2nd Edition
2008
© 2008 American Dental Association
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 2 of 52
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 advice. Persons reviewing this material need to consult with their own
personal advisors for such advice. Issues identified for consideration may or may not be
important to your personal decisions.
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 3 of 52
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 on Dental Practice (CDP) maintains this listing of dental
abbreviations, symbols and acronyms in an effort to give uniformity for authors, educators,
practitioners, oral health care students and others who may have a need to use 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 a term. The lists provided here reflect current usage
as reported to the Council on Dental Practice. It is always 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. This list should be made part of your office policies so that all
team members use uniform terminology. A form is provided for this purpose in this 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 avoid using abbreviations, symbols 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, it should not be used. Dentists are advised to consult with 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 abbreviations when writing prescriptions for patients. 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
Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) are included in this text.
Finally, this listing is not complete. Comments and suggestions from readers regarding additions
or deletions to future editions of this publication are welcome. Please submit your comments or
suggestions to:
Mail:
Council on Dental Practice
Attn: Senior Manager of Special Projects
211 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Fax: 312-440-2924
E-mail: dentalpractice@ada.org
Pamela Porembski DDS
Senior Manager, Special Projects
2nd Edition Editor
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Table of Contents
Page 4 of 52
Page
Mission Statement of the Council on Dental Practice &
Disclaimer ............................................................................................................. 2
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 3
Commonly Used Dental Charting Abbreviations and Symbols ............................. 5
Commonly Used Dental Acronyms ..................................................................... 21
ADA Agency Acronyms....................................................................................... 31
Designations for Teeth (Tooth Numbering)......................................................... 35
Prescriptions Writing Recommendations of NCC MERP .................................... 36
Alphabetical Index of Commonly Used Dental Abbreviations ............................. 39
Template for Personalized List of Abbreviations, Symbols & Acronyms............. 50
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 5 of 52
Commonly Used Dental Charting Abbreviations and Symbols
Symbol
/
"X" or "="
/kg
/lb
4
3
<
>
¨
¨¨
¥
§
Ĺ
Ļ
ļ
^
¸»
Jmidline
Imidline
°C
°F
ɺ
ɻ
1° or 1ƍ
2° or 2ƍ
+ (number)
6MR
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
no difference
diastema
open contact
I drifted mesially
J drifted distally
Celsius
Fahrenheit
female
male
primary
secondary
degree of mobility
six month recall
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
ABBREV-
WORD OR TERM
IATION
A
Page 6 of 52
algin
alginate
ALL
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
alv
alveol(us) (ar)
a
before
alvect
alveolectomy
A(LFH)
alvy
alveolectomy
AM
before noon
am
amalgam
AAA
(Anterior) Lower Facial Height
[anterior nasal spine-menton]
(Anterior) Total Face Height
[nasion-menton]
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
AM BU
amalgam buildup
ab
abutment
Amal
amalgam
abc
abscess
AMO
Anterior Maxillary Osteotomy
ABCD
amp
amputation
abf
Asymmetry, Borders, Color,
Diameter
abfraction
An
Angle
abn
abnormal
ANB
A point Nasion B point
abr
abrasion
anes
anesthesia; anesthetic
abs
abscess
ant
anterior
abut
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 Periodontitis
acry
acrylic
AP
addicted patient
AD
Alzheimer's Disease
ap
apex
ADD
Attention Deficit Disorder
APAP
ADHD
apeo
adj
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder
adjust(ed) (ment)
acetaminophen, paracetamol; Nacetyl-para-aminophenol
Apicoectomy
APF
acidulated phosphate fluoride
adv
advanced
apico
AED
Automatic External Defibrillator
appl
apicoectomy; apical root canal
surgery
appliance
AG
attached gingival
appl
application
Ag
silver
appt
appointment
Ag pt
silver point
APT
Active Periodontal Treatment
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; acetylsalicylic acid
