Ace Your Smile Game: 2026 Dental Assistant Practice Exam – Drill Into Success!

The Universal Numbering System is widely recognized and utilized by the armed forces for identifying teeth, and it has the endorsement of the American Dental Association. This system assigns a specific number to each tooth, starting from the upper right third molar (tooth number 1) and moving clockwise around the mouth to the upper left third molar (tooth number 16). The numbering continues on the lower arch, with the lower left third molar being tooth number 17 and moving clockwise back to the lower right third molar, which is tooth number 32.

This structured approach simplifies communication among dental professionals, making it easier to reference particular teeth during treatment planning and documentation. While the other systems mentioned have their specific applications—such as Angle's Classifications for occlusion and the Three Classifications for dentition—they do not have the same universal acceptance or application by the armed forces or endorsement by the ADA as the Universal Numbering System does.