A simplified and evidence-informed approach to removable partial dentures. Part 4. Seven simple steps to design

For many decades the literature has regularly reported that there is a discrepancy between what is taught in dental school and what is practised, especially in the fi eld of removable partial dentures. Not only that, but for more than 60 years reports from around the world have shown that, usually, the majority of clinicians abdicate their responsibility to design a removable partial denture (RPD) and instead leave this to the dental technician, who has no knowledge of the clinical condition of the patient and works only from a cast. Most patients around the world who require RPDs to improve aesthetics and chewing can only afford a removable prosthesis simply because the majority are poor. But RPDs can improve these aspects and contribute to an improved quality of life.