A(TFH)
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 7 of 52
asap
as soon as possible
BII
bridge supported by two implants
asst
assistant; dental assistant
bil
bilateral
asst
assorted
bis-gma
bisphenol-a-glycidyl methacrylate
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 Vertical 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 Modifier
AZT
Azidothymidine
brux
brux(er) (ism)
BSSO
Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy
BTI
bleeding time index
bu
build up
buc
buccal
BUN
Blood Urea Nitrogen level
bw
bitewing x-ray
bwx
bite wing x-ray
bwxr
bite wing x-ray
bx
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
Page 8 of 52
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 level
clr
clear
cm
centimeter
calc
calculus
CMB
Chronic Mouth 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 junction
COPD
cem
cement(ation)
ceph
cephalometric image
COS
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease
curve of Spee
ceram
ceramic
COW
curve of Wilson
CFA
craniofacial analysis
CP
centric position
CHF
Congestive Heart Failure
CP
child prophylaxis
chk
check
CPAP
chk
observe
cpd
Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure
compound
chr
chronic
CPEC
cit acid
citric acid
CL
cleft lip
CL
crown lengthening
cl & sh
cleansing and shaping
cl I
classification of jaw relation;
Angle Class I
classification of jaw relation;
Angle Class II
classification of jaw relation;
Angle Class III
cleft lip, cleft palate
cl II
cl III
CL/CP
CPF
comprehensive periodontal
examination and charting
coronally positioned flap
CPR
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPT
Caries Prevention Treatment
CR
centric relation
cr
crown
crl
cervical root lesion
crn
crown
crn lngth
crown lengthening
CRO
centric relation occlusion
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 9 of 52
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
dfdg
differential diagnosis
cu
cause unknown
DFMT
decayed, filled or missing teeth
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 digastric 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
dbl
double
dnka
did not keep appointment
DC
dentigerous cyst
DO
distal occlusal
DD
differential diagnosis
dob
date of birth
DDR
direct digital 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
dt
decayed teeth
dent
dent(al) (istry)(ition)(ure)
dtr
denture
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 10 of 52
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
endodontics
F/L
EO
extraoral
EOP
Early Onset Periodontal disease
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
Page 11 of 52
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
glass ionomer cement
ga
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
gastroesophageal reflux disease
fmx
full mouth series
gf
gold foil
FN
false negative
GI
gastrointestinal tract
FNA
fine needle aspiration
GI
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
FR
fixed partial denture
Functional Regulator (Frankel
Appliance)
Go
gonion
frag
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
Page 12 of 52
H
history
HSV
Herpes Simplex Virus
H
hour
ht
height
H&C
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 antigen
HBV
Hepatitis B virus
hci
home care instructions
HCV
Hepatitis C virus
hemr
hemorrhage
Hg
mercury
HGH
Human Growth Hormone
HH
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
IBI
ibuprofen
Eastman Interdental Bleeding
Index
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
hl
hearing loss
IDDM
interior diameter
Insulin-dependent Diabetes
Mellitus (Type 1)
HMO
Horizontal Mandibular 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 probing bone level
impl
implant
HR
high risk
impr
impression
hr
hour
in
inch
hrd
hard
IN
intranasal
HS
heavy smoker
inc
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
intruded
LL
lower left
io
intraocular
LLQ
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 muscle
IRM
intermediate restorative material
LR
lower right
irrig
Irrigation
lrg
large
iv
Intravenous
LRQ
lower right quadrant
ivdu
intravenous drug use
ivrf
incomplete vertical root fracture
J
JRA
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
K
M
M
mesial
m
male
m
MAA
medium
Mandibular Advancement
Appliance
kg
keratinized gingival
malig
malignant
KS
Kaposi's sarcoma
maloc
malocclusion
man
mandib(ular) (le)
L
mand
mandib(ular) (le)
L
left
MAS
massester muscle
l
length
MAT
maxillary alveolar tenderness
l
liter
max
maxi(lla) (llary) (mum)
L
lingual
MB
mesial buccal
l
lower
mcg
microgram
LA
labial
mdl
midline
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 14 of 52
MDR-TB
Multiple Drug Resistant
Tuberculosis
med
medium
med hx
medical history
medic
medicament
meds
medications
mEq
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
NERD
no evidence of recurrent disease
