Kennedy classification in patients of the Dental Clinic III of ULEAM

Abstract

Partial edentulism, defined by the loss of one or more teeth, significantly impacts both physical and mental health by altering the stomatognathic system, occlusion, function, speech, and aesthetics. Therefore, the use of the Kennedy classification is essential for determining the most appropriate prosthetic treatment. This study employed a qualitative, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective approach to assess the prevalence of partial edentulism based on Kennedy's classification among patients treated at the Dental Clinic III of the Eloy Alfaro Lay University of Manabi during the 2023-2 academic period. Out of 286 clinical records reviewed, 103 patients (69 female and 34 male) met the inclusion criteria. Variables such as gender, age, parish, nationality, dental arch, and Kennedy classification were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistics. A total of 206 dental arches were evaluated, of which 173 exhibited partial edentulism. The findings revealed a higher prevalence in females, lower arches, Ecuadorian nationals, and in the parishes of Manta and Tarqui. Kennedy Class III was the most common across both arches, genders, and in the 43–61 age group, regardless of urban or rural setting. It is concluded that Kennedy Class III predominates, while Class IV is the least frequent.