Classification of Patients by Occlusal Condition

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Objective: To propose a classification of patients by occlusal condition and its apparent validation. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was divided into two phases. In the first, a trained examiner divided the patients into four groups according to the proposed classification of this design: Type 1 patient - completely dentate individuals; Type 2 - partially edentulous individuals with occlusal stability; Type 3 - partially edentulous individuals with no occlusal stability; Type 4 - completely edentulous individuals. In this phase, 122 patients were analyzed with an instrument developed for this experiment. Results: All patients in the sample of this research were classified in some division of the proposed instrument. In the second phase, the apparent validation of the classification was conducted by three judges, who obtained an excellent agreement with the allocation of patients in one of the types according to the indication of the first examiner (Kappa = 85%). Conclusion: It is evident that the classification presents reliability, ease of visualization, good conditions for interprofessional communication, and it can be used in dental clinical practice to assist in the study and integrated planning of clinical cases.