mm
millimeter
NHL
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 occlusal distal buccal
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 pain 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
drug
oxy
oxygen
nsf
no significant findings
oz
ounce
NSPT
Non Surgical Periodontal Therapy
NUG
Necrotizing Ulcerative 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
(sella-gonion)
NVB
O
O
occlusal
O2
oxygen
OAT
Oral Appliance Therapy
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
outer diameter
OFD
Orofaciodigital Syndrome
oh
oral hygiene
ohi
oral hygiene instructions
ohr
oral health record
oi
occlusal interference
oint
ointment
OKC
OMLP
P
P(TFH)
P/
P/P
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
PASS
partial
Plaque Assessment Scoring
System
Odontogenic Keratocyst
pat
patient
path
pathology
pax
periapical x-ray
OMSCC
Oral Mucosal Lichen Planus
Oral Mucosal Squamous Cell
Carcinoma
Pb
lead
onl
onlay
PBI
op
operat(ion) (ory)
ortho
orthodontics
papillary bleeding index
Periodontal pocket Bleeding
Index
P/F
PBI
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
pocket
PDI
periodontal disease index
POI
post operative instructions
pdl
periodontal ligament
pol
polish
pecor
pericoronitis
pom
porcelain on metal
pedo
pedodontics; pediatric dentistry
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
pow ch
power chain
perm
permanent
PPD
probing pocket depth
PFG
porcelain fused to gold
PPE
personal protective equipment
PFM
porcelain fused to metal
ppm(b)
parts per million (billion)
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
pocket
premed
premedicate
pkt
pocket
prep
prepar(e) (ation)
PL
partial lower denture
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
right
R
recurrent decay
R&C
risks and complications
r/o
rule out
RA
right angle
RA
Rheumatoid Arthritis
past smoker
rad
radiograph
RAP
recovering addicted patient
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 radiograph
Pxs
prophylaxis
re
reapp
regarding
reappoint(ment)
reappt
reappoint(ment)
reb
rebase
Q
Q
question
rec
gingival recession
q
q4h
(q 4°)
q6h
(q 6°)
every
rec
recommend(ed)
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
every 4 hours
Dental Abbreviations, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 18 of 52
rel
reline
SBE
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis
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 modified glass 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
retruded position
SL
sublingual; under the tongue
rp
root planing
SLE
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
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 periodontal treatment
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 and root 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
soft tissue management
sut
suture
sub
subgingival; 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
TENS
temporary
transcutaneous electric nerve
stimulation
sup
superior
th
tooth
super
above
TID
three times per day
super
additional
TMD
temporomandibular joint disorder
supnum
supernumerary
tmj
temporomandibular joint
supp
supra
ggv
supra
marg
supperation
TN
trigeminal neuralgia
tng
tongue
top
topical
sur
surface
TP
treatment plan
surf
surface
TP
therapeutic pulpotomy
surg
surg(ery) (ical) (eon)
TPR
temperature, pulse, respiration
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)FH
upper anterior facial height
UK
unknown
UL
upper left
ULQ
upper left quadrant
uncoop
uncooperative
uner
unerupted
ung
ointment
unilat
unilateral
unk
unknown
supragingival
supramarginal
T
t cond
tissue condition(er) (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
V
w-n
well nourished
wnl
within normal limits
wt
weight
v.s.
vital signs
var
varnish
vaso
vasoconstrictor
VD
venereal disease
X
times
VD
vertical dimension
xc
extra coarse
VDO
vertical dimension of occlusion
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 for Ambulatory Health Care
AAE
American Association of Endodontists
AAFP
American Academy of Family Physicians
AAHD
American Association of Hospital Dentists
AAO
American Association of Orthodontists
AAOMP
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
AAOMR
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
AAOMS
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
AAP
American Academy of Periodontology
AAP
American Academy of Pediatrics
AAPD
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
AAPHD
American Association of Public Health Dentistry
AARP
formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons
ACE
ADA Clinical Evaluator
ACP
American College of Prosthodontics
ACP
American College of Physicians
ACS
American College of Surgeons
ADA
American Dental Association
ADAA
American Dental Assistants Association
ADABEI
ADA Business Enterprises, Inc.
