Removable Prosthodontics: Patient-Reported Treatment Outcomes in the University of Sydney Student Clinics

This pilot study aimed to assess the patient profile of the Removable Dental Prostheses clinics at the University of Sydney Faculty of Dentistry over four consecutive years. Additionally, patient satisfaction and prosthesis-use one year after construction and identify predictors of patient satisfaction were examined. Data across three domains (patient demographics, oral health status, and prosthesis information) was collected throughout prosthesis construction. A total of 92 patients were included (44 male and 48 female). The mean age was 69 years. 89% of patients had previous dentures. 25% of patients were current smokers and 23% smoked previously. At initial presentation, a mean Sulcus Bleeding Index of 27% and Approximal Plaque Index of 72% were found and the average number of remaining teeth was 9. 70 complete dental prostheses (CDPs) and 93 removable dental prostheses (RDPs) were constructed (58 cobalt-chrome RDPs and 35 acrylic RDPs) of which the majority (49) were Kennedy Class I. One-year follow-up data revealed that 87% of patients were satisfied with and wearing their dentures. A small sample size and incomplete data hindered calculation of statistical correlations. Additional cohorts will enable meaningful analysis of the data and help to identify factors that may help improve clinical outcomes.