The American College of Prosthodontists has developed a classification system for complete edentulism based on diagnostic findings. These guidelines may help practitioners determine appropriate treatments for their patients. Four categories are defined, ranging from Class I to Class IV, with Class I representing an uncomplicated clinical situation and a Class IV patient representing the most complex and higher-risk situation. Each class is differentiated by specific diagnostic criteria. This system is designed for use by dental professionals who are involved in the diagnosis of patients requiring treatment for complete edentulism. Potential benefits of the system include: 1) better patient care, 2) improved professional communication, 3) more appropriate insurance reimbursement, 4) a better screening tool to assist dental school admission clinics, and 5) standardized criteria for outcomes assessment.

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) has developed a classification system for partial edentulism based on diagnostic findings. This classification system is similar to the classification system for complete edentulism previously developed by the ACP. These guidelines are intended to help practitioners determine appropriate treatments for their patients. Four categories of partial edentulism are defined, Class I to Class IV, with Class I representing an uncomplicated clinical situation and class IV representing a complex clinical situation. Each class is differentiated by specific diagnostic criteria. This system is designed for use by dental professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of partially edentulous patients. Potential benefits of the system include (1) improved intraoperator consistency, (2) improved professional communication, (3) insurance reimbursement commensurate with complexity of care, (4) improved screening tool for dental school admission clinics, (5) standardized criteria for outcomes assessment and research, (6) enhanced diagnostic consistency, and (7) simplified aid in the decision to refer a patient.

No abstract

In response to interest by dental students and patient needs, an elective program in implant dentistry was started at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (UDM) in the summer of 1994. The 1-year program is offered to a group of 10 senior students out of a class of 72. Implant treatment is provided to selected edentulous and partially edentulous patients. Predoctoral students participate in diagnosis and treatment planning, assist in surgical placement, and perform the prosthodontic procedures. A survey was sent to 160 UDM graduates, and 90 responded. Out of the 90 respondents, 35% had participated in the elective implant program and 65% had not. A Pearson correlation matrix was used to analyze their responses. A stronger positive correlation with offering and restoring implants was seen in graduates who had completed the elective program in implant dentistry.