PATTERNS OF PARTIAL EDENTULISM ACCORDING TO KENNEDY'S CLASSIFICATION - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the frequency of various patterns of partially dentate arches according to Kennedy's classification in the local population. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Prosthodontics department, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, from Jan 2017 to Mar 2017. Methodology: A total of 202 partially edentulous male and female patients presenting to the Prosthodontic Outpatient Department were included. Pattern of edentulism was evaluated by inspection and visual examination of the patient. Arches were classified using Kennedy's classification and Applegate's rules. Results: Majority 105 (52%) of the patients presented with Kennedy's Class III arches. No significant association was found between arch type (maxillary/mandibular) and Kennedy's classification (p=0.356). However, a significant difference was observed between males and females in terms of frequency of Kennedy's classification (p=0.047). Conclusion: Kennedy's Class III partially dentate arches were most frequently encountered.