In every dental clinic, communication is key—especially when it comes to patient records. Whether you’re discussing treatment plans with colleagues, referring a patient to another dentist, or entering chart notes into your EMR system, accuracy matters. And one area where clarity can make or break communication is dental notation. If you’ve ever worked in a multi-specialty clinic or with dentists from different countries, you know how confusing tooth numbering can get. One dentist might refer to a tooth as “#8,” another might call it “11,” and a third might write it as “UR1.” All these notations describe the same tooth—but in different dental numbering systems. At Balsam Medico, we recognize how crucial it is to have flexibility in your EMR. That’s why we’ve included three major dental notation systems—FDI, Universal Numbering System, and Palmer Notation—so you can record treatments in the way that feels most natural to your practice, and communicate clearly across diverse teams. Why Dental Notation Matters Dental notation is the standardized way dentists identify and record teeth. It ensures that every professional reviewing a patient’s chart knows exactly which tooth has been examined, treated, or extracted—no matter who originally wrote the notes. For clinics in the UAE, where dentists come from a mix of educational backgrounds—Europe, Asia, North America, and the Arab world—understanding and using the correct notation system is especially important. A patient who moves from one clinic to another should have a smooth transition, and clear notation is a big part of that continuity of care. Without a standardized or flexible system, simple miscommunication could lead to serious errors. Imagine performing a procedure on the wrong tooth because “#24” meant something different to the previous dentist! The FDI World Dental Federation System The FDI notation, also known as the ISO System, is the most widely used internationally and is the official system recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s also the most common system across the UAE and much of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Here’s how it works: The mouth is divided into four quadrants, numbered 1 to 4 for permanent teeth and 5 to 8 for primary (baby) teeth. Each tooth in the quadrant is then given a number from 1 to 8, starting from the midline. So, for example: The upper right central incisor is 11. The lower left first molar is 36. The upper left second molar in a child is 65. This two-digit system is easy to understand once you get used to it, and it’s unambiguous—each tooth has its own unique code. That’s why Balsam Medico uses FDI notation as its default format, especially for clinics aligned with DHA and NABIDH standards. The Universal Numbering System The Universal Numbering System (UNS) is widely used in the United States, and you’ll find many dentists trained in American institutions who still prefer this method. In this system, the permanent teeth are numbered from 1 to 32, starting from the upper right third molar and moving across to the upper left, then down to the lower left third molar and across to the lower right. Here’s a quick breakdown: Upper right wisdom tooth: #1 Upper left wisdom tooth: #16 Lower left wisdom tooth: #17 Lower right wisdom tooth: #32 For primary teeth, letters A to T are used instead of numbers. This linear system is simple for those used to working with it, but can cause confusion when shared internationally—especially in mixed teams. That’s why Balsam Medico allows you to switch between Universal and FDI formats when viewing patient charts, ensuring consistency whether you’re working with an American-trained colleague or sending reports abroad. The Palmer Notation Method The Palmer Notation System, sometimes called the Zsigmondy notation, is another popular approach, particularly among orthodontists and dentists trained in the UK and Commonwealth countries. It uses a symbolic quadrant grid (┘└┐┌) along with numbers (1–8 for permanent and A–E for primary teeth). For instance: Upper right central incisor: ┘1 Lower left first molar: └6 The visual nature of the Palmer system makes it especially useful for handwritten charts and diagrams. Many orthodontists prefer it because it mirrors the actual layout of the mouth, helping them visualize treatments like braces or alignment work. In Balsam Medico, you can record and view charts using Palmer notation, allowing your orthodontic notes to look exactly how you want them to. Why Balsam Medico Supports All Three In a country as diverse as the UAE, your dental team might include professionals trained in Sudan, the UK, India, the US, and the Philippines—all of whom may have learned a different system. Requiring everyone to adapt to just one method can be challenging, but consistency across the clinic is essential for clear communication and accurate records. That’s why Balsam Medico allows each clinic to choose one preferred dental notation system—FDI, Universal, or Palmer—based on what best suits their team and workflow. Once selected, the system applies clinic-wide, ensuring every chart, report, and treatment note follows the same standard. This unified approach eliminates confusion, maintains data accuracy, and streamlines collaboration across your entire team—while still giving your clinic the flexibility to choose the notation system that feels most familiar and practical. A Step Toward Better Communication and Patient Care At the end of the day, dental notation isn’t just about numbering—it’s about clear communication and patient safety. A clinic that uses consistent, accurate notation minimizes errors and builds trust among both staff and patients. By integrating all three major systems into Balsam Medico, we help UAE clinics bridge the gap between international standards and local practice. Whether you prefer FDI, Universal, or Palmer, your EMR will adapt to your workflow—not the other way around. So, next time you open a patient’s dental chart in Balsam Medico, take comfort knowing that whichever numbering system you use, your data is accurate, your team is aligned, and your communication is crystal clear. At Balsam Medico, we make dental documentation smarter, simpler, and more connected—so you can focus on what matters most: your patients’ smiles. To learn how to switch your dental notation in Balsam Medico, contact our customer success team. Connect with Us Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Contact us today: 📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Tel: +971 56 123 6043 📍 Khartoum, Sudan – Tel: +249 91 273 1048 Explore Balsam Medico and discover a world of efficient clinic management at www.balsammedico.com. Together, let’s reduce fines, elevate efficiency, and embrace a new era of dental healthcare. Join the Balsam Medico newsletter for exclusive content and the latest news. Be the first to view valuable information and updates!
by 
Rayan Farouk
Rayan Farouk
