American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Kennedy Class I is characterized by bilateral distal extension. This classification describes a type of partial edentulous situation where there are one or more missing teeth in the posterior regions of both sides of the dental arch, creating a situation where the remaining teeth are present only in the anterior or more anterior regions. The term "distal extension" refers to the fact that the edentulous areas extend posteriorly, beyond the last remaining natural teeth on either side of the arch.

This classification has significant implications for treatment planning and prosthetic design, as it affects factors like denture stability and support. Effective supporting structures must be considered in the design of removable partial dentures for Class I situations to ensure proper distribution of forces and comfort for the patient. Understanding this classification helps dental professionals create suitable treatment plans that address the specific challenges of the patient's dental situation.