What Are Chart Notations in Dentrix?

Chart notations are a basic drawing tool inside Dentrix that allow you to:

• Mark directly on the odontogram

• Highlight specific areas

• Add visual indicators for appliances or anomalies

• Quickly communicate clinical information at a glance

They are not meant to replace procedures or conditions. They’re meant to supplement them.

Think of them as visual shorthand for your team.

How to Access Chart Notations

1. Open the patient’s chart.

2. Click the Chart Notations icon.

3. Make sure “Always View Notations” is checked.

This is important.

If “Always View Notations” is not checked, your drawings will not appear when the chart is opened — which defeats the purpose of using them in the first place.

I always leave this checked so notations are consistently visible.

To add something new, click Edit Notations.

How to Draw on the Chart

Once you click Edit Notations, a small toolbar appears.

You can:

• Select line thickness

• Choose different colors

• Highlight areas

• Use the eraser tool to remove markings

It’s very straightforward.

You simply click and draw directly on the chart.

When you’re done, uncheck Edit Notations to exit editing mode.
The notations will remain visible, but you won’t accidentally alter them.

Common Uses for Chart Notations

This is where chart notations become powerful.

They’re best used for things that Dentrix does not already visually represent.

Here are common examples:

1. Occlusal Guards

In many offices, a simple arch drawn over the occlusal surfaces indicates the patient has a night guard.

Instead of digging through notes, you can glance at the chart and immediately know.

2. Lingual Retainers

A small line across the lingual of anterior teeth can indicate a bonded retainer.

Again — instant visual clarity.

3. Supernumerary Teeth

If a patient has a supernumerary tooth, you can visually mark its position for quick reference.

4. Color-Coding Systems

Some offices use different colors for different meanings:

• One color for appliances

• One for anomalies

• One for conditions requiring monitoring

If you do this, make sure your entire team understands the system. Consistency is key.

When NOT to Use Chart Notations

Chart notations are helpful — but they are not a substitute for proper charting.

Do NOT use notations for:

• Existing restorations

• Completed procedures

• Diagnosed conditions that should be formally entered

Those belong in the procedure or condition section of Dentrix so they are properly documented and reportable.

Chart notations are for things that:

• Don’t already have a visual representation

• Improve efficiency

• Help the team see information instantly

Why Chart Notations Improve Efficiency

I’m big on systems and visual clarity.

If I have to search through clinical notes to see whether a patient has a night guard, that’s wasted time.

Instead, I want to open the chart and immediately see:

• Night guard present

• Lingual retainer

• Supernumerary tooth

• Anything unusual that isn’t automatically charted

That’s what chart notations are for.

They’re simple. They’re not fancy. But they reduce friction in your workflow.

And small workflow improvements add up over time.

Final Thoughts

Chart notations in Dentrix are a basic tool — but when used intentionally, they make communication easier and your chart cleaner.

If you’re building systems in your office, this is one small change that can create a noticeable impact.

If you’re looking for more Dentrix tutorials, I’m building role-specific playlists for:

• Dental hygienists

• Dental assistants

• Administrative team members

• Doctors and office managers

And I post new dental tech tips and tutorials every Friday.