Frequency of Returns to Maintenance and Factors Affecting Follow-Up in Complete Denture Patients in a Dental School Setting in the United States

Authors

• Ahmed Elbaz, Marquette UniversityFollow
• Franciele Floriani, University of Iowa
• Shareef Dabdoub, University of Iowa
• Tarek El Kerdani, University of Iowa
• Oscar Rysavy, University of Iowa
• Leonardo Marchini, University of Iowa

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2026

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Journal of Prosthodontics

Source ISSN

1059-941x

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of returns for maintenance among older adults who received complete dentures at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. A secondary objective was to investigate associations between patient demographic characteristics, clinical factors, treatment variables, and the frequency of follow-up appointments.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 608 patients aged 65 years or older who received complete dentures between 2016 and 2021. De-identified data retrieved from electronic health records included follow-up appointments, age, gender, clinic type, provider type, insurance status, mental health condition, distance from the dental school, and number of prescribed medications. Adherence to follow-up appointments was categorized as “Never,” “Once,” “Intermittent,” or “Always.” Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact tests and a multinomial logistic regression model.

Results: Only 3.6% of patients consistently adhered to follow-up recommendations, while 6.7% never attended any follow-up appointments. Insurance type and provider level were significantly associated with follow-up adherence. Medicaid patients had the lowest follow-up rates. Patients treated by predoctoral students showed significantly higher follow-up attendance compared to those treated by faculty or graduate students (Once vs. Never OR = 5.70, p < 0.001). Gender, clinic type, and mental health status were not significantly associated with follow-up behavior.

Conclusion: Strict adherence to follow-up recommendations was rare. Patients treated by predoctoral students and those not on Medicaid demonstrated higher rates of follow-up attendance in this dental school sample.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Prosthodontics (2026): 1-15. DOI. © 2026 Wiley. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Elbaz, Ahmed; Floriani, Franciele; Dabdoub, Shareef; El Kerdani, Tarek; Rysavy, Oscar; and Marchini, Leonardo, "Frequency of Returns to Maintenance and Factors Affecting Follow-Up in Complete Denture Patients in a Dental School Setting in the United States" (2026). School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications. 587.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/dentistry_fac/587