ADAF
ADA Foundation
ADEA
American Dental Education Association
ADHA
American Dental Hygienists' Association
AGD
Academy of General Dentistry
AHA
American Heart Association
AHA
American Hospital Association
AHCPR
Agency of Health Care Policy and Research
AHIC
American Health Information Community
AHIP
America's Health Insurance Plans
AHRQ
Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
ALARA
As Low As Reasonably Achievable (radiation)
AMA
American Medical Association
ANHB
Alaska Native Health Board
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
ANTHC
Alaska Native Tribal Health Corsortium
ANUG
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis
APHA
American Public Health Association
ARC
Aids Related Complex
ASA
American Society on Aging
ASC
Accredited Standards Committee
ASDA
American Student Dental Association
ASO
Administrative services only
ASTDD
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
AwDA
Americans with Disabilities Act
AWWA
American Water Works Association
B
BAT
Best Available Technology
BBP
Blood Borne Pathogen Standard
BCLS
Basic Cardiac Life Support
BEIR
Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
BFE
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency
BLS
Basic Life Support
BMP
Best Management Practices
BMS
Burning Mouth Syndrome
BPHC
Bureau of Primary Health Care (HRSA)
C
CAPMI
Computer Assisted Post Mortem Identification
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
CDPMA
Certified Dental Practice Management Assistant
CD-ROM
Compact Disk-Read Only Memory
CDT
Certified Dental Technician
CDT
Current Dental Terminology
CE
Continuing Education
CERP
Continuing Education Recognition 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
CHIP
Children's Health Insurance Program/Medicare-Medicaid
CMS
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
CN
cranial nerves
CNS
Central Nervous System
COA
Certified Orthodontic Assistant
COB
Coordination of Benefits
COBRA
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
CODA
Commission on Dental Accreditation
COHR
Computer-based Oral Health Record
COMSA
Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPT
Current Procedural Terminology
CQI
Continuous Quality Improvement
CRC
Code Revision Committee
CTS
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTS
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
CV
Curriculum Vitae
CVA
Cerebrovascular Accident
D
D/E
Double-ended instrument
DANB
Dental Assisting National Board
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 Standards Maintenance Organization
DUWS(L)
Dental unit water supply (line)
Page 24 of 52
E
EAP
Employee Assistance Programs
EAS
Emergency Alert System
EBD
Evidence-based Dentistry
ECF
extended care facility
ECP
electronic claims processing
ECP
exposure control plan
EDI
Electronic Data Interchange
EEOC
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
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
EPSDT
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program
ERA
Electronic Remittance Advice
ERISA
ESAR-VHP
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
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
World Dental Federation
FDS
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
Give Kids A Smile
GLC
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
Hazard Communication Standard
HCW
health care worker
HEDIS
Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set
HHS
Health and Human Services
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
HITSP
Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel
HMO
Health Maintenance Organization
HPSAs
Health Professional Shortage Areas
HRSA
Health Resources and Services Administration
HS
Head Start
HSA
Health Savings Account
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language
Page 25 of 52
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 26 of 52
I
IBWA
International Bottled Water Association
ICD
International Classification of Diseases
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 Organization for Standardization
ISP
Internet Service Provider
J
JADA
Journal of American Dental Association
JCAHO
Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
JCSMS
Joint Commission on Sports Medicine and Science
K
L
L(A)FH
Lower (Anterior) Facial Height
LAN
Local Area Network
LASER
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
LD
lethal dose
LD50
lethal dose expected to kill 50%
LDH
Licensed Dental Hygienist
LE
Lupus Erythematosus
LEAT
Least Expensive Alternative Treatment
LHD
Local Heath Department
LTC
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_YYYY
Mental Foramina
MRC
Medical Reserve Corps
MRD
maximum recommended dose
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
month, day of month, year
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
MSA
Medical Savings Account
MSD
Musculoskeletal Disorders
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets
MTD
month to date
N
n
unspecified number
NADL
National Association of Dental Laboratories
NADP
National Association of Dental Plans
NAIC
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
NAOH
National Alliance for Oral Health
NAS
National Academy of Sciences
NCCHC
National Commission on Correctional Health Care
NCCSH
National Coordinating Committee on School Health
NCDHM
National Children's Dental Health Month
NCI
National Cancer Institute
NCOAL
National Council on the Aging
NCQA
National Committee on Quality Assurance
NCRP
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
NCVHS
National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics
NDA
National Dental Association
NFAC
National Fluoridation Advisory Committee
NFDH
National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped
NHBPEP
National High Blood Pressure Education Program
NHII
National Health Information Infrastructure
NHSC
National Health Service Corps
NIDCR
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
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
National Plan and Provider Enumeration System
NPRM
Notice of 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 of E-Health Standards and Services
OMSS
Organized Medical Staff Section (AMA)
ORGID
Organization Identifier
ORGTYPE
Organization Type
OSAP
Office Sterilization and Asepsis Procedures
OSAP
Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OTC
over the counter
P
P&L
Profit and Loss statement
P.A.N.D.A.
