Establishing a standardized dental record-keeping system for a small investigational colony of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Background: Dental hygiene is becoming an increasingly important component of quality health care for laboratory animals, especially non-human primates (NHPs). One key to a successful health care program is an effective and efficient record-keeping system.
Methods: To standardize a dental hygiene program for a small colony of NHPs, we developed a dental recording chart specific for rhesus monkeys. This dental chart was developed using the modified Triadan system. This system numbers teeth across species according to location.
Results: An illustrative case report was presented to demonstrate the accurate record keeping and spatial relationship generated from this Old World NHP dental chart design.
Conclusion: The development and implementation of a standardized dental chart, as part of a dental hygiene program will help minimize variables that may affect research data.