model analysis study models Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis subcutaneous subgingival subgingival; submarginal sublingual sublingual; under the tongue submucosal submu cosal sufficient quantity suggestion sulcular bleeding index superior supernumerary standard supperation supportive periodontal treatment supragingival supramarginal surface surg(ery) (ical) (eon) surgical extraction suspect suspension suture symmetric symptoms sympt oms syrup system (ic) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus systolic blood pressure systolic / diastolic blood pressure
SMA SM SBE SC, subq subcut, subggv, subging sub subl, subling SL SM, subm qs sugg SBI sup supnum std supp SPT supraggv Supramarg s, sur, surf surg surg ext susp susp su, sut sym Sx, Sx, symp syr sys SLE SBP S/D
T tablespoon tablet teaspoon telephone
Tbsp tab tsp ph
temperature temperature, pulse, respiration temporary
Temp TPR temp
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
temporary treatment temporomandibular joint temporomandibular joint disorder tetracycline therapeutic pulpotomy
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tt tmj TMD TTC TP
thermal pulp test three times per day time/temperature times tissue condition(er) (ing) tissue conditioning tongue tooth Tooth Brush Abrasion toothbrush topical transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation
TPT TID T/t x t cond tc tng th TBA tb top
transitional treatment Treatment Plan trigeminal neuralgia tris-buffered saline tuberculosis twice a day tylenol
trans tr, Tx P:, TP TN TBS TB bid Tyl
TENS
U uncooperative unerupted unilateral
Uncoop uner unilat
universal color unknown unknow n unserviceable upper upper anterior facial height upper left upper left quadrant upper right upper right quadrant
U UK, unk unsvc u U(A)FH UL ULQ UR URQ
V Varicella Zoster Virus varnish vasoconstrictor venereal disease
VZV var vaso VD
vertical bitewings vertical defect vertical dimension vertical dimension of occlusion vital vital signs vitamin
vert bw vert def VD VDO vtl v.s., vs vit
W water weightt weigh well developed well nourished
aq, H2O w wgt, gt, wt w-d w-n
width with with (insert line over c; can't find symbol) with fluoride within within normal limits
w w/ c w/f, w/fl w/n wnl _
s WL
without working length
X x-ray xylocaine
XR xylo
Y years old
y/o
Z Zidovidine zinc oxide eugenol zinc phosphate
ZDV ZOE ZnPO4
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
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Forms – Template for Personalized List of Abbreviations, Symbols & Acronyms Dental office of Dr. {name} {name} Accepted Abbreviations, Symbols Sym bols & Acronyms Effective as of: {date date}} In the interests of staff communication and patient safety, the following list of accepted abbreviations, symbols and acronyms has been developed by Dr. [name] for use by all employees of [dental office]. Dr. [name] has developed this list so that each abbreviation, symbol or acronym has a single meaning. This list is complete, and no other abbreviations, symbols or acronyms are to be used.
Dental Terminology
Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Dental Terminology
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Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
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