Kennedy Classification — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyProsthodonticsKennedy ClassificationORE Part 1

A patient requires a removable partial denture. In one arch, all posterior teeth are absent on both sides, while anterior teeth remain. What is the Kennedy classification of this arch?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Kennedy Class I

B. Kennedy Class I is correct. This is a bilateral distal-extension arch: posterior edentulous areas occur on both sides, with no natural teeth posterior to the denture saddles. The remaining anterior teeth are therefore the terminal abutments. Kennedy Class II is a unilateral distal-extension arch, so it would apply if posterior teeth were absent on one side only. Class III describes a bounded edentulous space, with natural teeth both anterior and posterior to the space. Class IV is a single anterior edentulous area crossing the midline. Kennedy classification has four principal classes; Class V is not a recognised Kennedy class. The decisive feature is bilateral posterior tooth loss without posterior abutments.

Reference: Basker RM, Davenport JC, Tomlin HR. The bilateral distal extension removable partial denture: mechanical problems and solutions. British Dental Journal, 2007. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17970318/