The teaching of prosthodontic care for older people: a non-rote philosophy

This essay complements that de Baat et al in the last issue with emphasis on the importance of the variability between individual older people. The consequent need for an open minded approach towards planning Prosthodontics is discussed, based on each patient's motivation for aesthetics, function, comfort and self esteem. Both functional expectations and motivation to learn effective health behaviour vary widely, and evaluation of both is essential for realistic planning because further tooth loss and the need for partial dentures occur so frequently. The consequent variation in plans raises the question--which are the strategic teeth to maintain a stable dental occlusion or a future tooth stabilised denture? For undergraduates this demands a non-rote approach to learning.