A system of diagnostic codes for dental health care

Objectives: We set out to develop and implement a system of diagnostic code s for use in the computerized management information system of the Communit y Dental Services of the North York Public Health Department Methods: We re ceived staff input an common diagnoses, reviewed other diagnostic systems a nd established criteria for an ideal coding system, The codes are consisten t with fire format of other classification systems used in dental managemen t information in Canada. They were implemented in 1997-98. Results: We deve loped a system of four-digit, numeric codes for dental diagnoses. The diagn ostic codes are specific at the level of the patient, consistent with curre nt evidence on the natural history and classification of diseases, consiste nt with conventional measures of oral conditions and fit the paradigm of th e Canadian system of treatment codes. In the first year, 91 percent of 6,74 0 patients had at least one diagnosis, with a mean of 2.5 per patient The f ive most common diagnoses were smooth surface caries, pit and fissure carie s, calculus, teeth with deep fissures, and gingivitis. Conclusions: We have developed a coding system for dental diagnoses that has achieved high use and provided more accessible information on the conditions seen by staff de ntists.