Prevent Abuse and Neglect Through Dental Awareness
PAHO
Pan American Health Organization
PARCA
Patient Access to Responsible Care Act
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 Review 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
RDAEF
Registered Dental Assistant in Expanded Functions
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
Retromolar Trigone
ROI
return on investment
RQ
Readiness Quotient
RR
Relative Risk
RUC
Relative Value System Update Committee
RVS
Relative Value System
S
SAL
Sterilization Accuracy Level
SBE
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis
SCD
Special Care Dentistry
SCDI
Standards Committee on Dental Informatics
SCDP
Standards Committee on Dental Products
SCHIP
State Children's Health Insurance Program
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
Sexually Transmitted Disease
STG
short term goals
Page 29 of 52
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
T
TDD
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf
TDP/TFD
Tricare Dental Program / Tricare Family Dental Program
Tfx
Toxic effects
TJC
The Joint Commission
TLV
Threshold Limit Value
TMD
Temporomandibular Joint 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 Research Laboratory 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 the American Dental Association
ACCTG
Department of Accounting
FINOP
ADABEI
ADA Business Enterprise, Inc.
Subsidiary
ADABFS
Business and Financial Services Division
ADABEI
ADAF
ADA Foundation (Charitable)
AS
ADAGAT
ADA Grassroots Action Team
GOVT
ADAPUB
ADA Publishing
ADPAC
Department of Political Affairs/American Dental Political Action Committee
GOVT
AP
Acceptance Program
SCI
AS
Division of Administrative Services
ASDA
American Student Dental Association
B
BFS
Business and Financial Services
ADABEI
BHM
Department of Board and House Matters
AS
BOT
Board of Trustees
C
CAPIR
Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations
DENPR
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
CMIRP
Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs
FINOP
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
DCSMP
Department of Conference Services and Meeting Planning
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 Reimbursement
DSA
Department of Standards Administration
ITSSM
DSGA
Department of State Government Affairs
GOVT
DSM
Department of Salable Materials
DSR
Dental 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
MARCOM
Department of Marketing Communications
COMM
MDSS
Division of Membership and Dental Society Services
MSC
Member Service Center
MDSS
MSOP
Membership Services Outreach Program
MDSS
L
LARP
M
N
NCDHM
National Children's Dental Health Month
NIDCR
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial 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 Information
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
Mandibular Right
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
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
Second Molar
First Molar
Second Premolar
First Premolar
Canine
Lateral Incisor
Central Incisor
Mandibular Left
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
22
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 RECOMMENDATION
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 documents be legible. Verbal orders should be minimized. (See the
Council's Recommendations to Reduce Medication Errors Associated with Verbal
Medication Orders and Prescriptions)
2. ...prescription orders include a brief notation of purpose (e.g., for cough), 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 orders be written in the metric system except for therapies 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 age and, when appropriate, 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 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
Page 37 of 52
dispensing health care professionals in their double check of the appropriate drug and
dose.
5. ...medication orders include drug name, exact metric weight or 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 expression of less than one. A 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 the use of abbreviations including those 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
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
times daily). If the "O" is poorly written, it
for every other day
looks like a period or "I."
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
Common Error
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
Misinterpreted as the Latin abbreviation
"HS" (hour of sleep).
