[A PhD completed. The shortened dental arch and quality of life]

The question addressed by this doctoral research was whether the concept of the shortened dental arch has become an obsolete treatment therapy. To answer this question, a systematic review of literature concerning the oral health related quality of life of people with a shortened dental arch was carried out, a questionnaire among people with and without a shortened dental arch was employed to determine the longevity and clinical outcomes of shortened dental arches and finally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess perceptions and attitudes regarding absent molars and prostheses. The conclusion is that in certain situations the shortened dental arch concept is still valid. Patients with a shortened dental arch experience an oral health related quality of life comparable to people with a full dental arch and a shortened dental arch can function well for up to 30 years or more. During the joint decision-making process about whether to apply the shortened dental arch concept, it is important to address the underlying issues involved in having or treating a shortened dental arch.