Objectives: Acrylic Partial Dentures offer partially edentulous patients a cost-effective prosthesis, however its long-term success is questionable. The provision of metal partial dentures is often seen as a superior treatment, and therefore there is less literature on their acrylic counterparts (Walmsley, 2003). Dental students at the University of the Western Cape, as part of their quota requirements, construct double the amount of acrylic partial dentures compared to metal ones. The reason for this is due to the large partially dentate population, who cannot afford its more expensive alternative. The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate patient responses to the placement of acrylic partial dentures provided by dental students and the assessment of these dentures after a period of time. These partial dentures were constructed according to denture design criteria advocated by the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry. Methods: A sample of 50 patients was drawn from a pool of 250, that received upper and /or lower acrylic partial dentures between 2003 and 2005. A questionnaire and a clinical examination were completed for each patient - performed by 2 examiners. Results: The age of the sample ranged from 17 to 70 years. 62 % were female. Subsequent to initial adjustments, the patients reported a high satisfaction with functioning, phonetics and aesthetics of these dentures. This however was reduced after 4 to 6 months of denture usage. 70 % of patients experienced a reduction in the fit and a decline in their chewing ability. In addition, increase clasp fractures and breakages of lower acrylic dentures were reported. Clinically, these dentures were found to be ill fitting and poorly retentive. Conclusion: Improvement of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as the establishment of a long-term maintenance program would increase the longevity and acceptability of these dentures.