Cubic centimeters
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
Page 38 of 52
AU, AS, AD
Latin abbreviation Misinterpreted as the Latin abbreviation
for both ears; left "OU" (both eyes); "OS" (left eye); "OD"
ear; right ear
(right eye)
IU
International Unit
MS,
MSO4, Confused
MgSO4
another
for
Mistaken as IV (intravenous) or 10(ten)
one Can mean morphine sulfate or magnesium
sulfate
8. ...prescribers avoid vague instructions such as "Take as directed" or "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 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
Page 39 of 52
Alphabetical Index of Commonly Used Dental Abbreviations
Word or Term
Abbreviation
A
A point Nasion B point
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
abfraction
abnormal
above
abrasion
abscess
abutment
accessory
acetaminophen
acetaminophen, paracetamol;
N-acetyl-para-aminophenol
acid etch
acidulated phosphate fluoride
Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome
acrylic
Active Periodontal Treatment
Active Vertical Corrector
treatment
acute
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative
Gingivitis
addicted patient
additional
adjust(ed) (ment)
Adult Periodontitis
adult prophylaxis
advanced
after
after meals
after noon
AIDS Related Complex
air abrasion
alcohol
alcohol on breath
alcoholic
alginate
alveol(us) (ar)
amalgam
ANB
AAA
abf
abn
super
abr
abc, abs
ab, abut
acc
ACM
amalgam buildup
amalgam restoration
AM BU
AR
APAP
etch
APF
AIDS
acr, 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
am, amal
amputation
anesthesia; anesthetic
angle
anterior
Anterior (Lower Facial Height)
[anterior nasal spine-menton]
Anterior (Total Facial Height)
[nasion-menton]
Anterior digastric muscle
Anterior 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, Color,
Diameter
at bedtime
atrophy
attached gingiva
attachment
attachment loss
Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder
attrition
atypical
auscultation
Automatic External Defibrillator
auxiliary
average
avulsion
Azidothymidine
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
ADHD
attr
atyp
ausc
AED
aux
ave, aver,
avg
av
AZT
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
B
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
bad breath
base of defect
before
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
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
bridge
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
BBTD
bb
BD
a, ante
ac
AM
bi
BGW
bil
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
classification of jaw relation;
Angle Class 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
clinical attachment level
cloudy
coarse
compound
complaining of
complete
complete blood count
complete lower denture
complete upper denture
composite
composite buildup
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
CAL
cldy
c, crs
cmpd, cpd
c/o
comp
CBC
/C, CLD
C/, CUD
comp
Comp BU
CAT
CT
conc
cond
COD
cong
CHF
con bar
cons sed,
CS
cons
CPAP
Cx
CS
CPF
CAB
CAD
CFA
CRP
cr, crn
C&B
CL,
crn lngth
cc
C&S
cur
CV
COS
COW
CMV
CPEC
D
date of birth
day
DOB
d
Page 41 of 52
debridement
decay
decayed teeth
deciduous
decrease
decreased
Deep Vein Thrombosis
defective
Degenerative Joint Disease
degree of mobility
deliver(ed)
demineralized freeze-dried
bone allograft
demonstrate
dent(al) (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
debrd
DK
dt
dec, decid
dec
Ļ
DVT
def
DJD
+
(number)
del
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
divide
domestic violence
double
double ended instrument
drain
dressing
DB
DI
DL
DO
DOB
DOF
div
DV
dbl
d/e
dr, drn
drs, drsg
Imidline
Jmidline
drifted distally
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
environmental tobacco smoke
ea
ECC
EMO
ED
EPT
EMG
EAL
e-surg
emerg
EM
endo
ESRD
ETS
especially
estimate
etiology
eugenol
evaluat(ion) (e)
every
esp
est
etiol
eug
eval
q
Page 42 of 52
every 4 hours
every 6 hours
every day
every hour
every morning
every other day
examination
example
excavate and evaluate
excess(ive)
excision
exfoliat(e) (ion) (ive)
expos(ed) (ure)
extended care facility
external bleaching
extra coarse
extra extra fine
extra fine
extra oral
extra-cellular matrix
extract (ion)
extruded
F
EOP
facing
IBI
EDA
edent
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
xf
EO
ECM
E, xt, ext
extr
Fahrenheit
family history
female
fever or chills
Fever-Apthous ulcersPharyngitis-Adenitis
Fiber Optic Transillumination
fiberoptics
fine
fine fine
fine needle aspiration
fine needle biopsy
fixed
fixed prosthodontics
fixed partial denture
flap curettage
Flap Debridement Surgery
Flap with Osseous resection
surgery
floor of mouth
fac
°F
famhx, fh
ɺ, 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
fluoride
fluoride treatment
follow up
food impaction
for example
foreign body
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
full upper denture
function
Functional Regulator (Frankel
Appliance)
Funny Looking Kid
furcation
furcation depth
full lower denture
F, fl
Ftx
f/u
food imp
e.g.
