What does TTP mean in dentistry?

TTP stands for Tender to Percussion. Followed by a tooth number in Palmer notation (e.g., "TTP LL6"), it means the tooth was painful when tapped with a mirror handle or percussion instrument — a sign of periapical inflammation or periodontal involvement, documented alongside other pulp/vitality tests.

What does XLA mean in a dental record?

XLA is the standard UK abbreviation for extraction under local anaesthetic, written for example as "XLA UR8". It is the predominant UK abbreviation for planned extractions under local anaesthetic in a dental surgery setting; some practices use "E" or "Ext" without specifying the anaesthetic.

What is the difference between Palmer notation and FDI notation?

In Palmer notation (the UK standard), each tooth is identified by its quadrant plus a digit 1–8. In FDI notation (the international standard), each tooth is a two-digit number: quadrant (1–4) plus tooth (1–8). The upper right first molar is "UR6" in Palmer and "16" in FDI. Palmer predominates in UK general practice; FDI is used in academic and specialist contexts.

What does BPE stand for in dentistry?

BPE stands for Basic Periodontal Examination — the standard screening tool for periodontal disease, recommended at every routine adult dental examination in the UK (BSP, 2019). It is recorded as six codes (one per sextant) on a 0–4 scale, with an asterisk (*) for furcation involvement.

What does UDA stand for in NHS dentistry?

UDA stands for Unit of Dental Activity — the currency used to commission NHS dental treatment in England. Band 1 = 1 UDA and Band 3 = 12 UDAs. Since 25 November 2022, Band 2 is split by complexity into 2a = 3, 2b = 5 and 2c = 7 UDAs; an urgent course of treatment is 1.2 UDAs (NHS BSA, 2022).

Dental Abbreviations Used in UK Clinical Notes: A–Z Reference

Clinically reviewed by Mohammad Noori, GDC No. 310862. Last reviewed: June 2026.

UK dental clinical notes use a defined set of abbreviations for tooth notation, surfaces, clinical findings, and treatments. This reference covers Palmer and FDI tooth notation, surface codes, an A–Z of clinical and treatment shorthand (e.g. BPE, TTP, NAD, NKDA, XLA, RSD), and NHS-specific codes including UDA bands and patient charges (England, from 1 April 2026: Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10).

Last updated: June 2026

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