Service Evaluation of Recording Jaw Registrations for Removable Partial Dentures in NHS General Dental Practices

AIMS: To establish the prevalence of jaw registrations being taken for removable partial dentures (RPDs) in primary dental NHS practices. METHOD: 271 RPDs made by 16 general dental practitioners across four NHS dental practices were evaluated prospectively. The number of teeth replaced, whether jaw registration was undertaken, and the number of denture adjustment appointments were recorded. Telephone interviews with dental technicians were held to establish their preferred jaw registrations material. MAIN FINDINGS: Jaw registrations were not carried out in 27% (n=72) of RPD. When jaw registration was recorded, 14% (n=28) required a further denture adjustment appointment. 64% (n=46) of dentures where jaw registration was not recorded required at least one further denture adjustment appointment. Dental technicians unanimously preferred a squash-bite wax block, with centre and canine positions marked and cast models secured with elastic bands. CONCLUSION: Overall, recording a jaw registration reduced the number of denture adjustment appointments required.