Trends in Dental School Edentulous Population Based On PDI Data

Objectives:

The Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index (PDI) permits classification of patient diagnostic difficulty level for those seeking complete denture treatments in the dental school setting. PDI Complete Edentulism data has been collected for the last 3 years.

Methods:

The 1994, the American College of Prosthodontists developed the PDI system to classify patients according to diagnosis and difficulty level. The PDI has been taught to dental students since 2005. In the fiscal year (2005-2006) the PDI (ICD-9CM code for 4 classifications of the edentulous patient) data was manually collected through the daily clinical reports. Data from junior students (D3) and senior students (D4) could not be separated. Since October 2006, PDI data has been collected through the Two-Ten Salud System in which D3 and D4 data can be more easily retrieved. The dental school has tracked patients seeking implant supported overdentures (2 mandibular implants, PDI III or IV ) as the alternate choice for their edentulous condition.

Results:

D3s treat more conventional denture patients than D4s. Treatment with the conventional dentures has slightly increased in 2007-2008*. However, more patients have chosen implant supported overdentures. PDI data provided overall information regarding the difficulty level on edentulism patient treatment.  Overall the treatment of edentulous patients has increased.

Conclusions:

Salud System provides useful information regarding the PDI system and implant supported overdentures. With these data, we can calculate the trend of edentulous patient treatment at the UAB Dental School and make necessary faculty assignments for clinical coverage.