fb
fc
qid
, FX
frag
fmwk
FH
fgg
fgm
as lib
frenmy
freq
FGC
°F
F, fa
FN
F/F
F/P
fms, fmx
F/U,
FU(D)
func, fx
FR
FLK
fur, furc
fd
F/L, FLD
G
gallon
gastroesophageal reflux
disease
gastrointestinal tract
general anesthesia
general medical history
general practitioner
general; generalized
gal
GERD
GI
ga
gmh
GP
gen
Generalized Early-onset
Periodontitis
Generalized Juvenile
G-EOP
GJP
Page 43 of 52
Periodontitis
Generalized Tonic-clonic
Seizures (Grand Mal)
gingival(l)
gingival bleeding index
gingival bleeding score
gingival crevicular fluid
Gingival Index
gingival recession
Gingival Thickness
gingivectomy
gingivoplasty
glass ionomer
glass ionomer cement
glass ionomer resin
gnathion
gold
gold foil
gonion
gram
greater than
group
guided tissue regeneration
gutta percha
GTCS
ging
GBI
GBS
GCF
GI
rec
GTH
gtmy, gvty
gplasty
GI
g ion, GIC
GIR
Gn
Au
gf
Go
g, gm
>
grp
GTR
gp
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
Hepatitis C virus
Herpes Simplex Virus
high blood pressure
HL
HP
hrd
HAOS
hh, hoh
htr
HBD
ha
HNF
hw
HH
hl
HS
ht
hemr
HAV
HBsAg
HBV
HCV
HSV
hbp
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
high risk
high volume evacuation
history
History and Physical
history of
history of present illness
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
hypertension
HR
hve
H, hist, hx
H&P
h/o
hoi
hci
HMO
HPBL
hosp
H&C
h, hr
HGH
HHV
HIV
H2O2
HA
htn
I
ibuprofen
identification
immediate
immediately
inch
increased
intrabony defect
intracanal medication
intramuscular
intranasal
intermittant
internal
internal bleaching
intruded
intraocular
intravenous
intravenous drug use
IBF
ID
imm,
immed
stat
in
incr, Ĺ
IBD
ic med
IM
IN
inr
int
int bl
intr
IO
IV
IVDU
J
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
JRA
K
Kaposi’s sarcoma
keratinized gingiva
KS
kg
L
Page 44 of 52
labial
laboratory
laceration
large
lateral
lateral pterygoid muscle
lead
left
length
lesion
lesser than
lichen planus
lidocaine
liga(ment) (ture)
light cured resin
lingual
liquid
liter
local anesthesia
Localized Juvenile
Periodontitis
loss of periodontal attachment
lower
lower left
lower left quadrant
lower right
lower right quadrant
Lupus Erythematosus
LA
lab
lac
lg, lrg
lat
lpm
Pb
L, lft
l
les
<
LP
lido
lig
LCR
L, LI, ling
liq
l
LA
LJP
lpa
l
LL
LLQ
LR
LRQ
LE
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
maximum intercuspation
maximum permitted intake
medical history
MjAU
ɻ, m
malig
maloc
MAA
/F
/P
MP
MAS
max
MAT
F/
P/
MI
MPI
med hx,
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
mh
medicament
medications
medium
medium fine
Mental Neurovascular Bundle
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
mesial occlusal lingual
microgram
midline
mild
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
medic
meds
m, med
mf
MNVB
Hg
M
MB
MF
MFL
MI
MID
ML
MO
MOB
MOD
MODB
MOL
mcg
mdl
mld
man,
mand
min
miss
"X" or "="
MVP
mod
MPBI
MSBI
MW
mo
MVA
mg
MGJ
MM
MDR-TB
MS
MI
MPD
MFP
N
narrative
nar
Page 45 of 52
nausea and vomiting
necrotic
Necrotizing Ulcerative
Gingivitis
negative
new patient
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
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
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
ļ
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
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
occ, occl
O
oi
occl xr
OKC
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
partial denture
partial lower denture
partial maxillary denture over
P
PLP
palp
pan, pano
pnxr,
P-XR
ppt
P&M
PBI
PBS
part
PD
PL, PLD
P/F
Page 46 of 52
full mandibular denture
partial maxillary denture over
partial mandibular denture
