Key Points
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Palmer dental notation can readily be reproduced in word-processed documents by the use of bespoke font characters.
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The same method also has scope for use in other common software applications that support the use of multiple fonts.
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Users of Microsoft Windows XP™ can create the required specialised characters without the need for additional imported fonts or font creation software.
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Electronic transmission and viewing of documents is also feasible, provided that the recipient computer is suitably configured, or the sender embeds the font within the document.
Abstract
The arguments for and against the Palmer dental notation system are briefly discussed, including the perceived difficulty of reproducing this on personal computers. Some technical solutions to the problems encountered in everyday Windows-based programs are outlined, with suggestions as to possible future applications.
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Acknowledgements
The author particularly wishes to thank John McCormack for his invaluable help and assistance, and to acknowledge his original idea of using specialised fonts for dental iconography. Thanks are also due to Sharon Bradley for her assistance with drafting the manuscript and providing an end-user perspective with regard to integrating specialised fonts into word-processing applications.
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Ferguson, J. The Palmer notation system and its use with personal computer applications. Br Dent J 198, 551–553 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4812303
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4812303
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