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Kennedy Classification Rules — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateProsthodonticsKennedy Classification RulesORE Part 1

A mandibular partially dentate arch has two edentulous areas: one bounded saddle with natural teeth both anterior and posterior to it, and one edentulous area distal to the last remaining abutment tooth on the left side only. Using the Kennedy-Applegate system, how should this arch be classified?

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Correct answer: D — Kennedy Class II modification 1

The correct answer is **C: Kennedy Class II modification 1**. Kennedy classification is determined by the most posterior edentulous area. A unilateral distal-extension saddle is Class II, whereas bilateral distal extensions are Class I. The additional bounded saddle is not used to define the primary class; it is counted as one modification space. Therefore, this arch is Class II modification 1. Option A omits the separate bounded edentulous area. Option C is incorrect because Class III describes a tooth-bounded edentulous space; it cannot be the primary classification when a posterior distal extension is present. Class IV requires a single anterior edentulous area crossing the midline, which is not described. Literature differentiates distal-extension Class I/II arches from tooth-bounded Class III arches.

Reference: Ramchandran A, et al. Implant-assisted removable partial denture: An approach to switch Kennedy Class I to Kennedy Class III. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27746609/