partial upper denture
parts per million (billion)
past history
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
pocket
point of service
preventive resin restoration
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)
P/P
PUD
ppm(b)
ph
/
/kg
/lb
perm
PPE
pfs
pit-fis
plq
PASS
PCT
PI
Pk, pkt,
poc
POS
PRR
1°,1ƍ,prim,
decid
PAL
pon
PC
PC
PFG
PFM
PJC
PLV
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
premedicate
pre-operative
prepar(e) (ation)
preparatory appointment
prescription
prevention
preventive dentistry counseling
preventive resin restoration
prec att
prefab
prelim
premed
pre op
prep
PA
Rx
prev
PDC
PRR
1° or 1ƍ,
decid,
prim
PAL
pd
PPD
prog
Px
p, pro,
prophy,
px, Pxs
P&E
pros,
prosth
prov
prox
PCR
pc, pcap
pulp
plpts
pulpo
pur
primary
probing attachment level
probing depth
probing pocket depth
prog(nosis) (ress)
prognosis
prophylaxis
prophylaxis and exam
prosthodonti(cs) (st)
provisional
proximal
pseudo centric relation
pulp cap
pulp(otomy) (ectomy)
pulpitis
pulpotomy
purulent
Q
quadrant
quarters
question
quad
qrtrs
Q
R
radiograph
radiopaque
range of motion
rapid maxillary expansion
rad
ro
ROM
RME
Page 47 of 52
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
rotated clockwise
rotated counterclockwise
rubber dam
rule out
rp/sc,
RPS
3
4
R-D
r/o
scaling and root planing
sealant
secondary
sedative
sella-nasion-A-point
sella-nasion-B-point
sensitive
sextant
sexually transmitted disease
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
stannous fluoride
sterile dressing
student
study model analysis
study models
Subacute Bacterial
Endocarditis
subcutaneous
subgingival
subgingival; submarginal
S
scaling
Page 48 of 52
sc
s&rp,SRP,
S&RP
seal
2° or 2ƍ
sed
SNA
SNB
sens
sxt
STD
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
SnF
sd
st
sublingual
sublingual; under the tongue
submucosal
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
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, symp
syr
sys
SLE
SBP
S/D
T
tablespoon
tablet
teaspoon
telephone
temperature
temperature, pulse, respiration
temporary
Tbsp
tab
tsp
ph
Temp
TPR
temp
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
temporary treatment
temporomandibular joint
temporomandibular joint
disorder
tetracycline
therapeutic pulpotomy
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
transitional
treatment
Treatment Plan
trigeminal neuralgia
tris-buffered saline
tuberculosis
twice a day
tylenol
tt
tmj
TMD
TTC
TP
TPT
TID
T/t
x
t cond
tc
tng
th
TBA
tb
top
TENS
trans
tr, Tx
P:, TP
TN
TBS
TB
bid
Tyl
U
uncooperative
unerupted
unilateral
universal color
unknown
unserviceable
upper
upper anterior facial height
upper left
upper left quadrant
upper right
upper right quadrant
Page 49 of 52
Uncoop
uner
unilat
U
UK, unk
unsvc
u
U(A)FH
UL
ULQ
UR
URQ
V
Varicella Zoster Virus
varnish
vasoconstrictor
venereal disease
vertical bitewings
vertical defect
vertical dimension
vertical dimension of occlusion
vital
vital signs
vitamin
VZV
var
vaso
VD
vert bw
vert def
VD
VDO
vtl
v.s., vs
vit
W
water
weight
well developed
well nourished
width
with
with (insert line over c; can't
find symbol)
with fluoride
within
within normal limits
without
working length
aq, H2O
wgt, wt
w-d
w-n
w
w/
c
w/f, w/fl
w/n
wnl
_
s
WL
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
Page 50 of 52
Forms – Template for Personalized List of Abbreviations, Symbols & Acronyms
Dental office of Dr. {name}
Accepted Abbreviations, Symbols & Acronyms
Effective as of: {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
Page 51 of 52
Abbreviations, Symbols and
Acronyms
Dental Abbreviation, Symbols and Acronyms
Page 52 of 52
